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An introduction to concepts and principles in chemical and process thermodynamics. This course includes the 1st and 2nd Laws, equilibrium and reversibility, ideal gas process calculations and refrigeration and heat pump cycles.
Thermodynamics is a core subject for chemical and process engineering. Its principles are used in fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, heat and mass transfer, separation processes and process energy balances. This course emphasizes the development of these general principles including the 1st and 2nd Laws and the application of these to energy balances. This course will also reinforce mathematical concepts (such as partial derivatives) by linking them to physical phenomenon related to thermodynamics. Topics:• Internal energy, heat, work, state functions and the 1st law of thermodynamics• Properties of Ideal gases and PVT behavior of fluids• Application of partial derivatives and integral calculus to thermodynamics• Reversibility and equilibrium• Ideal gas processes• Phase diagrams and the Phase rule• Enthalpy and its use in energy balances including reactions and phase changes• Steam tables and others sources of thermodynamic data• Entropy and the 2nd Law• Heat engines• Heat pumps and refrigeration• Rankine power turbines• Gibbs energy
Understand the concept of energy storage and energy transferKnowledge of the 1st Law of thermodynamics and its limitsBe capable in using and describing partial derivatives in thermodynamicsAble to perform ideal gas process calculations and understand the limits of applicationBe able to describe reversibility and equilibriumUnderstand phase diagrams, the phase rule and phase transitionAble to use and apply energy balances to complex systemsUnderstand reference states and be capable of obtaining thermodynamic data Knowledge of the 2nd Law of thermodynamics and basic understanding of entropy and entropy changesCapable of performing heat engine, refrigeration and steam turbine calculations
Subject to the approval of the Dean of Engineering and Forestry.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
The course consists of three lectures (3 x 1 h) per week. Attendance at all lectures is highly encouraged.
Ben Reynolds
A minimum mark of 40% on the Final Exam must be attained in order to achieve a passing grade for this course
Smith, J. M. , Van Ness, H. C., Abbott, Michael M; Introduction to chemical engineering thermodynamics ; 7th ed; McGraw-Hill, 2005.
No textbooks are required. However, some useful resources include:• Smith, J. M., Van Ness, H. C. and Abbott, M. M. Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Any Edition, McGraw Hill.• The course reader by Professor Aaron Marshall – available on Learn
All information about academic policies (e.g. special consideration, dishonest practice) can be found on the ENCH Learn page
This is a compulsory course for Chemical and Process Engineering.
Students may obtain the general policies of the University on matters such as the applications for special consideration, appeals procedures, reconsideration of grades and special provision for students with disabilities from the University Calendar.
See the course coordinator.
Domestic fee $1,122.00
International fee $6,238.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Chemical and Process Engineering .