Thermodynamics For Engineers: Part 1

Fundamental Principles, and Laws

What you'll learn

Identify the work interaction by using the operational definition of work transfer

Logically Interpret Joule's experiment for obtaining the definitions of energy change and heat transfer

To systematically apply the first law of Thermodynamics to various closed and open system and draw meaningful inferences

To check the possibility of a cycle and a process using the concept of the second law of Thermodynamics

Estimate the exergy of simple thermodynamic systems

Requirements

Prior knowlwdge: Fundamental concepts of physics like Volume, Pressure, Velocity, Work ,Energy ,Concepts of mathematics like derivative, integration , nature of curves , slope of curve, Construction and working of common mechanical devices / machines

Description

Thermodynamics is a foundational subject in engineering that governs energy interactions in everything from engines and refrigerators to power plants and even the human body. A clear understanding of thermodynamics is essential for designing and analyzing efficient systems in virtually every branch of engineering.This course is designed to help engineering students and professionals master the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics with clarity and confidence. It focuses on building a strong conceptual base and developing the ability to systematically apply thermodynamic principles and laws to real-world engineering problems.Taught using the classical thermodynamics approach, the course emphasizes logical reasoning, clear explanations, and structured problem-solving techniques. Special attention is given to the concept of "entropy"—often considered abstract or challenging—which is introduced in an innovative and intuitive way to ensure deep understanding.The course is organized into short, focused video lectures, typically around 10 to 15 minutes each, to maintain interest and aid in retention. Almost every video session is followed by a Quiz that contains carefully framed conceptual questions to reinforce learning and build strong fundamental concepts.The course is ideal for undergraduate students in any engineering discipline. This course bridges the gap between theory and application, equipping learners with the tools necessary for academic success and professional growth in energy-related fields.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: Fundamental Concepts

Lecture 2 How to define system

Lecture 3 Classification of Thermodynamic systems

Lecture 4 How to describe a thermodynamic system ?

Lecture 5 Classification of Thermodynamic Properties

Lecture 6 Viewpoints

Lecture 7 The concept of Thermodynamic Equilibrium

Lecture 8 Thermodynamic Process & cycle

Lecture 9 The two important Characteristics of Property

Section 3: The Work Interaction

Lecture 10 Work and heat transfer

Lecture 11 Work of Expansion

Lecture 12 Other types of work transfer

Lecture 13 Operational definition of Work trasfer

Lecture 14 Complexity of a stsem

Lecture 15 State postulate and simple compressible system

Section 4: First Law of Thermodynamics: Closed System Formulation

Lecture 16 Joules Experiment: Introduction

Lecture 17 Joules Expt. Part-I : with insulation

Lecture 18 Joules Expt: Part-II : without insulation

Lecture 19 A special case: Adiabatic process

Lecture 20 Generalization of the First Law

Lecture 21 Special case: Thermodynamic Cycle

Lecture 22 Summary

Section 5: The First Law of Thermodynamics: Open System Formulation

Lecture 23 Examples of Open systems with steady flow: Part-1

Lecture 24 Examples of Open systems with steady flow: Part-2

Lecture 25 Examples of Open systems with steady flow: Part-3

Lecture 26 Flow energy

Lecture 27 Steady Flow Energy Equation (SFEE) Derivation

Lecture 28 Units and Negligible quantities

Lecture 29 Summary

Section 6: Applications of the first law

Lecture 30 Reduced form of SFEE for Work Transfer Devices

Lecture 31 Reduced form of SFEE for Heat Transfer Devices

Lecture 32 Reduced form of SFEE for "other" Devices

Lecture 33 Procedure to Apply the First Law

Lecture 34 Cricket Ball

Lecture 35 Electric Heater - part 1

Lecture 36 Electric Heater - part 2

Lecture 37 Table Fan

Lecture 38 Numerical_Shower

Section 7: The Second Law

Lecture 39 Limitations of the first law: Part1

Lecture 40 Limitations of First Law: Part 2

Lecture 41 The Heat Engine

Lecture 42 Refrigerator

Lecture 43 Heat Pump and comparison

Lecture 44 Statements of Second Law of Thermodynamics

Lecture 45 Equivalence of Kelvin Plank and Clausius statements-part 1

Lecture 46 Equivalence of Kelvin Plank and Clausius statements- part 2

Lecture 47 The concept of reversibility

Lecture 48 Carnot Theorem

Lecture 49 Proof of Carnot Theorem 1

Lecture 50 Proof of Carnot Theorem 2

Lecture 51 The Carnot Cycle

Lecture 52 How to calculate efficiency of a reversible cycle

Section 8: Entropy

Lecture 53 Criteria to check the possibility of a Cycle: The Clausius Inequality

Lecture 54 Identifying new property change

Lecture 55 How to calculate entropy change of an actual process

Lecture 56 Entropy relation

Lecture 57 Modified form of Entropy relation

Lecture 58 How to calculate "Sg" and check possibility of process

Lecture 59 How second law overcomes the limitations of the First Law

Section 9: Availability (Exergy)

Lecture 60 Introduction

Lecture 61 Availability K.E. and P.E.

Lecture 62 Availability of source at constant temperature (Infinite source)

Lecture 63 Loss of Exergy

Lecture 64 Availability of finite source -Part 1

Lecture 65 Availability of finite source -Part 2

Lecture 66 Illustrative example

Students pursuing Engineering Graduation or Diploma or anyone who wants to build strong foundation of Engineering Thermodynamics