Course 10 | Core
Thermodynamics
Use energy, heat, work, properties, entropy, and cycles to analyze systems.
Course snapshot
- Purpose
- Thermodynamics sets the energy limits for engines, compressors, refrigerators, power systems, and thermal devices.
- Prerequisites
- Next in the guided sequence
- Used in Career Directions
How to study this course
- Define the system
- Identify state properties
- Choose the process model
- Apply conservation of energy
- Check units and limiting cases
How this course is designed
Original course map
This course uses an original MechCompass module order using prerequisite logic, standard engineering practice, and evidence tasks. Suggested references are optional and listed separately.
Two laws, everywhere
Almost everything comes from two statements: energy is conserved (first law) and entropy is generated (second law). Each module applies one of them to a new system, from a sealed piston to a steam power plant.
Boundaries before formulas
The habit is to draw the system, decide whether mass crosses it, and name the process path before reaching for an equation. The bookkeeping, not the formula, is the skill.
The 10 modules
01 | Module
Basic Concepts of Thermodynamics
Systems, properties, state, the zeroth law, temperature, and pressure.
02 | Module
Energy, Heat, and Work
Forms of energy, heat and work transfer, efficiency, and the energy balance.
03 | Module
Properties of Pure Substances
Phases, the steam tables, quality, the ideal-gas law, and compressibility.
04 | Module
Energy Analysis of Closed Systems
The closed-system first law, boundary work, and specific heats cv and cp.
05 | Module
Mass and Energy Analysis of Control Volumes
Steady-flow energy balance for nozzles, turbines, compressors, and throttles.
06 | Module
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Heat engines, refrigerators and heat pumps, and the Carnot limit.
07 | Module
Entropy
Entropy change, isentropic processes, the T-s diagram, and isentropic efficiency.
08 | Module
Exergy
Availability, reversible work, exergy destruction, and second-law efficiency.
09 | Module
Gas Power Cycles
The air-standard Otto, Diesel, and Brayton cycles and their efficiencies.
10 | Module
Vapor and Refrigeration Cycles
The Rankine power cycle and the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle and COP.