Thermal Course

Lesson 1 • Nature of Thermal Energy

Defines thermal energy at the molecular level and its relationship to temperature. Anchors all subsequent heat transfer analysis in physical reality.

Lesson 2 • Energy Balance Fundamentals

Applies the first law of thermodynamics to open and closed systems. Establishes energy accounting as the basis for all thermal design.

Lesson 3 • Temperature Measurement Principles

Covers thermometric principles, sensor types, and calibration methods. Provides the measurement foundation required for all thermal analysis.

Lesson 1 • Radiation Heat Transfer

Covers blackbody radiation, emissivity, and view factors. Enables heat loss and gain calculations for surfaces exchanging thermal radiation.

Lesson 2 • Conduction Heat Transfer

Derives Fourier's law and applies it to planar and cylindrical geometries. Builds the analytical toolkit for solid-body thermal analysis.

Lesson 3 • Convection Heat Transfer

Distinguishes forced and natural convection and introduces convection coefficients. Connects fluid motion to surface heat exchange rates.

Lesson 1 • Power Cycle Fundamentals

Introduces Carnot, Rankine, and Brayton cycles as idealised power systems. Establishes efficiency benchmarks against which real cycles are compared.

Lesson 2 • Refrigeration and Heat Pump Cycles

Analyses vapour-compression and absorption refrigeration cycles. Connects coefficient of performance to practical cooling and heating applications.

Lesson 3 • Thermodynamic Process Analysis

Examines isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, and isochoric processes on P-V and T-S diagrams. Provides the process vocabulary for cycle construction.

Lesson 1 • Internal Flow Fundamentals

Covers velocity profiles, Reynolds number, and hydrodynamic entry length in ducts. Establishes flow regime identification as a prerequisite for thermal analysis.

Lesson 2 • Natural Convection Flows

Derives buoyancy-driven flow correlations for vertical and horizontal surfaces. Enables passive cooling design without forced flow assumptions.

Lesson 3 • External Flow and Boundary Layers

Analyses heat transfer over flat plates, cylinders, and bluff bodies. Extends convection analysis to external surfaces common in thermal equipment.

Lesson 1 • Heat Exchanger Classification

Surveys shell-and-tube, plate, and compact exchanger types by flow arrangement. Provides selection criteria linking geometry to application requirements.

Lesson 2 • Effectiveness-NTU Method

Uses the NTU-effectiveness approach for rating existing exchangers. Complements LMTD by enabling analysis when outlet temperatures are unknown.

Lesson 3 • Fouling, Maintenance, and Performance

Quantifies fouling resistance and its impact on exchanger duty over time. Connects maintenance scheduling to sustained thermal performance.

Lesson 1 • Numerical Methods for Transient Problems

Introduces explicit and implicit finite-difference schemes for transient conduction. Enables solution of complex geometries and boundary conditions.

Lesson 2 • Thermal Mass and Dynamic Response

Evaluates thermal mass effects on building and industrial system temperature swings. Connects transient theory to passive thermal management strategies.

Lesson 3 • One-Dimensional Transient Conduction

Uses Heisler charts and series solutions for slabs, cylinders, and spheres. Extends transient analysis to geometries where lumped models are invalid.

Lesson 1 • Insulation Thickness Optimisation

Calculates economic and critical insulation thickness for pipes and flat surfaces. Balances capital cost against heat loss savings over system lifetime.

Lesson 2 • Insulation Materials and Properties

Compares thermal conductivity, density, and service temperature of common insulation types. Guides material selection for specific operating environments.

Lesson 3 • Energy Auditing for Thermal Systems

Structures a thermal energy audit to quantify losses and prioritise retrofits. Translates heat loss calculations into energy cost and carbon impact.

Lesson 1 • Case Studies in Thermal System Design

Applies all course concepts to realistic industrial and building thermal design cases. Consolidates competency through end-to-end problem solving.

Lesson 2 • Optimisation Techniques in Thermal Design

Applies parametric, gradient-based, and heuristic optimisation to thermal problems. Enables systematic improvement beyond trial-and-error design.

Lesson 3 • Design for Thermal Performance

Applies design variables and constraints to meet thermal performance targets. Translates engineering requirements into actionable design parameters.

Lesson 4 • Reliability and Failure Mode Analysis

Identifies thermal failure modes and applies derating and redundancy strategies. Ensures designs remain functional across operating life and extreme conditions.