Rudiments of thermodynamics

Duration

30h Th, 30h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Benoît Heinrichs

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The course aims at presenting the rudiments of thermodynamics in relation with the different fields of engineering.
The course is centered on three main themes: fundamental principles, introduction to thermal engines and chemical thermodynamics. It covers the following topics:

• Basic notions
• Energy, heat, work - First principle: the conservation of energy
• Enthalpy
• Elementary processes
• Internal energy of reaction and enthalpy of reaction
• Work from heat: thermal engines - Second principle
• Second principle, entropy, third principle
• Entropy of reaction
• Gibbs free energy - Spontaneity and equilibrium criteria for a chemical reaction
• Chemical potential
• Phase transition and phase equilibrium - Phase diagrams

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• understand the basic notions of thermodynamics;
• master the first, second and third principles of thermodynamics;
• calculate energy exchanges associated with physical and chemical transformations of matter;
• predict the direction of those transformations and calculate corresponding equilibria.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Notions of chemistry, physics and mathematical analysis learned in the first year of bachelor in engineering sciences.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is composed of theory sessions and interactive exercises sessions. Those sessions are complementary.
Theory sessions introduce new concepts which are illustrated with numerous examples. The aim of exercises sessions is to lead students to master the subject through problems solving. During those sessions, a problem is first solved and explained in details. Then, students solve successive problems by themselves with the help of instructors.
At the end of the semester, a questions ans answers session is organized. It brings the opportunity for students to asks all useful questions related to theory and exercises.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Face-to-face

Recommended or required readings

Notes and slides related to lectures and exercises sessions are distributed by the AEES students organization. They are also available on eCampus.

Assessment methods and criteria

Final written test in January.
Written test in August/September (retakes).
Tests consists in problems solving.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

First quadrimestre.
Theory lessons as well as exercises sessions are organized in an amphitheatre with the whole group of students.
During exercises sessions, students let rows free between them to allow instructors go around and help students individually to solve problems (cf.section "Planned learning activities and teaching methods").

Contacts

Prof. Benoît HEINRICHS Nanomaterials, Catalysis & Electrochemistry - NCE Department of Chemical Engineering University of Liège
Building B6a (office 0/10b) - Quartier Agora Allée du six Août 13 4000 Liège - Belgium
Phone: +32 4 366 35 05 e-mail: via course website on eCampus in myULg
Secretary: Phone: 04 366 4426/3541

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