Thermodynamics is one of the most common applications of science in our lives, and it is so much a part of our daily life that it is often taken for granted. For example, when driving your car you know that the fuel you put into the tank is converted into energy to propel the vehicle, and the heat produced by burning gas when cooking will produce steam which can lift the lid of the pan. These are examples of thermodynamics, which is the study of the dynamics and behaviour of energy and its manifestations.

This unit introduces students to the principles and concepts of thermodynamics and its application in modern engineering.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to investigate fundamental thermodynamic systems and their properties, apply the steady flow energy equation to plant equipment, examine the principles of heat transfer to industrial applications, and determine the performance of internal combustion engines.

Fundamental systems:
Forms of energy and basic definitions
Definitions of systems (open and closed) and surroundings
First law of thermodynamics
The gas laws: Charles’ Law, Boyle’s Law, general gas law and the Characteristic Gas Equation
The importance and applications of pressure/volume diagrams and the concept of work done
Polytrophic processes: constant pressure, constant volume, adiabatic and isothermal systems

Energy equations:
Conventions used when describing the behaviour of heat and work
The Non-Flow Energy Equation as it applies to closed systems
Assumptions, applications and examples of practical systems
Steady Flow Energy Equation as applied to open systems
Assumptions made about the conditions around, energy transfer and the calculations for specific plant equipment e.g. boilers, super-heaters, turbines, pumps and condensers

Principles of heat transfer:
Modes of heat transmission, including conduction, convection & radiation
Heat transfer through composite walls and use of U and k values
Application of formulae to different types of heat exchangers, including recuperator and evaporative
Regenerators
Heat losses in thick and thin walled pipes, optimum lagging thickness

Performance:
Application of the second law of thermodynamics to heat engines
Comparison of theoretical and practical heat engine cycles, including Otto, Diesel and Carnot
Explanations of practical applications of heat engine cycles, such as compression ignition (CI) and spark ignition engines, including their relative mechanical and thermodynamic efficiencies
Describe possible efficiency improvements to heat engines

A lab-based assignment of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2, weighted at 50%.

A lab-based assignment of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4, weighted at 50%.

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Investigate fundamental thermodynamic systems and their properties.

Apply the Steady Flow Energy Equation to plant equipment.

Examine the principles of heat transfer to industrial applications.

Determine the performance of internal combustion engines.

PC with standard software such as Microsoft Excel.
Hydraulics and Pneumatics rigs and fluid rigs, manometers and viscometers
Heat Engines and Heat Exchangers

DUNN, D. (2001) Fundamental Engineering Thermodynamics. Longman.
EASTOP, T.D. and MCCONKEY, A. (1996) Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists. 5th Ed. Prentice Hall.
EASTOP, T.D. and MCCONKEY, A. (1997) Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists Student Solution Manual. 5th Ed. Prentice Hall.
RAYNER, J. (2008) Basic Engineering Thermodynamics. 5th Ed. Pearson.
ROGERS, G.F.C. and MAYHEW, Y.R. (1994) Thermodynamic and Transport Properties of Fluids: S. I. Units. 5th Ed. Wiley-Blackwell.

Must be registered on HNC/D Mechanical Engineering provision at South Staffordshire College

Thermodynamics is one of the most common applications of science in our lives, and it is so much a part of our daily life that it is often taken for granted. For example, when driving your car you know that the fuel you put into the tank is converted into energy to propel the vehicle, and the heat produced by burning gas when cooking will produce steam which can lift the lid of the pan. These are examples of thermodynamics, which is the study of the dynamics and behaviour of energy and its manifestations.

This unit introduces you to the principles and concepts of thermodynamics and its application in modern engineering.

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to investigate fundamental thermodynamic systems and their properties, apply the steady flow energy equation to plant equipment, examine the principles of heat transfer to industrial applications, and determine the performance of internal combustion engines.