Basics of thermodynamics (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

The purpose of the course

You will learn the basics of thermodynamics which are required to understand energy production and analysis of closed systems. In addition, you will learn logical problem solving.

Eur-ACE competences

EA-KW: You obtain the basic knowledge of energy balance analysis, phase changes and closed system processes for the field of engineering.
EA-MC: You are able to apply the physical problem solving strategies in other fields of interest.
EA-CT: You will learn to communicate technical information, ideas and solutions in the engineering community.

Learning outcome

After completing this course you are able to identify the basic principles of thermodynamics and solve simple problems regarding thermodynamics of closed systems.

Content

The course consists of the following themes

The state postulate, different forms of energy, the first law of thermodynamics, heat, work, energy balance, energy conversion efficiencies, property tables, phase changes, ideal gas processes, closed system processes and specific heat capacities.

Materials

The course uses videos and pdf lecture material made by the teacher.

The course material is based on the following book:

Y. A. Cengel & M.A. Boles, Thermodynamics, An Engineering Approach (8th edition with SI units) [other editions are okay as well]

Teaching methods

The course uses the flipped classroom method. The students familiarize themselves with the material in advance and the questions arising from the material and exercises are discussed during the teaching sessions.

Exam schedules

The schedule for the exams will be announced during the first lecture.

Student workload

Lectures - 10 h
Final exam - 3 h
Self-study - 68 h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Grade 1

You are able to identify the basic principles of the course subjects and the models used to describe the physical systems. You are able to solve simple problems related to the course subjects. You are able to read charts and tables. Your solutions may contain some mistakes.

Grade 2

You are able to identify the basic principles of the course subjects and the models used to describe the physical systems. You are able to solve basic problems related to the course subjects by using examples. You are able to read charts and tables. Your solutions may contain some mistakes.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Grade 3

You undestand the basic principles of the course subjects and the models used to describe the physical systems. You are able to solve basic problems related to the course subjects. You are able to read and produce charts and tables. Your solutions may contain some mistakes.

Grade 4

You undestand the basic principles of the course subjects and the models used to describe the physical systems. You are able to solve challenging problems related to the course subjects. You are able to read and produce charts and tables. Most of your solutions don't have any mistakes.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Grade 5

You undestand the basic principles of the course subjects and the models used to describe the physical systems. You are able to solve challenging problems related to the course subjects. You are able to read and produce charts and tables. Are are able to estimate the suitability of the used models for the problems at hand. Your solutions contain only few small careless mistakes.

Qualifications

The basic knowledge of mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer mechanisms, elementary functions, equation solving and linear regression are required.

Further information

The course is evaluated on the basis of exercises and final exam.

The first assignment of the course must be completed within three weeks of the start of course. Those who do not complete the task will be removed from the course.