Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the basic knowledge necessary for the energy analysis of systems. This objective is achieved through the study of conversion processes between different forms of energy, such as thermal and mechanical energy, and by teaching the fundamental principles of heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
Knowledge and Understanding:
During the lectures, the student will learn the essential methods and knowledge to understand and describe the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid flow, and heat transfer. Additionally, regarding thermodynamics and heat transfer, the student will be able to outline and solve simple practical problems, highlighting the relevant physical phenomena.
Skills:
Through practical exercises, the student will acquire in-depth application skills related to the transport phenomena of energy and mass that occur in engineering processes. These exercises will allow the student to master the energy and thermal analysis of simple problems, providing the ability to accurately outline the system and understand its interactions with the surrounding environment. By the end of the course, the student will be able to apply these skills to solve practical problems, highlighting the main physical phenomena involved.
Judgment Autonomy:
Upon completion of the learning path, the student will have acquired a set of tools and skills that will allow them to critically and thoroughly interpret phenomena related to energy conversion and heat transfer. This will include the ability to analyze and understand the underlying mechanisms of these processes, evaluating their efficiency and identifying possible areas for improvement. Moreover, the student will be able to apply this knowledge in practical contexts, developing innovative and optimized solutions to tackle engineering challenges.
Communication Skills:
The student must possess the ability to structure the problem, clearly presenting the details of the physical phenomenon and the results of the analysis conducted with precise language. Through theoretical and practical lessons, the student will acquire the appropriate vocabulary and must be able to clearly present, both orally and in writing, not only the theoretical topics covered during the course but also the results derived from the practical application of the studied concepts.
Learning Ability:
Students who complete the course will have the necessary foundations to deepen their skills, aiming to develop a professional figure with solid theoretical and application bases. This will prepare students to face complex work challenges that may include multidisciplinary contexts. In particular, they will be able to understand and analyze scientific articles and specialized texts to expand their knowledge, also exploring topics not directly addressed during the course.
Prerequisites
To gain the maximum benefit from the course, it is essential to have a solid grasp of basic concepts in mathematical analysis. Additionally, for a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the content, it is highly beneficial to possess the skills developed in introductory physics courses.
Course unit content
The teaching course covers a wide range of fundamental topics, focusing on three main themes: thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. Each theme is explored in depth to ensure a comprehensive and detailed understanding. For each topic, the course begins with the presentation of fundamental definitions, ensuring that students have a solid terminological and conceptual foundation. Subsequently, the physical laws governing the phenomena under discussion are examined, providing an in-depth understanding of the dynamics behind these processes.
Regarding thermodynamics, the course pays particular attention to fundamental principles, discussing and analyzing them in detail. The study of thermodynamics is not limited to isolated systems; it extends to the description of fluid systems, including gases and liquids, as well as gas mixtures. An important example covered in the course is the air-water vapor mixture, which has significant implications in various engineering contexts. This balanced approach ensures that students acquire both practical and theoretical understanding, preparing them to solve real-world problems.
In the third topic, heat transfer, the course explores in detail the different modes by which heat is transferred: conduction, convection, and radiation. Each mode is analyzed through concrete and detailed examples, allowing students to see how theoretical concepts apply in the real world. At the end of this module, the acquired knowledge is applied to solving specific heat exchange problems, which are particularly significant for engineering. This practical approach is fundamental for consolidating theoretical understanding through practical application.
Throughout the course, numerous practical problems in thermodynamics and heat transfer are presented and discussed. These examples are designed to facilitate the assimilation of theoretical concepts, allowing students to put into practice what they have learned. The discussion of these problems in class offers a valuable opportunity to clarify any doubts and deepen understanding.
In conclusion, the course not only provides a solid theoretical foundation in the fields of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer but also prepares students to solve practical and complex problems they may encounter in their engineering careers. This integrated approach ensures that students are well-equipped to tackle future professional challenges.
Full programme
hermodynamics:
Review of measurement unit systems.
General concepts and definitions.
Closed systems.
First law of thermodynamics and properties of internal energy.
Second law of thermodynamics and properties of entropy.
Irreversibility.
(p, v, T) surface and thermodynamic diagrams (p, v) and (p, T).
Properties of liquids.
Properties and transformations of saturated and superheated vapors.
Ideal gases.
Properties and transformations of ideal gases.
Thermodynamic diagrams (T, s) and (h, s).
Properties of ideal gas mixtures.
Thermodynamic properties of air and water vapor mixtures: humidity ratio, specific humidity, specific enthalpy.
Psychrometric diagram.
Dew point and adiabatic saturation temperature.
The psychrometer.
Thermodynamics of open systems.
Definitions.
Mass and energy balance equations.
Thermodynamic cycles: Rankine cycle and refrigeration cycle.
Fluid Motion:
Physical aspects of fluid motion.
Viscosity.
Laminar and turbulent flow.
Fluid dynamic boundary layer.
Continuity equation.
Navier vector equation.
Non-dimensionalization of isothermal motion equations.
Reynolds number.
Bernoulli’s equation.
Velocity and flow rate measurements.
Compressible fluids.
Mach number.
Heat Transfer:
Conduction.
Fourier’s law.
Thermal conductivity.
Steady-state conduction.
Electrical analogy.
Convective heat transfer.
Forced, natural, and mixed convection.
Energy balance equation.
Non-dimensionalization of non-isothermal motion equations.
Prandtl, Grashof, and Nusselt numbers.
Thermal radiation.
General concepts and definitions.
Radiation laws for black bodies: Stefan-Boltzmann law, Planck’s law, Wien’s law, Lambert’s law.
Shape factor and its properties.
Applications related to mutual radiative exchange between black and gray surfaces.
Simultaneous presence of different heat transfer modes: overall heat transfer coefficient.
Tube-in-tube heat exchanger.
Bibliography
Recommended Text:
M.J. Moran, H.N. Shapiro, B.R. Munson, D.P. DeWitt, "Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics," McGraw-Hill.
Additional Bibliographic Material:
Y. A. Çengel, "Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer," McGraw-Hill.
Teaching methods
Both the theoretical framework of the topics and the development of practical examples will be addressed in the classroom. During the lectures, the instructor will explain the fundamental theoretical concepts at the whiteboard, providing a solid basis for understanding. Subsequently, practical and applied examples will be developed at the whiteboard to demonstrate how theoretical principles can be applied to real situations. This combined approach ensures that students can gain a comprehensive and integrated understanding of both theory and practice.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of learning occurs through a written exam that includes questions divided between practical exercises and theoretical inquiries. The results of the written exam will be communicated within a few days through publication on Esse3; the final grade is calculated by summing the scores obtained in each question. Honors are awarded in case of achieving the maximum score along with mastery of the disciplinary vocabulary. Please note that online registration for the exam session is MANDATORY.
Other information
Further information is available at http://elly.dia.unipr.it.
