Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ME 416 - Thermodynamics Applications

3 lecture hours 2 lab hours 4 credits
Course Description
This course is a continuation of the mechanical engineering thermodynamic sequence, with emphasis on applications of thermodynamic principles to engineering systems. New topics include gas mixtures, engine power cycles, and combustion. Design projects and laboratory experiments are used to illustrate the application of thermal-fluid analysis to systems and devices such as vapor compression refrigeration, internal combustion engines, cogeneration systems, fuel cells and solar energy systems. (prereq: CH 200 , ME 314 , ME 318 )
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Analyze Otto and Diesel cycles
  • Perform 1st Law analysis of combustion processes
  • Perform basic integrated thermal systems design
  • Apply 1st and 2nd law to real systems
  • Demonstrate the principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer in laboratory experimentation. Experiments will include the analysis of: power cycles and refrigeration cycles, solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, and cogeneration systems

Prerequisites by Topic
  • First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics
  • Ideal gas and incompressible liquid models, steam tables
  • Rankine, refrigeration, and Brayton cycles
  • Heat transfer- conduction, convection, radiation

Course Topics
  • Internal combustion cycles (otto and diesel) cycles
  • Reacting mixtures (combustion processes)
  • Design project(s)
  • Additional topics (compressible flow, cogeneration, psychrometrics, solar energy systems, fuel cells) chosen by instructor

Laboratory Topics
  • Internal Combustion Engine analysis
  • Combustion analysis
  • Refrigeration cycle
  • Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation
  • Cogeneration
  • Solar thermal energy systems
  • Solar photovoltaic energy systems
  • Fuel cells

Coordinator
Christopher Damm



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