Thermodynamics involves storage, transfer, and transformation of energy, and is the first course in thermal sciences for engineering students. It provides the foundation for the basic concepts and problem-solving skills that are later used in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and the design of thermo-fluid systems. This book is designed to provide a solid understanding of the principles, terminology, and methodology needed to thoroughly understand this subject. With detailed explanations along with practical examples, this book will allow the students to quickly understand the concepts and the analytical techniques presented here. Additional homework problems included in this book will further help develop these skills.
The book is divided into three parts. Part I includes the thermodynamic properties of materials and how they are used in the solution of engineering problems. Topics covered include properties of substances, the first law of thermodynamics, work integrals, engineering devices, the second law of thermodynamics, and nonideal gas effects. Part II applies thermodynamic principles to numerous engineering devices and cycles. If desired, selected topics in this part can be included in the first course. In this part, we also analyze internal and external combustion engines, refrigeration systems, psychrometrics, and the combustion process, which are foundational for subsequent courses in energy conversion, engines, and HVAC. In Part III, alternative energy is reviewed. This book serves to develop the essential skills in thermodynamics, primarily in a one-semester course, but it also has sufficient content for a second semester.
Merle C. Potter has four engineering degrees from Michigan Technological University and the University of Michigan, USA. He has co-authored several Schaum's Outline Books, including Statics, Dynamics, Strength of Materials and Fluid Mechanics, in addition to numerous exam review books as well as multiple textbooks such as Mechanics of Fluids, Thermodynamics for Engineers, Thermal Sciences, Differential Equations, Advanced Engineering Mathematics, and Engineering Your Future. His research involved fluid flow stability and energy related topics. In addition to teaching awards, he was inducted into the Academy of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan Tech. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) awarded him the 1980 Centennial Award, and the 2008 James Harry Potter Gold Medal. He is Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University and continues to write and golf.
Jeffrey S. Allen is the John F. and Joan M. Calder Endowed Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Technological University, USA, where he has taught since 2004. Prior to joining Michigan Tech, he worked at the NASA Glenn Research Center in the Microgravity Fluid Physics branch as a project scientist, where he was the recipient of eight NASA Achievement Awards. He completed his engineering and doctoral studies from the University of Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Allen's professional interests are in the areas of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, microfluidics and capillary flows, liquid-vapor phase change, optical microscopy, and energy conversion. He has more than a hundred peer-reviewed publications. He was awarded the 2009 SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award and has been inducted into the Michigan Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence. Dr. Allen is actively involved in with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and ECS, and is a fellow of the ASME.
Kenneth A. Kroos held a B.S., M.S., and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo, USA. He taught for five years at the Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tennessee, and served as the Student Section Advisor and Chair of the Memphis-Mid-south section of ASME. Dr. Kroos joined Villanova University in 1982, teaching courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and several others. He served as the Assistant Department Chair for the Mechanical Engineering Department. With several publications in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, engineering education and computer graphics for flow visualization, he performed research in computer graphics for the U. S. Army Ballistics Research Lab, and consulted for a number of companies in the Memphis and Philadelphia areas. Dr. Kroos was a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and a member of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). He served as Vice President of ASME in 2001 and served a three-year term on the Council for Member Affairs. Dr Kroos passed away in December 2022. He worked at Villanova University for 42 years and was a favourite among his students.
