MAEN4100 Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer Course description

Many physical phenomena and processes in nature can be described in terms of thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer. The course shall provide a solid foundation to be able to model, analyse, and describe thermal processes in technical installations

No requirements above the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to achieve the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has knowledge of

• the significance of phase diagrams, with a particular focus on the phase diagram of water
• ideal gas model conditions and different state equations
• mass and energy balance - 1st law of thermodynamics
• entropy, exergy and anergy - 2nd law of thermodynamics
• the differences between reversible and irreversible processes
• analysis of thermodynamic cycles for heat pumps, including refrigeration cycle and power cycle
• relative and specific humidity, heating and humidification, cooling and dehumidification, Mollier diagram
• heat conduction equation (3-dimensional, transient) with boundary and initial condition
• external and internal forced convection, boundary layer, velocity and temperature profile. Empirical correlations will be used.
• natural (free) convection and empirical correlations to calculate Nusselt's numbers
• heat exchangers, analysis using logarithmic mean temperature difference and effectiveness- NTU method
• simple radiation physics and thermal radiation between solid surfaces
• principles for calculating mass transport by diffusion and convection with emphasis on moisture transfer

Skills

The student is capable of

• analyzing thermodynamic properties using tables and state equation
• analyzing thermodynamic processes using T-v T-s, P-h diagrams, entropy differences for irreversible and reversible processes
• calculating exergy destruction for the various components of a given system in a given environment
• calculating the performance of heat pump, Refrigeration cycle and selected power cycles
• analyzing air-conditioning processes in using Mollier diagram
• calculating heat conduction in solid elements, for example in walls (heat flow and temperature field)
• calculating convective heat transfer between solid bodies and liquid for both forced and natural convection
• calculating heat transfer between hot and cold liquids in heat exchangers
• calculating heat exchange between solid surfaces by means of thermal radiation

General competence

The student is capable of

• analyze the thermodynamic performance of systems related to heat pumps, refrigeration cycles and selected power cycles
• critically select appropriate empirical correlations for the convective heat transfer coefficients for calculating the heat exchanger area
• analyze calculated result
• communicate with engineers and researchers in topics related to thermodynamics, heat and mass transport

Lectures, supervision, computer exercises and assignments.

The Research Methodology course will serve as both the foundation, and provide some of the tools, for the work on the master’s research project and thesis. Research methodology is related to the practical craft of collecting and analysing data, grounded in a coherent theory of knowledge research paradigm (as introduced in course FLKM4210). Research methodology and specific research methods are covered in teaching activities in connection to each other, and in connection to theories of knowledge.

No prerequisite knowledge required.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has insight into the connections between r research methodology, particular methods, and theory of knowledge.
• has insight into central aspects of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in the social sciences, relevant for the program’s interdisciplinary field of international development, education, and sustainabilities.
• has knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and methods, including questions of alignment between research questions, methodology, methods, and analysis of materials to generate credible findings.
• has knowledge of ethical challenges and dilemmas in research within the field of international development, education, and sustainabilities; and associated with particular research methodologies and methods.

Skills

The student is capable of conducting independent research, including:

• writing a coherent research project proposal and design.
• formulating research questions consistent with the research methodology, and selecting and appropriate research methods, relevant to research project located within the program’s interdisciplinary fields.
• locating their project within theory of knowledge paradigms.
• preparing and carrying out qualitative and / or quantitative research methods suitable for particular research questions and projects.
• preparing and carrying out research interviews.
• analysing research material / data.
• identifying and critically analysing existing research literature and findings relevant to one’s topic.

General competence

The student:

• has the capacity to design and carry out a research project, including the collection and analysis of data, within a selected research methodology and methods.
• understands and can discuss ethical questions about their project’s design and implementation.
• can describe and apply quality criteria to assess the value of their research findings.
• understands the basic characteristics and limits of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The work and teaching methods used in the course are characterised by lectures and dialogue and discussions, to which the students bring their own different practical experience and academic backgrounds.

Students are assigned an academic supervisor for their research project (FLKM5000) by the start of this course, with up to 10 hours (out of 50 hours in total) of supervision available for work on the development of their research project description.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• An initial draft (1,500 to 2,000 words) of individual research project descriptions.
• 80 % attendance requirement (see the programme description for more information)

The purpose of the coursework requirement is to ensure all students have developed, in consultation with their academic supervisor, a feasible research project description prior to commencing their research project in the Fall.