Thermodynamics module (ME12001)

Thermodynamics is the study of energy transformations involving heat, mechanical work and other aspects of energy.  It forms an indispensable part of the foundation of engineering, physics, chemistry and the life sciences. This module will introduce students to the concepts of thermodynamics necessary to underpin their future studies in engineering.

Core contents includes:

1. physical quantities, units and temperature scales
2. heat transfer, thermal equilibrium, thermal expansion
3. molecular models of solids, liquids and gases
4. volume, temperature and pressure changes, the Ideal Gas Laws, heat capacities
5. heat transfer and work done, paths between thermodynamic states
6. molar heat capacities, internal energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics
7. adiabatic, isochoric, isobaric and isothermal processes
8. reversible and irreversible processes, refrigerators, heat engines and internal combustion engines
9. the Second Law of Thermodynamics, the Carnot cycle and concept of entropy