MEC2405 - Thermodynamics - Monash University

Overview

This unit introduces concepts of heat, work, energy, temperature and pressure. The properties of pure substances, steam tables and phase diagrams and their use in thermodynamics problems, first and second laws of thermodynamics and their use in steady and unsteady state problems, Carnot cycle, gas power cycles, vapour and combined power cycles are introduced. Use of T-s diagrams for power cycle analysis, P-h diagrams in refrigeration cycle analysis and simple combustion processes are covered. Renewable energy such as solar, hydro, wind and biomass, and their use in heating and electricity generation and the environmental benefits of renewable energy conclude study in this unit.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

S2-01-MALAYSIA-ON-CAMPUS

Requisites

Prohibition

Prerequisite

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Dr Prabhakar Ranganathan

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Lau Ee Von

Dr Prabhakar Ranganathan

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Identify concepts of thermodynamic equilibrium and energy transfer.

Determine the transfer of energy in ideal engineering devices using the First Law of Thermodynamics.

Determine the performance and efficiency of ideal and practical engineering devices using the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

Apply thermodynamics concepts to evaluate the performance of heat engines and refrigeration systems.

Discern measurements required to evaluate the thermodynamic performance of real engineering systems.

Teaching approach

Problem-based learning

Peer assisted learning

Active learning

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 60%

Final assessment: 40%

This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Practical activities

2 - Lab-based assignments

3 - Mid-semester test

4 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Applied sessions

Assessments

Laboratories

Practical activities

Workload requirements

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Learning resources

Required resources

Other unit costs

The following item is mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator

Availability in areas of study

E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Mechanical engineering