Undergraduate - UnitMEC3454 - Thermodynamics and heat transfer

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Synopsis

This unit aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the processes by which heat and energy are inter-related and converted and by which heat is transferred. The unit will review major principles of energy conversion and the modes of heat transfer. The basic laws of thermodynamics and the governing equations for heat transfer and thermodynamics will be introduced and subsequently used to solve practical engineering problems involving thermodynamics and heat transfer. The unit will also cover fundamental design principles of power generation systems and heat exchangers.

Outcomes

Understand the fundamental modes by which heat is transferred
Identify the responsible mechanism or combinations of mechanisms involved in heat transfer problems
Understand how different forms of energy are interconverted and appreciate the difference in their efficiencies
Analyse conventional power generation systems using steam and gas turbines and internal combustion engines
Solve practical heat transfer and thermodynamic problems
Formulate and solve models based on the governing equations of heat transfer and the basic laws of thermodynamics
Appreciate the three fundamental modes of heat transfer
Appreciate the difference between heat transfer and energy conversion (thermodynamics)
Recognise that thermodynamics is not an abstract but rather an applied energy-related unit based on the fundamental laws of mass and energy conservation.

Assessment

Assignments: 10%
Tests: 20%
Examination (3 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Chris Davies

Contact hours

3 hour lectures and 3 hours practice sessions/laboratories (his may alternate with 2 hours lectures and 4 hours practice sessions/laboratories) and 6 hours of private study per week

Prerequisites

MEC2404 and MEC2405 or MTH2021 or MTH2032