MEEN3001W Thermodynamics 2

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module performs two main functions. Firstly, it deepens and broadens the Thermodynamic foundations established in the Stage 1 module, in particular with respect to the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics. Second, it exploits that strengthened framework to describe and analyse common engineering components and power-generation cycles.
The module begins with a review of the 1st Law of Thermodynamics, and an introduction to the 2nd Law that emphasises the distinction between heat and work. These laws are then applied to the analysis of Otto, Diesel, Brayton-Joule, and Rankine cycle heat engines, representative of petrol, diesel and jet engines, and steam-powered electricity generation plant respectively.
The concept of exergy is then introduced, and used to derive 2nd Law efficiency metrics for components (e.g. nozzles, diffuses, compressors) and cycles. The module concludes with a brief look at the thermodynamics of gas mixtures and of combustion.
In addition to the formal lectures, students each complete two laboratory practicals related to engine operation and efficiency. These laboratory sessions aim to deepen the student's engagement with the subject, develop their ability to work as a team, improve their engineering communication skills, and enhance their capacity to conduct experiments and to analyse and interpret data.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes in thermodynamics 2 cover a range of knowledge, skills, and abilities that students are expected to acquire by the end of a course. These outcomes are designed to reflect a deep understanding of the principles and applications of thermodynamics,especially for the second law of thermodynamics and relevant heat trasnfer process. The students will learn how to define and anlyze typical thermodynamic process, like cooling cycles and power cycles with a deep understanding of the role of entropy. Furthermore, students are expected to gain a comprehensive understanding of thermodynamics and its applications, preparing them for further studies in related fields and for practical applications in engineering and the sciences.

Indicative Module Content:

The module begins with a review of the 1st Law of Thermodynamics, and an introduction to the 2nd Law that emphasises the distinction between heat and work. These laws are then applied to the analysis of Otto, Diesel, Brayton-Joule, and Rankine cycle heat engines, representative of petrol, diesel and jet engines, and steam-powered electricity generation plant respectively.
The concept of exergy is then introduced, and used to derive 2nd Law efficiency metrics for components (e.g. nozzles, diffuses, compressors) and cycles. The module concludes with a brief look at the thermodynamics of gas mixtures and of combustion.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

100
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
To enhance student understanding and engagement, various teaching and learning approaches are often employed in this module, especially the group projects, case studies and labortory operations. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
This module is delivered overseas and is not available to students based at the UCD Belfield or UCD Blackrock campuses


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60
Attendance: Engagement in discussion or oral presentation. Examples of participation and presentation might include contributions to in-class discussions, debates or oral presentations. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

10
Group Project: An assignment based on a group work task, where the product (project, report, artefact,..) and/or the process (contribution, participation, reflection on learning) are graded for the individual and/or Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Mr Barry Brophy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor David Timoney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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