Heat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems

Catalog description

This course applies the principles of heat and mass transfer to natural and engineered biological systems, ranging from soil/water ecosystems to animal, plant, and microbial production systems. Heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, and radiation) are covered, as well as analysis techniques for steady state and transient cases. Mass transfer mechanisms (diffusion, dispersion, and convection) are also covered followed by simultaneous heat and mass transfer, including psychrometrics, ventilation, and drying. Applications of heat and mass transfer to agricultural and biological engineering are interwoven throughout the course. These applications may include heat exchangers for hydraulic systems, flow through porous media, soil freezing and thawing, bioreactor design, post-harvest product storage, animal housing, and greenhouses.