Engineering Thermodynamics - A Graphical Approach
by Israel Urieli (latest update: 11/8/09)

This web resource is intended to be a totally self-contained learning resource in Engineering Thermodynamics, independent of any textbook. It is designed to be suitable for a two course sequence for Mechanical Engineering majors. It may, however, be used in any format and for any purpose, including self-study. It is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States license and as such is freely available. Comments and constructive criticism are welcomed by the author.

In Part 1 we introduce the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics. Rather than describing these in terms of processes and components we have chosen the more interesting approach of their synthesis into complete cycles or systems. Complete ideal heat engines, steam power plants and refrigeration systems are evaluated in Chapters 3 and 4. Where appropriate, we introduce graphical two-dimensional plots to evaluate the performance of these systems rather than relying on equations and tables. This enables intuitive visualization of the solutions to a high degree of accuracy.

Part 1 - Introduction to the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics (ME321)

Chapter 1: Introductory Concepts, Units, and Definitions

Chapter 2: Properties of Pure Substances a) Phase Change, Property Tables and Diagrams b) The Ideal Gas Equation of State Thermodynamic Properties Tables and Charts

Chapter 3: The First Law of Thermodynamics for Closed Systems a) The Energy Equation for Closed Systems b) The Ideal Stirling Cycle Engine c) The Air Standard Diesel Cycle (Compression-Ignition) Engine d) The Air Standard Otto Cycle (Spark-Ignition) Engine

Chapter 4: The First Law of Thermodynamics for Control Volumes a) The Energy Equation for Control Volumes b) Steam Power Plants c) Refrigeration Systems

Chapter 5: The Second Law of Thermodynamics

Chapter 6: Entropy - A New Property a) Defining and Evaluating Entropy We present an Entropy Summary Sheet, Isentropic Processes Summary Sheet, and an Adiabatic Efficiency Summary Sheet of all the relevant equations relating to this Section. b) Aircraft Gas Turbine Engines

In Part 2 we introduce the concept of Exergy to determine theoretical limits of performance of various thermodynamic components and systems, followed by advanced application of steam power plants. The chapter on Carbon Dioxide as a refrigerant does not appear in any textbook that I am aware of. Because of the current Global Warming crisis, the currently used refrigerant, R134a, will be banned from usage in automobile air conditioning systems in Europe within a few years. The alternative being developed is a return to Carbon Dioxide as the refrigerant of choice. Finally we introduce mixtures of water vapor and air and their application in air-conditioning and cooling tower systems, and conclude with an introduction to combustion processes.

Part 2 - Applied Engineering Thermodynamics (ME328)

Chapter 7: Exergy - Maximum Available Work Potential a) Reversible Work, Irreversibility, Second Law Efficiency b) Examples of Adiabatic Control Volumes c) Heat Transfer from a Thermal Source

Chapter 8: Steam Power Cycles a) Ideal Rankine and Reheat Cycles b) Regenerative Cycles - Open and Closed Feedwater Heaters Case Study - The General James M. Gavin Steam Power Plant

Chapter 9: Carbon Dioxide (R744) The New Refrigerant

Chapter 10: Air - Water Vapor Mixtures a) Humidity and the Adiabatic Saturation Process b) The Psychrometric Chart and Air Conditioning Processes c) Cooling Towers for Steam Power Plants

Chapter 11: Combustion Combustion Molar Enthalpy Tables

The General James M Gavin Steam Power Plant near Cheshire, Ohio full capacity: 2,600,000kW

Photograph courtesy of Randy Sheidler, Gavin Power Plant

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Engineering Thermodynamics by Israel Urieli is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License