The book deals with the most accurate method to describe thermodynamic property data, with empirical multiparameter equations of state. Due to new theoretical approaches, to increasing demands on the accuracy of thermodynamic property data, and to increasing computer power such equations became a valuable tool for every day calculations in scientific and engineering applications, rather than just the basis of printed property charts and tables. The book is dedicated both to users, who apply such formulations either in form of commercially available software or in form of programs written by themselves, and to scientists engaged in the development of empirical equations of state. Starting from a brief history, it covers the fundamentals of this subject as well as the most recent developments in the fields of highly accurate reference equations, of equations for advanced technical applications, and of the description of mixtures with multiparameter equations of state.

As a basis for printed property charts and tables, empirical multiparameter equa tions of state have been the most important source of accurate thermodynamic property data for more than 30 years now. However, due to increasing demands on the accuracy of thermodynamic property data in computerised calculations as well as the availability of appropriate software tools, and the ever increasing computer power, such formulations are nowadays becoming a valuable tool for everyday work. This development has substantially increased the number of scientists, engi neers, and students who are working with empirical multiparameter equations of state, and it continues to do so. Nevertheless, common knowledge on this kind of thermodynamic property models and on the ongoing progress in this scientific discipline is still very limited. Multiparameter equations of state do not belong to the topics which are taught intensively in thermodynamic courses in engineering and natural sciences and the books and articles where they are published mainly deal with the thermodynamic properties of certain substances rather than with the theoretical background of the used equations of state. In contrast to this, my concern mainly was to give a survey of the theoretical background of multiparameter equations of state both with regard to their application and their development."