Module Details

Module Code: MECH7017
Title: Thermodynamics (Laws & Cycles)
Long Title: Thermodynamics (Laws & Cycles)
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5211 - Mechanical Engineering
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This modules offers the learner a comprehensive introduction to the 2nd Law of thermodynamics. This is delivered by examination of such cycles as steam plant and refrigeration. Internal combustion engines and other power cycles feature in this module. The student will also carry out a lab programme linked to this fundamental area.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Recognise and solve applications of the 2nd law of thermodynamics.
LO2 Analyse vapour power, refrigeration, internal combustion and gas turbine cycles.
LO3 Use the Carnot cycle to bench mark thermodynamic processes
LO4 Structure and prepare a technical laboratory report.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Second Law
Kelvin-Plank and Clausius statements. Heat Engine and Heat Pumps. Entropy. T-s, P-v and h-s diagrams. Carnot Cycle.
Power Generation Cycles
Steam Cycles, Rankine, reheat and regenerative.
Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Design basics. Otto, Diesel and dual air standard cycles
Gas Turbines
Gas Turbine design. Brayton cycle analysis.
Refrigeration
Vapour compression cycle. P-h diagrams. Refrigerants and their envirnomental impact
Combustion
Stoichiometric, Air Fuel Ratio
Lab Programme
Steam Power Plant, Refrigeration, Internal Combustion Engine
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Short Assesment
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
Laboratory Report
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Tuition Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Laboratory Programme Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Subrata Bhattacharjee. (2015), Thermodynamics: An Interactive Approach, Global Edition, Global. Pearson Ed, [ISBN: 9781292113746].
  • Richard E. Sonntag, Gordon J. Van Wylen. (1991), Introduction to thermodynamics, 2. J. Wiley, New York, [ISBN: 978-0-471-61427-2].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Claus Borgnakke, Richard E. Sonntag. (2009), Fundamentals of thermodynamics, Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., p.800, [ISBN: 978-0-470-17157-8].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EMECH_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering 3 Mandatory