Understanding Thermodynamics for Science and Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Temperature, Pressure, and Measurement

Introduces temperature scales, pressure definitions, and measurement instruments. These quantities appear in every thermodynamic equation and must be handled precisely.

Lesson 2 • Thermodynamic Properties and States

Distinguishes intensive from extensive properties and defines equilibrium states. Accurate property identification enables correct application of thermodynamic laws.

Lesson 3 • Nature and Scope of Thermodynamics

Defines thermodynamics and its role in science and engineering. Connects macroscopic observations to energy interactions governing physical systems.

Lesson 4 • Work and Heat as Energy Transfer

Distinguishes work and heat as boundary phenomena, not stored quantities. Understanding their sign conventions prevents systematic errors in energy balances.

Lesson 1 • Ideal Gas Equation of State

Derives and applies the ideal gas law and its limitations. Ideal gas behaviour simplifies many engineering calculations when conditions permit.

Lesson 2 • Real Gas Equations of State

Introduces van der Waals and other real gas models for high-pressure conditions. Real gas equations extend accuracy beyond ideal gas assumptions.

Lesson 3 • Phase Diagrams and Phase Change

Introduces P-T and P-v diagrams to map phase regions and transitions. Phase diagrams are the primary tool for identifying substance states.

Lesson 4 • Saturation Properties and Quality

Defines saturated liquid, saturated vapour, and two-phase mixtures. Quality quantifies vapour fraction and links to enthalpy and entropy in wet regions.

Lesson 1 • Energy Balance for Transient Processes

Handles filling and discharge problems where system mass changes with time. Transient analysis extends First Law methods to dynamic engineering scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Enthalpy and Its Applications

Defines enthalpy and demonstrates its utility in constant-pressure and flow processes. Enthalpy simplifies energy accounting for open systems and phase changes.

Lesson 3 • First Law for Open Systems

Extends the First Law to control volumes with mass flow using the steady-flow energy equation. Open-system analysis applies to turbines, compressors, and heat exchangers.

Lesson 4 • Analysis of Steady-Flow Devices

Applies the steady-flow energy equation to nozzles, diffusers, turbines, compressors, and throttles. Each device type has characteristic assumptions that simplify the energy balance.

Lesson 1 • Statements and Implications of the Second Law

Presents Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements and their equivalence. These statements establish the impossibility of perpetual motion and set efficiency limits.

Lesson 2 • Entropy as a State Property

Derives entropy from the Clausius inequality and establishes it as a state function. Entropy quantifies irreversibility and drives the direction of spontaneous processes.

Lesson 3 • Reversible Processes and Carnot Cycle

Defines reversibility and constructs the Carnot cycle as the ideal benchmark. The Carnot efficiency sets the upper bound for all heat engine performance.

Lesson 4 • Entropy Generation and Irreversibility

Applies the entropy balance to closed and open systems to quantify irreversibility. Entropy generation is the universal measure of process degradation.

Lesson 1 • Rankine Cycle Modifications

Examines reheat, regenerative, and combined cycles to improve efficiency. Modifications reduce irreversibility and increase net work output in practical plants.

Lesson 2 • Gas Power Cycles: Otto and Diesel

Models reciprocating engine cycles using air-standard assumptions. Otto and Diesel cycle efficiencies depend on compression ratio and heat addition mode.

Lesson 3 • Brayton Cycle and Gas Turbines

Analyses the ideal and actual Brayton cycle for gas turbine engines. Back-work ratio and compressor efficiency critically affect net power output.

Lesson 4 • Refrigeration and Heat Pump Cycles

Applies reversed Rankine and gas refrigeration cycles to cooling and heating applications. COP quantifies cycle performance relative to ideal Carnot benchmarks.

Lesson 1 • Equations for Enthalpy and Entropy

Develops general equations for enthalpy and entropy changes as functions of T and P. These equations enable property calculation for any substance given P-v-T data.

Lesson 2 • Maxwell Relations and Their Use

Derives Maxwell relations from exact differentials and applies them to property estimation. Maxwell relations convert unmeasurable derivatives into measurable P-v-T quantities.

Lesson 3 • Fundamental Property Relations

Combines First and Second Laws into Gibbs equations for internal energy, enthalpy, Helmholtz, and Gibbs functions. These relations are the mathematical core of classical thermodynamics.

Lesson 4 • Specific Heat Relations and Ratios

Derives relationships between Cp, Cv, and measurable properties. Specific heat ratios govern isentropic processes and speed of sound calculations.

Lesson 1 • Psychrometric Properties of Moist Air

Defines humidity ratio, relative humidity, dew point, and wet-bulb temperature. These properties characterise moist air and govern HVAC system design.

Lesson 2 • Ideal Gas Mixture Properties

Defines mole fraction, mass fraction, and partial pressures for ideal gas mixtures. Dalton's and Amagat's laws provide the basis for mixture property calculations.

Lesson 3 • Air-Conditioning Processes on Psychrometric Chart

Traces heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification on the psychrometric chart. Chart-based analysis enables rapid design of air-conditioning systems.

Lesson 4 • Entropy of Mixing and Gibbs Paradox

Calculates entropy generated when ideal gases mix and examines the Gibbs paradox. Entropy of mixing quantifies irreversibility in blending operations.

Lesson 1 • Enthalpy of Formation and Reaction

Uses standard enthalpies of formation to calculate reaction enthalpy via Hess's law. Formation enthalpies enable energy accounting for any chemical reaction.

Lesson 2 • Second Law Analysis of Reacting Systems

Applies entropy balance and exergy analysis to combustion processes. Second Law analysis reveals irreversibilities that First Law efficiency cannot detect.

Lesson 3 • Adiabatic Flame Temperature

Calculates the maximum temperature achievable in adiabatic combustion. Adiabatic flame temperature governs material selection and pollutant formation in combustors.

Lesson 4 • Chemical Equilibrium and Equilibrium Constants

Derives the equilibrium constant from Gibbs minimisation and applies it to dissociation reactions. Equilibrium composition determines achievable conversion in reactors and combustors.