THERMODYNAMICS: COURSE INTRODUCTION
Course Learning Objectives:
To be able to use the First Law of
Thermodynamics to estimate the potential
for thermo-mechanical energy conversion in
aerospace power and propulsion systems.
Measurable outcomes (assessment method):
1. To be able to state the First Law and to define heat, work, thermal
efficiency and the difference between various forms of energy.
(quiz, self-assessment, PRS)
2. To be able to identify and describe energy exchange processes (in
terms of various forms of energy, heat and work) in aerospace
systems. (quiz, homework, self-assessment, PRS)
3. To be able to explain at a level understandable by a high school
senior or non-technical person how various heat engines work (e.g.
a refrigerator, an IC engine, a jet engine). (quiz, homework, self-
assessment, PRS)
4. To be able to apply the steady-flow energy equation or the First
Law of Thermodynamics to a system of thermodynamic
components (heaters, coolers, pumps, turbines, pistons, etc.) to
estimate required balances of heat, work and energy flow.
(homework, quiz, self-assessment, PRS)
5. To be able to explain at a level understandable by a high school
senior or non-technical person the concepts of path
dependence/independence and reversibility/irreversibility of
various thermodynamic processes, to represent these in terms of
changes in thermodynamic state, and to cite examples of how these
would impact the performance of aerospace power and propulsion
systems. (homework, quiz, self-assessment, PRS)
6. To be able to apply ideal cycle analysis to simple heat engine
cycles to estimate thermal efficiency and work as a function of
pressures and temperatures at various points in the cycle.
(homework, self-assessment, PRS)
Teaching & Learning Methods
1. Detailed lecture notes are available on the web (for
viewing and/or downloading). You should download a
copy of these and bring them with you to lecture.
2. Preparation and participation will be important for learning
the material. You will be responsible for studying the notes
prior to each lecture. Several reading assignments will be
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