Thermal-Fluids Engineering 1: Basics of Thermodynamics and Hydrostatics from edX

This course serves as an introduction to the field of thermal-fluids engineering, which primarily revolves around the conversion of energy between different forms. Thermal-fluid engineering applications encompass a wide range of fields, such as computer cooling, energy conversion plants, and transportation. Given that thermal-fluids systems inherently incorporate the principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, this course aims to provide an integrated understanding of these fundamental scientific disciplines. This synthesized approach enables a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and enhances the capacity to design thermal-fluid systems more effectively.

In this initial module, the emphasis will be on the fundamentals of thermodynamics and an introduction to fluid mechanics, specifically focusing on hydrostatics. The course will cover the following topics: the first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy, the ideal gas model, thermodynamic cycles, hydrostatics, and rigid body motion of a fluid.

This course is based on the first third of MIT’s class 2.005 Thermal-Fluids Engineering 1, a core course for MIT Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering undergraduates. As such, this course is of relevance to undergraduate engineering students (e.g. mechanical, nuclear, aerospace, chemical) around the world and engineering professionals who wish to refresh or update their domain knowledge.

What's inside

Learning objectives

First and second law of thermodynamics for closed systems
Entropy and its impact on engineering systems
Ideal gas model

Thermodynamic cycles
Hydrostatics and rigid body motion of a fluid

First and second law of thermodynamics for closed systems
Entropy and its impact on engineering systems
Ideal gas model
Thermodynamic cycles
Hydrostatics and rigid body motion of a fluid

Syllabus

Topic 1: Basic Principles of Energy and the First Law of ThermodynamicsTopic 2: Entropy and the Second Law of ThermodynamicsTopic 3: The Ideal Gas Model and Idealized DevicesTopic 4: Thermodynamic Analysis of CyclesTopic 5: Hydrostatics and Rigid Body Motion of a Fluid

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Explores the conversion of energy between different forms, which is a foundational understanding for many STEM fields

Taught by three prominent MIT professors, who are recognized for their work in thermal-fluids engineering

Develops foundational knowledge in energy conversion and transport, which are essential concepts in various industries

Examines entropy, which is a key concept in understanding energy flow and efficiency in systems

Based on the first third of MIT’s class 2.005 Thermal-Fluids Engineering 1, which is a core course for undergraduate engineering students

Prerequisites include introductory physics and calculus, which are common expectations for learners with a STEM background

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Thermal-Fluids Engineering 1: Basics of Thermodynamics and Hydrostatics with these activities:

Review dimensional analysis

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Revisit the basics of dimensional analysis to prepare for the upcoming course content.

Browse courses on Dimensional Analysis

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Review the concept of units and dimensions.
Practice converting units between different systems (e.g., SI, English).
Solve problems involving dimensional analysis and unit conversions.

Review Thermodynamics

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Review the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, particularly the first law, to solidify the groundwork for the course.

Browse courses on First Law of Thermodynamics

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Consider enrolling in a prerequisite course or online module on thermodynamics to brush up on the basics.
Review old textbooks, notes, or online resources to refresh your understanding of the first law of thermodynamics.

Organize Course Notes and Assignments

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Ensure effective organization and accessibility of course materials for efficient learning.

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Set up a dedicated system for storing and organizing lecture notes, assignments, and other course-related materials.
Review and summarize notes after each lecture to reinforce understanding and identify areas for further clarification.
Keep track of assignment deadlines and prioritize tasks to avoid last-minute stress.

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Fluid mechanics reference materials

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Compile a collection of useful resources, such as formulas, charts, and articles, for quick reference during the course.

Browse courses on Fluid Mechanics

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Gather relevant formulas and data from textbooks, online sources, and lecture notes.
Organize the materials into a structured document or digital notebook.
Review and update the compilation as new information is encountered during the course.

Study group discussions

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Engage in regular discussions with peers to clarify concepts, solve problems, and reinforce understanding.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material, work through practice problems, and share resources.
Participate actively in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to the group's learning.

Fluids Tutorial Course

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Supplement the course by completing an introductory tutorial series on fluid mechanics to gain a deeper understanding of fluid properties and behavior.

Browse courses on Hydrostatics

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Identify reputable online platforms or university websites that offer fluid mechanics tutorials or courses.
Enroll in an introductory-level tutorial course that covers fundamental concepts in hydrostatics.
Follow the video lectures, complete assignments, and engage in discussion forums to reinforce your understanding.

Fundamentals of Thermal-Fluid Sciences

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Supplement your understanding of thermal-fluid sciences with a comprehensive textbook that covers the foundational principles.

View Loose Leaf for Thermodynamics: An Engineering... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the recommended textbook.
Read the assigned chapters alongside the course material, focusing on understanding the underlying concepts.
Complete practice problems and exercises provided in the textbook to test your comprehension.

Thermodynamic cycle problem-solving

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Gain proficiency in applying the principles of thermodynamics to solve problems involving thermodynamic cycles.

