Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics are essential areas of science and engineering that impact many aspects of our world. Have you ever wondered why a broken glass cannot repair itself? This unit introduces the key concepts of fluids and thermodynamics to help answer questions like these and deepen your understanding of critical scientific principles.
This unit is divided into two parts. In the first part, the unit focuses on fluid mechanics. It begins with a review of concepts such as temperature, pressure, and energy, addressing common misconceptions to build a solid foundation. Following this, the unit covers manometers, static fluids, and fluid flow, introducing Bernoulli's principle. Recognising the limitations of Bernoulli's equation, we then develop an energy equation that accounts for real-world scenarios involving pumps, turbines, and energy losses.
The second part of the unit centres upon thermodynamics. It begins by examining the properties of pure substances and phase changes, followed by an introduction to the energy conservation principle known as the First Law of Thermodynamics. However, the unit naturally leads to the discovery that the conservation of energy law is incomplete, introducing the second law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy. Finally, both laws are applied to real-world systems, analysing power generation and refrigeration applications.
By connecting scientific theory with practical applications, this unit illustrates how these essential topics influence both natural and industrial processes, thereby deepening your understanding of the world around us.
This unit relies on online materials. Students must have access to a reliable high-speed broadband connection and a scanner.
