Mechanical Engineering: Thermodynamics

Principles of engineering thermodynamics; work, heat, and phase change; energy conservation in closed and open systems; thermodynamic cycles; entropy and the second law. Prerequisites: MATH 1248 or MATH 1242, PHYS 1500 or PHYS 1600, CHEM 1400.

Prereqs enforced by the system: MATH 1248 or MATH 1242, PHYS 1500 or PHYS 1600, CHEM 1400; In-person and remote-synchronous. If needed, asynchronous accommodations can be arranged with the instructor.

ME 1210 Thermodynamics In-Person or Remote (online) Hybrid with permission. In-person instructor will take place at UVM. Remote Synchronous / Asynchronous accommodations can be made by permission if requested. Principles of engineering thermodynamics; Application of these principles to thermodynamic cycles. Prerequisites: Calculus II, PHYS I for Engineers, and CHEM General Chemistry. Chapter Topics 1. Basic concepts in thermodynamics: systems, temperature & pressure, units 2. The First Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Energy), forms of energy transfer by heat and work, introduction to cycle analysis & efficiencies 3. Thermodynamic properties of pure substances: phases, change of phase, steam tables, internal energy, enthalpy, specific heat, ideal-gases, equations of state 4. Energy analysis of closed systems, expansion (moving boundary) work, enthalpies, specific heats of ideal gases, real gases, solids, and liquids 5. Mass and Energy analysis applied to open systems: steady-state vs. transient flow, 1-D approximations, applications to engineering devices 6. The Second Law of Thermodynamics: Statements of second law, irreversibilities, heat engines, refrigerators & heat pumps, Carnot cycles 7. Entropy: Concepts, Tds relations, entropy change, isentropic processes & efficiencies 9-10. An introduction to Gas & Vapor Power Systems

Course Pedagogy Importance of Homework: Solving thermodynamic problems is the only way to understand and master the topic. Thus, homework is an important part of this class. Solutions to the homework will be posted soon after the due date and/or given in class. For these reasons, homework submitted after the due date and time will not receive credit. Collaboration: You are encouraged to discuss the homework problems with classmates; however, the final work you turn in must be your own. Copying someone else’s work is unacceptable. You are encouraged to help each other understand the concepts and problem solving techniques involved. There is a clear distinction between discussing work and copying someone else’s work. If you simply copy what someone else has done, you are not increasing your understanding of the material. It is very easy to recognize copying. Presentation: Sloppy, untidy submission of work will be penalized for two main reasons. First, it is not the responsibility of the grader to attempt to decipher your solution because it is either hardly readable or disorganized. Second, as a professional engineer, it is important that you learn to communicate your work in the most professional manner possible. This includes the presentation of plots, charts, graphs, figures, equations, and short essays. Website: The UVM blackboard will be used primarily for posting assignments, solutions, and information communicated to the class via UVM’s email system. “An instrument too often overlooked in our technical world is a human eye connected to the brain of an intelligent human being.” – Ralph Peck, PhD, National Medal of Science

3 Exams 30% each, Homework 10%