Thermodynamics

ME209.1x is a basic course in thermodynamics, designed for students of mechanical engineering. We will study the terms and concepts used in thermodynamics, with precise definitions. The three laws of thermodynamics (zeroth, first, and second) will be explored in detail, and the properties of materials will be studied. Many useful relations will be derived. The topics include:

basic concepts and definitions

the work interaction

the first law, energy, and the heat interaction

the zeroth law, temperature, and scales of temperature

properties of gases and liquids, equations of state

the second law, thermodynamic temperature scales, and entropy

relations between properties

open thermodynamic systems

There will be emphasis on problem-solving. Students will need to spend significant effort on solving exercises.

The course is designed for students in mechanical engineering. However, others (both engineers and scientists) are likely to find it useful. The course has also been found to be useful to teachers of thermodynamics.

Please note that this course is self-paced and you can enroll at any time. At normal pace, this course requires 12 weeks of study, about 10 hours a week.

What you'll learn

• How to relate the zeroth, first and second laws to basic thermodynamic properties, like energy, temperature, and entropy, and to interactions like work and heat
• How to interpret entropy change and entropy production and the related terms isentropic and reversible
• How to derive property relations in an easy manner, and get used to the steam tables
• Solve problems by applying the first and second law of thermodynamics