In everyday life you are never too far away from some system or device that relies on both fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. From the water circulating in your home central heating radiators to the hydraulic door closer on the back of a fire door, the presence of thermofluids is constantly around us.

The aim of this unit is to provide a rational understanding of functional thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in common industrial applications. The unit promotes a problem-based approach to solving realistic work-related quandaries such as steam plant efficiency and fluid flow capacities.

Students will examine fundamental thermodynamic principles, steam and gas turbine systems and viscosity in fluids, along with static and dynamic fluid systems. Each element of the unit will identify a variety of engineering challenges and assess how problems are overcome in real-life industrial situations.

Additionally, students will develop their perceptions of industrial thermodynamic systems, particularly those involving steam and gas turbine power. In addition, they will consider the impact of energy transfer in engineering applications along with the characteristics of fluid flow in piping systems and numerous hydraulic devices, all of which are prevalent in typical manufacturing and process facilities.

Thermodynamic systems:
Power generation plant
Significance of first law of thermodynamics
Analysis of Non-Flow Energy Equation (NFEE) and Steady Flow Energy Equation (SFEE) systems
Application of thermodynamic property tables
Energy transfer systems employing polytropic processes (isothermal, adiabatic and isentropic)
Pressure/volume diagrams and the concept of work done: use of conventions
The application of the Gas Laws and polytropic laws for vapours and gases

Steam and gas turbine plant:
Principles of operation of steam and gas turbine plants
Use of property diagrams to analyse plant
Characteristics of steam/gas turbine plant as used in energy supply
Energy-saving options adopted on steam plants operating on modified Rankine cycle
Performance characteristics of steam and gas power plant
Cycle efficiencies: turbine isentropic efficiencies and overall relative efficiency

Viscosity in fluids:
Viscosity: shear stress, shear rate, dynamic viscosity, kinematic viscosity
Viscosity measurement: operating principles of viscosity measuring devices e.g. falling sphere, U-tube, rotational and orifice viscometers (such as Redwood)
Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian fluids: pseudoplastic, Bingham plastic, Casson plastic and dilatant fluids

Fluid systems:
Characteristics of fluid flow: laminar and turbulent flow, Reynolds number
Friction factors: relative roughness of pipe, use of Moody diagrams
Head losses across various industrial pipe fittings and valves, use of Bernoulli’s Equation and Darcy’s Formula
Hydraulic machines
Turbines: Pelton wheel, Kaplan turbine, Francis wheel
Pumps: centrifugal, reciprocating

Analysis of systems:
Dimensional analysis: verification of equations for torque, power and flow rate
Application of dimensional analysis to determine the characteristics of a scale model
Use of Buckingham Pi Theorem

A 1500-word question based assignment assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2, weighted at 50%.

A 1-hour examination 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.

Review industrial thermodynamic systems and their properties.

Examine the operation of practical steam and gas turbines plants.

Illustrate the properties of viscosity in fluids.

Analyse fluid systems and hydraulic machines.

N/A

DUNN, D. (2001) Fundamental Engineering Thermodynamics. Longman.
EASTOP, T.D. and MCCONKEY, A. (1996) Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists. 5th Ed. Prentice Hall.
MASSEY, B.S. and WARD-SMITH, J. (2011) Mechanics of Fluids. 9th Ed. Oxford: Spon Press.
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.

In everyday life you are never too far away from some system or device that relies on both fluid mechanics and thermodynamics. From the water circulating in your home central heating radiators to the hydraulic door closer on the back of a fire door, the presence of thermofluids is constantly around us.

The aim of this unit is to provide a rational understanding of functional thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in common industrial applications. The unit promotes a problem-based approach to solving realistic work-related quandaries such as steam plant efficiency and fluid flow capacities.

Students will examine fundamental thermodynamic principles, steam and gas turbine systems and viscosity in fluids, along with static and dynamic fluid systems. Each element of the unit will identify a variety of engineering challenges and assess how problems are overcome in real-life industrial situations.

Additionally, students will develop their perceptions of industrial thermodynamic systems, particularly those involving steam and gas turbine power. In addition, they will consider the impact of energy transfer in engineering applications along with the characteristics of fluid flow in piping systems and numerous hydraulic devices, all of which are prevalent in typical manufacturing and process facilities.