ME EN 321
Thermodynamics
Mechanical Engineering
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering
Course Description
Fundamentals of thermal energy and work; principle of state, conservation of mass, conservation of energy, increase of entropy principle; application to thermal and mechanical processes.
When Taught
Fall, Winter, Spring
Grade Rule
Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)
Min
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
0
Title
Problem Solving
Learning Outcome
Each student can use structured techniques to develop engineering problem statements based on real-world applications and to solve engineering problems.
Title
Writing
Learning Outcome
Each student can write a technical theory section, a results and discussion of results section and create a figure consistent with specified guidelines.
Title
Thermodynamic Systems
Learning Outcome
Each student can characterize the material comprising a thermodynamic system, use the state postulate to fix the state of a system and obtain thermodynamic properties using appropriate methods. Each student can use properties and boundary interactions to describe processes and can sketch processes on thermodynamic diagrams.
Title
1st Law Analysis
Learning Outcome
Each student can use conservation of mass and conservation of energy to model open and closed systems undergoing transient and steady processes.
Title
2nd Law Analysis
Learning Outcome
Each student can identify irreversibilities and determine whether a process may be approximated as reversible, internally reversible or externally reversible. Each student can use the entropy balance equation to model open and closed systems undergoing transient and steady processes.
Title
Engineering Devices
Learning Outcome
Each student can describe the operation of engineering devices and the models typically used to represent these devices.
Title
Cycles
Learning Outcome
Each student can list the devices and describe the processes executed in power and refrigeration cycles. Each student can build thermodynamic models to analyze and evaluate cycles and to draw conclusions regarding their performance.
Title
Ethical and Professional Responsibility
Learning Outcome
Each student recognizes the role of thermodynamics in addressing economic and environmental concerns related to energy and can make informed judgements consistent with ethical and professional responsibilities
