Thermodynamics & Fluids
The laws of thermodynamics, steam tables, power and refrigeration cycles, fluid statics, Bernoulli, pipe losses, heat transfer, R-values and heat exchangers, with Python exercises.
Leads to: Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Chemist, Materials Scientist
Before you start
This course builds on Physics for Engineering & Science and Calculus & Linear Algebra for STEM. Take them first if you are new to the topic.
About this course
An intermediate course for future civil, mechanical and materials engineers and chemists who have finished Physics for Engineering & Science and Calculus & Linear Algebra for STEM. The first module covers thermodynamics: applying the first law to a closed system, reading and interpolating steam tables, and computing the efficiency of a Rankine power cycle and the COP of a refrigeration cycle. The second module covers fluid mechanics: hydrostatic pressure and the force on a submerged gate, continuity and Bernoulli's equation for a pipe reducer, and head loss in pipes with the Reynolds number and the Darcy-Weisbach equation. The third module covers heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation, comparing wall assemblies with R-values and U-factors, and how heat exchangers work and are rated with the log-mean temperature difference. Most lessons have a short Python exercise where the code already runs and you write one key formula, using only the standard library. The worked examples teach the physics and are not design methods: real plants, piping, buildings and pressure equipment are designed to codes and standards, and engineering designs must be reviewed by licensed professionals. Engineering careers also need an ABET-accredited degree and, for many roles, the FE and PE exams, and chemistry careers need a degree with hands-on lab courses, which are beyond this course.
Course content
Module 1
Thermodynamics
3 lessons · 1h 29mEnergy bookkeeping for engineers: the laws of thermodynamics and the first law for closed systems, reading and interpolating steam tables, and the efficiency of power and refrigeration cycles.
- 32mLaws of thermodynamicsReading
Use the four laws of thermodynamics and apply the first law to a closed system, with sign conventions and the Carnot limit.
- 27mProperties and tablesReading
Read saturated-water tables, decide which phase a state is in, and interpolate between table rows.
- 30mPower and refrigeration cyclesReading
Compute the thermal efficiency of an ideal Rankine cycle and the COP of a vapour-compression refrigerator from enthalpies.
Module 2
Fluid Mechanics
3 lessons · 1h 59mFluids at rest and in motion: hydrostatic pressure and forces on submerged surfaces, continuity and Bernoulli's equation, and friction losses in pipes.
- 35mFluid staticsReading
Compute hydrostatic pressure at depth and the force and centre of pressure on a submerged vertical gate.
- 43mBernoulli and continuityReading
Use continuity and Bernoulli's equation to find velocities and pressures in a pipe reducer and a draining tank.
- 41mPipe flow and lossesReading
Classify flow with the Reynolds number and estimate friction and minor head losses with the Darcy-Weisbach equation.
Module 3
Heat Transfer
3 lessons · 1h 43mHow heat moves: conduction, convection and radiation, comparing wall assemblies with R-values and U-factors, and how heat exchangers work and are rated.
- 30mConduction, convection, radiationReading
Compute heat flow by conduction through a wall, convection from a surface and radiation to the surroundings.
- 46mInsulation and R-valuesReading
Add thermal resistances in series, convert R-values and U-factors, and compare the heat loss of two wall assemblies.
- 27mHeat exchangersReading
Explain how shell-and-tube and plate heat exchangers work, why counterflow is preferred, and how the LMTD rates one.