Thermodynamics Course

Lesson 1 • Temperature and Zeroth Law

Explains thermal equilibrium and the Zeroth Law as the basis for temperature measurement. Establishes temperature scales used in engineering calculations.

Lesson 2 • Systems, Boundaries, and Surroundings

Defines open, closed, and isolated systems with their boundaries. Provides the classification framework used throughout all subsequent thermodynamic analysis.

Lesson 3 • Thermodynamic Properties and State

Introduces intensive and extensive properties and the concept of thermodynamic state. Links property measurement to system characterization.

Lesson 4 • Processes and Quasi-Static Approximations

Distinguishes reversible, irreversible, and quasi-static processes. Prepares students to model real processes with idealized approximations.

Lesson 1 • Real Gas Models

Introduces van der Waals and compressibility-factor approaches for non-ideal gases. Quantifies deviations from ideal behavior at high pressure or low temperature.

Lesson 2 • Steam Tables and Property Lookup

Teaches systematic use of saturated and superheated steam tables. Connects tabulated data to real engineering calculations for water and steam.

Lesson 3 • Incompressible Substance Approximation

Models liquids and solids as incompressible with constant specific heat. Simplifies property evaluation for liquid-phase and solid-phase systems.

Lesson 4 • Ideal Gas Law and Its Derivation

Derives the ideal gas law from kinetic theory and Boyle's and Charles's laws. Establishes the baseline model for gas-phase calculations.

Lesson 1 • Applications to Engineering Devices

Applies the open-system First Law to nozzles, diffusers, turbines, compressors, and heat exchangers. Builds problem-solving skills for common engineering components.

Lesson 2 • First Law for Open Systems

Extends energy balance to control volumes with mass flow. Introduces steady-state and transient forms of the open-system First Law.

Lesson 3 • Enthalpy and Specific Heats

Defines enthalpy and relates it to constant-pressure heat transfer. Connects specific heats at constant volume and pressure to internal energy and enthalpy.

Lesson 4 • First Law for Closed Systems

Applies the First Law energy balance to fixed-mass systems undergoing various processes. Derives expressions for boundary work and internal energy change.

Lesson 1 • Isentropic Efficiency of Devices

Defines isentropic efficiency for turbines, compressors, and nozzles. Enables comparison of real device performance against the ideal isentropic baseline.

Lesson 2 • Statements and Implications of the Second Law

Presents Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements and their equivalence. Establishes why heat engines and refrigerators have fundamental performance limits.

Lesson 3 • Entropy: Definition and Properties

Defines entropy via the Clausius inequality and reversible heat transfer. Establishes entropy as a state property and introduces the T-s diagram.

Lesson 4 • Carnot Cycle and Reversible Engines

Analyzes the Carnot cycle as the most efficient reversible heat engine. Derives Carnot efficiency as the upper bound for real heat engines.

Lesson 1 • Gas Turbine Cycle Improvements

Analyzes regeneration, intercooling, and reheating in Brayton cycles. Quantifies efficiency and back-work ratio improvements from each modification.

Lesson 2 • Rankine Cycle Modifications

Introduces reheat and regenerative Rankine cycles to improve efficiency. Compares performance gains from each modification quantitatively.

Lesson 3 • Vapor-Compression Refrigeration

Models the ideal vapor-compression refrigeration cycle and its components. Calculates COP and refrigerating capacity using refrigerant property tables.

Lesson 4 • Rankine Cycle for Steam Power

Models the ideal Rankine cycle using steam tables and T-s diagrams. Calculates net work output and thermal efficiency for steam power plants.

Lesson 1 • Departure Functions and Residual Properties

Introduces departure functions to correct ideal-gas properties for real-gas behavior. Applies generalized correlations to enthalpy and entropy departure calculations.

Lesson 2 • Clapeyron and Clausius-Clapeyron Equations

Derives the Clapeyron equation for phase-equilibrium slopes on P-T diagrams. Applies the Clausius-Clapeyron approximation to vapor pressure estimation.

Lesson 3 • Joule-Thomson Coefficient and Inversion

Derives the Joule-Thomson coefficient from fundamental relations and equations of state. Identifies inversion curves relevant to gas liquefaction processes.

Lesson 4 • Fundamental Property Relations

Derives the four fundamental relations from the First and Second Laws combined. Provides the mathematical foundation for all subsequent property derivations.

Lesson 1 • Entropy and Enthalpy of Mixing

Calculates entropy of mixing for ideal gas mixtures and identifies irreversibility. Connects mixing entropy to the Gibbs paradox and real mixture behavior.

Lesson 2 • Cooling Towers and Evaporative Cooling

Models mass and energy balances for cooling towers using psychrometric principles. Calculates makeup water flow and tower performance metrics.

Lesson 3 • Psychrometric Properties of Moist Air

Defines humidity ratio, relative humidity, dew point, and wet-bulb temperature. Establishes the property framework for moist-air system analysis.

Lesson 4 • Psychrometric Chart and Processes

Reads and applies the psychrometric chart to HVAC processes. Analyzes heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification energy requirements.

Lesson 1 • Stoichiometry and Combustion Reactions

Balances combustion reactions for common fuels with air and oxygen. Defines theoretical air, excess air, and equivalence ratio for mixture characterization.

Lesson 2 • Adiabatic Flame Temperature

Calculates adiabatic flame temperature using energy balance on the combustion chamber. Evaluates the effect of excess air and fuel type on flame temperature.

Lesson 3 • Third Law and Absolute Entropy

States the Third Law and defines absolute entropy referenced to zero temperature. Applies absolute entropy values to compute reaction entropy and Gibbs energy.

Lesson 4 • Chemical Equilibrium and Gibbs Minimization

Derives equilibrium conditions from Gibbs free energy minimization. Calculates equilibrium constants and composition for gas-phase reactions.