Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Significant numbers of graduates are employed in local process industries such as sugar factories, chemical and petroleum refineries and power generation plants. Graduates therefore need to have a complete understanding of the basic principles of energy transfer and thermodynamics. These same principles also apply in some areas of medical and mechatronic engineering. This unit is in the second year of the program to provide the foundation for later studies in the areas of thermodynamics and energy. It builds on mathematical and mechanical engineering concepts introduced in first year.

Aims

The aim of this unit is for you to understand and apply basic thermodynamics. You will develop skills in the handling of practical problems involving energy including steam, refrigeration and engines.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Use first and second laws to formulate and solve thermodynamic problems
2. Analyse thermodynamic cycles
3. Solve combustion problems using the fundamental principles of Thermodynamics

Content

• Introduction: heat, work, units.


• Properties of Pure Substances: liquid, vapour, gas, use of tables.


• Ideal gas law, isentropic compression/expansion.


• First Law of Thermodynamics


• Reciprocating IC engine, Otto and Diesel Cycles, Air Compressors.


• Control Volume Analysis: Nozzles, diffusers, turbines, compressors, throttling, heat exchangers.


• Refrigeration Cycles for refrigeration and Heat Pumps.


• The Second Law of Thermodynamics: Heat Engines, Carnot Cycle.


• Entropy


• Principles of Combustion, fuel properties, pollutants.


• Principles of Psychrometry and Air-Conditioning.


• Brayton and Rankine Cycles

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode:
Total hrs per week:
Lectures: 3
Tutorials: 1
Labs: 1
Laboratory work will consist of individual experiments, each of which will require you to record nominated measurements, analyse the data and critically assess the work in terms of comparison with theoretical predictions, experimental error and deficiencies in the experimental apparatus and/or technique.

Deep learning in this unit is done through a problem identification, interpretation and solving approach. Practical laboratory activities are designed to reinforce concepts introduced in lectures. They are also used to introduce practical instrumentation relevant to the unit content and industry practice.

Assessment

Assessment consists of problem solving tasks, laboratory reports, and final theory examination. For more details, please see the current study guide.You will be provided with feedback for each of the assessment items during the workshop sessions. The feedback will provide guidance on the correct solution for each of the first two assessment items (except the final exam). You will also be encouraged to review your work to identify your personal gaps in knowledge and skills. The tutorial teaching staff will facilitate this review and help you to identify strategies to improve your individual learning outcomes.

Assessment name: Two Laboratory Reports
Description: A formal report on a laboratory practical and a report on a engine simulation exercise.

AVL (10%) and Diesel (20%) (inclusion in assessment conditional on attendance to all practicals)
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: 18/5 and 25/5

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Problem Solving and Mid Semester Exercise
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughtout Semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: End of Semester Exam
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Type: Text Book, Blackboard & references
Author: Cengel & Boles
Title: Thermodynamics
Year: Publisher: McGraw Hill
Edition: 4th Ed, 5th Ed, 6th Ed

Type: References
Author: Eastop & McConkey
Title: Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists
Year: Publisher: Prentice Hall

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.

You will be required to undertake practical sessions in the laboratory under the supervision of the lecturer and technical staff of the School. In any laboratory practicals you will be advised of requirements of safe and responsible behaviour and will be required to wear appropriate protective items (e.g. closed shoes or steel capped shoes).

You will undergo a health and safety induction before the commencement of the practical sessions and will be issued with a safety induction card. If you do not have a safety induction card you will be denied access to laboratories.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 22-Oct-2012