ME321: Introduction to Thermodynamics - Spring 2008 Calendar

Section A01, Call number 04483, Dr. Urieli, Stocker 192, 12:10 - 01:00 p.m., Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Friday

Course objective: to develop: (1) an understanding of thermodynamic properties, (2) a capacity for analyzing energy transfers to and from thermodynamic systems, and (3) insight regarding the maximum possible performance of thermodynamic systems.

Course textbook (required): Potter & Somerton "Thermodynamics for Engineers" Schaum's Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, Second Edition, 2006. This recent edition includes material for both ME321 and Applied Thermo ME328. It contains many solved examples as well as supplemental problems and review questions for the FE exam (all with answers).

Web resource: This course is associated with the Blackboard 6 (Bb6) system which OU is currently using. The course does have an independent website which includes the course calendar, take-home quiz information, and information to supplement the course text book, in particular on the use of charts to evaluate thermodynamic systems. This web resource has been seemlessly integrated into Bb6 which is used mainly in order to promote email communication between students, TA and instructor, enable anonymous feedback, online grades, and the endterm survey.

Syllabus: Chapters 1 through 6 of the textbook.
Chapter 1: Concepts, Definitions, and Basic Principles

Chapter 2: Properties of Pure Substances
Chapter 3: Work and Heat

Chapter 4: The First Law of Thermodynamics

a) Closed System Processes and Gas Power Cycles

b) Control Volumes - Steam Power Plants and Refrigeration

This is the major chapter in the ME321 course and we will thus spend a significant amount of time studying the First Law and its applicarion to Thermodynamic systems. All of Chapter 4 is required reading excepting for the last section on Transient Flow, which we will not be covering.

Chapter 5: The Second Law of Thermodynamics

Chapter 6: 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..

Requred Course Outcome:

[ABET-e] OU ME graduates will demonstrate an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
In order to demonstrate achievement of the technical skills - problem solving (ABET-e) outcome, OU ME graduates will demonstrate

  • e.3) An ability to solve common engineering problems, including problems involving
    • c. The application of the first law of thermodynamics to the analysis of energy components and systems including at least one of the following [Mastery; ME321]
      • 1. Ideal Stirling and air standard power cycles
      • 2. Steam power plant components and systems
      • 3. Refrigeration and heat pump components and systems
    • d. The application of the second law of thermodynamics to the analysis of energy components including [Competence; ME321]
      • 1. Steam and gas turbines
      • 2. Compressors and pumps

Attendance policy: Attendance at the lectures is not compulsory, however if you do attend classes you should remain for the entire class period or not at all. If you need to leave a class early then let the instructor know beforehand. Please do not come late for class, and please turn off all cellphones before entering the classroom.

Grading policy:
Six in-house quizzes, two take-home quizzes - 800 points
Endterm test - 200 points (Total 1000 points)

Note: 1. All take-home quizzes must be your own uncollaborated work and must be submitted by the beginning of the following class period, else they will not be graded.
2. The letter grade will follow the standard procedure of A {900 - 1000}, B{800 - 899}, C {700 - 799}, D {600 - 699}, F {<600}. These are modified by - and +, depending on the value in the range, thus C- {700 - 729}, C {730 - 769}, and C+ (770 - 799}.

Exercises: Students are encouraged to attempt as many of the supplemental problems as possible. You should try to solve a few exercises every day. As we begin a new chapter we recommend a select number of specific exercises to try. Note that all the quizzes and exams will rely heavily on the fact that you have done and have understood the exercises. Thermodynamics is one of those 'learn-by-doing' types of courses, and you will find that you will need keep up with the exercises in order to understand.

Academic dishonesty: Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an F grade for the course.

Anonymous Feedback: Please use this form often to give us feedback on how the course is progressing or any problems that you are having. Your identity is protected when you use this form - your instructor receives your comments in an email message from an anonymous sender.

Instructor:
Israel Urieli -- Room 265 Stocker Center, phone 593-1560, email: urieli@bobcat.ent.ohiou.edu
Office Hours: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. Otherwise email me to make an appointment.