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Identify the different types of thermodynamic cycles.
Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics to analyze cycle performance.
Solve problems involving heat transfer, work, and efficiency in thermodynamic cycles.

Hydrostatics Equations Practice

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Sharpen your problem-solving skills in hydrostatics by engaging in targeted practice drills.

Browse courses on Hydrostatics

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Collect practice problems and exercises on hydrostatics equations, such as pressure, buoyancy, and fluid forces.
Attempt to solve the problems independently, referring to course materials or textbooks for guidance.
Check your solutions against provided answer keys or consult with instructors or peers for clarification.

Thermodynamic Cycle Analysis Practice

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Enhance your grasp of thermodynamic cycles and entropy by engaging in regular practice drills.

Browse courses on Thermodynamic Cycles

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Locate online problem sets or textbooks that provide practice exercises on thermodynamic cycle analysis.
Solve multiple practice problems, focusing on understanding the underlying principles rather than just memorizing formulas.
Seek clarification from the course instructors or teaching assistants if you encounter difficulties.

CFD simulations

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Explore computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to gain hands-on experience in simulating fluid flow and heat transfer.

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Learn the basics of CFD software and mesh generation.
Follow tutorials to set up and run simulations for simple fluid flow problems.
Analyze the simulation results and compare them with theoretical predictions.

Infographic on Thermal-Fluids Concepts

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Create a visual representation of key concepts in thermal-fluids engineering to enhance retention and understanding.

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Identify the core concepts and principles covered in the course.
Research and gather relevant data, equations, and diagrams to support your visual representation.
Use design software or online tools to create an engaging and informative infographic.
Share your infographic with classmates or present it to the class.

Study Group for Course Review

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Facilitate deeper understanding and retention through regular study sessions with peers.

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Form a study group with classmates who share similar learning goals.
Meet regularly to review course material, discuss concepts, and solve practice problems together.
Take turns leading discussions and presenting summaries of key topics.

Career center

Learners who complete Thermal-Fluids Engineering 1: Basics of Thermodynamics and Hydrostatics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chemical Engineer

The study of thermodynamics and hydrostatics will be incredibly useful to you as a Chemical Engineer. Knowledge of these concepts will be frequently applied to the design, development, and operation of chemical plants. You must be able to apply these processes to account for energy transfer and complex fluid flow patterns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

This course includes lessons in both thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. As a Mechanical Engineer, you will need a solid understanding of the transfer of energy and how to analyze complex fluid flow patterns. Taking this course can help build a foundation for your career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

One of the primary responsibilities of a Petroleum Engineer is to locate and extract hydrocarbons from underground reservoirs. This course includes a unit on fluid mechanics, which will be essential to your success in this field. Fluid mechanics can help you better understand oil flow through the porous rock of underground reservoirs and how to maximize extraction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design and maintain the nuclear reactors that power cities and power plants. The knowledge you will gain in this course on both thermodynamics and fluid mechanics is essential to the safety and operation of nuclear power plants. Many of these systems work on the principle of removing heat under pressure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

As an Aerospace Engineer, your work will involve the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. The knowledge you gain from this course on fluid mechanics will be vital in understanding how fluids like air flow around solid objects like aircraft.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and construct public works projects, such as roads, bridges, and canals. The knowledge you will gain from this course on fluid mechanics will be essential to your success in this field, as you must be able to analyze and account for fluid dynamics in your designs to ensure the stability and safety of these structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers research and develop new materials for use in a wide range of products, including electronics, cars, and aircraft. Although not directly related to your day-to-day work, a solid understanding of thermodynamics may be useful as you develop and test new materials to perform under extreme stress, heat, or cold.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design and improve processes in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. The knowledge you will gain in this course on thermodynamics and fluid mechanics may be useful in your work, especially if you are working in a process-heavy or manufacturing-based industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution. The knowledge you will gain from this course on thermodynamics and fluid mechanics may be useful in your work, especially if you are working on projects that involve the treatment or management of fluids or energy conversion

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and equipment. Although not directly related to your day-to-day work, a basic understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics may be useful as you develop and test new devices and equipment to be used within the human body, such as pacemakers or flow monitoring devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and equipment. Although not directly related to your day-to-day work, a solid understanding of thermodynamics may be useful as you design and test electrical components that convert or manage energy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer software. Although not directly related to daily work, a basic understanding of the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics may be useful as you develop software that simulates or models physical systems involving energy transfer or fluid flow.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer hardware and software. Although not directly related to daily work, a basic understanding of the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics may be useful as you design and test computer systems that manage or dissipate heat, especially for larger systems with high-performance processors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. Although not directly related to your day-to-day work, a basic understanding of the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics may be useful as you develop models or algorithms that simulate or predict physical systems involving energy transfer or fluid flow.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide financial advice to individuals and businesses. A solid understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics is not directly relevant to your day-to-day responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst