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MEEN30100

Academic Year 2026/2027

Engineering Thermodynamics II (MEEN30100)

Subject:
Mechanical Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Mechanical & Materials Eng
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Ali Saberi Mehr
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module performs two main functions. Firstly, it deepens and broadens the Thermodynamic foundations established in the Stage 1 module MEEN10010 Energy Engineering, 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.

Throughout the module, reference is made to the importance of energy for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Renewable energy systems (RES) are analysed from a thermodynamic perspective, and their performance and sustainability compared with traditional, fossil-based systems.

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 combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant is then investigated.

The concept of exergy is then introduced, and used to derive 2nd Law efficiency metrics for components (e.g. Turbines, pumps, compressors) and cycles. The module concludes with a brief look at the thermodynamics of gas mixtures.

In addition to the formal lectures, students each complete two laboratory practicals, related to engine operation and refrigeration respectively. 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. All laboratories are carried out with reference to current School Health and Safety protocols. Students should follow these during all laboratory activities. Further information is available at https://intranet.ucd.ie/smme/index.html and within the Brightspace resources for this module.

Students are encouraged to use one or more of the following text books to support their learning in this module:
"Thermodynamics: an engineering approach". Cengel and Boles, McGraw-Hill.
"Fundamentals of thermodynamics". Sonntag, Borgnakke and Van Wylen, Wiley.
"Modern engineering thermodynamics". Balmer, Elsevier.

Students should note that a non-standard marking system is used in this module, for all grades above C-. 50% corresponds to a grade of C- as usual; grade boundaries are then drawn at intervals of 5%, up to the A+ boundary at 90%. So 55% equates to a grade of C; 60% to a grade of C+; 65% to a grade of B-, etc.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
1. Analyse common engineering flow devices using the 1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics.
2. Describe and analyse the operation, performance, and characteristics of common power-generation cycles including the Otto, Diesel, Brayton-Joule cycles, the Rankine steam cycle, and the gas turbine combined cycle.
3. Conduct relevant experiments, and analyse and interpret data.
4. Describe the basic mechanisms linking combustion to gaseous emissions, and discuss the physical and ethical implications of these emissions for local and global air quality.
5. Explain the linkages between thermal efficiency and sustainability of energy conversion cycles and devices.
6. Communicate effectively with engineers using oral and written media.

Indicative Module Content:

The content delivered in this module is shown below, and will be delivered in approximately the sequence shown:

Section 1: Introduction and Fundamentals
• Introduction, and review of 1st law of Thermodynamics
• Introduction to 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
• Reversible and irreversible processes
• Introduction to entropy

Section 2: Modelling engines
• Air-standard engine assumptions
• Real engine performance metrics
• Otto-cycle and gasoline engines
• Diesel-cycle and diesel engines
• Brayton-Joule cycle and gas turbine engines

Section 3: Multiphase fluids
• Deriving and using the Tds equations
• Rankine cycle

Section 4: 2nd Law analysis: exergy
• The gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) - what and why
• Exergy and 2nd Law efficiency
• Flow through nozzles and throttles

Section 5: Mixtures of Ideal Gases
• Partial properties of gas mixtures

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

 The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Advanced Beginner

Critical Thinking

 The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Expert

Systems Thinking

 The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Proficient

Strategic

 The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Proficient

Integrated Problem Solving

 The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Expert

Self-awareness

 The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Expert

Normative

 The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Expert

Anticipatory

 The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Expert

Digital Literacy and Judgement

 The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Proficient

AI Literacy & Agency

 The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Competent

Wellbeing

 Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Competent

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 4

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 5

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 5
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

4
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Lectures

24
Laboratories

6
Online Learning

12
Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Module delivery is based around 35 lectures, and 2 group laboratory sessions

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

As the module title indicates, this module is intended to build on material covered in a previous, introductory-level, thermodynamics course. It is strongly recommended that students complete such an introductory Thermodynamics module prior to attempting MEEN30100 Thermodynamics II.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Exam (In-person): Second midterm exam/quizzes Week 7 Graded No
20
 No
Exam (In-person): Final Term exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
60
 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Lab Practice Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No
20
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students are provided with class feedback following each interim assessment. Individual feedback is also offered following each interim assessment. Feedback on Laboratory activities is provided at class level, throughout the semester.

Yunus Cengel and Michael Boles, "Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach", McGraw-Hill (6th edition or later)
or
Claus Borgnakke and Richard E. Sonntag, "Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (SI version)", Wiley
or
Claus Borgnakke, "Borgnakke's Fundamentls of Thermodynamics, SI version", Wiley

Name Role
Dr Ali Saberi Mehr Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor David Timoney Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Geetanjali . Tutor
Ashwin Mishra Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 10 Fri 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 9 Fri 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 3 Week(s) - 4, 11 Fri 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 4 Week(s) - 5, 7 Fri 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 5 Week(s) - 6, 8 Fri 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 6 Week(s) - 2, 9 Mon 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 7 Week(s) - 3, 7 Mon 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 8 Week(s) - 4, 10 Mon 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 9 Week(s) - 5, 11 Mon 15:00 - 16:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 10 Week(s) - 6, 12 Mon 15:00 - 16:50
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