This curriculum, Thermodynamics: Fundamentals and Applications, is a basic engineering theoretical science which studies the thermodynamic properties of matter and the conversion between thermal energy and other energies. It is a required curriculum for the major of thermal energy and power engineering. The curriculum tasks are to help students mastering the basic theory and knowledge of energy conversion, having the ability to analyze and calculate the thermal equipment, and putting forward the ways to improve the conversion efficiency. Through the study of the course knowledge systematically, especially by the implementation of research-based teaching mode, the reinforcement of engineering practical problem analysis and the training projects, students can improve the ability to actively acquire knowledge, the analyzing and judging abilities of combining theory with practice and engineering problems of their major, the comprehensive quality of scientific research and technological innovation, and a solid foundation can be provided for students to study the follow-up courses. The study of this course can provide students with necessary theoretical knowledge and technical ability for the scientific research, design, experiment and management of thermal energy and power engineering.

Teaching goals are:

Students should master the basic concepts of engineering thermodynamics and the basic theories of the first law and the second law of thermodynamics, be able to correctly apply the basic concepts and laws to solve practical problems in energy system engineering, and be cultivated with the professional basic knowledge and skills needed to solve complex engineering problems in energy utilization system.

By learning the thermodynamic properties of ideal gas, water vapor, wet air and other working substances, students can be able to make thermodynamic calculations skillfully by using the property formulas and charts of common working substances, master thermal process and various thermal cycle analysis methods, have a deep understanding of the basic principles and main ways to improve the thermal economy of energy utilization.

This course requires the following prerequisites:

1) Calculus;

2) College Physics (Heat).

1. He, B. S.; He, D.; Wang, C. J.; Yan, L. B. Thermodynamics: Fundamentals and Applications, 2nd ed.; Tsinghua University Press, Beijing Jiaotong University Press: Beijing, China, 2022. (Suggested textbook)
2. He, B. S.; Duan, Z. P.; Yan, L. B.; Wang, C. J.; He, D. Thermodynamics: Fundamentals and Applications; Tsinghua University Press, Beijing Jiaotong University Press: Beijing, China, 2020 (in Chinese).
3. He, B. S.; He, D.; Wang, C. J.; Yan, L. B. Engineering Thermodynamics: Key knowledge points and comprehensive examples; Tsinghua University Press, Beijing Jiaotong University Press: Beijing, China, 2023 (in Chinese).
4. Çengel, Y. A.; Boles, M. A.; Kanoğlu, M. Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach, 9th ed.; McGraw-Hill: New York, USA, 2019.
5. Moran, M. J.; Shapiro, H. N.; Boettner, D. D.; Bailey, M. B. Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, 9th ed.; John Wiley and Sons Inc.: New York, USA, 2018.

The exam time for this semester will start at 9:00 a.m. on Jan 6, 2026. Please arrange your time in advance.

The questions are relatively simple and are consisted of 20 single choice questions and 3 analysis questions. Good grades can be expected after serious and persistent study!

Boys and girls, come on!