Thermodynamics 1

Catalog description

This is an introductory course in the fundamental areas of fluid properties, energy, work and heat. Fluid properties are vital to accurate analysis and understanding of systems and processes; as a result, thermo-physical properties of substances are emphasized throughout the course. Solid, liquid, and vapor phase properties are explored in detail as well as ideal gases and incompressible fluids. The foundational laws of thermodynamics are identified from the theoretical standpoint. These laws are put into application in the analysis and investigation of real systems and components. Energy balance analysis serves as a major focus for this course. Performance limits of real as well as ideal processes are explored through the use of the second law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy. This course incorporates the analysis of conventional power and refrigeration systems as real-world comprehensive examples of the use of the principles of thermodynamics. Prerequisites: MATH 309, CHEM 170. Offered fall term each year. Three semester hours.