Thermodynamics is the backbone of mechanical engineering, governing everything from the human body and pressure cookers to massive steam power plants and jet engines. But let's be honest: concepts like entropy and enthalpy can feel incredibly abstract until you actually start crunching the numbers. That is where
: Basic concepts, property measurements (temperature and pressure), and thermodynamic equilibrium. Laws of Thermodynamics : Rigorous problems on the (energy conservation) and Second Law (entropy and irreversibility). Substance Properties
Dew point, relative humidity, and enthalpy of air-water vapor mixtures. How to Maximize Your Results with This Book Laws of Thermodynamics : Rigorous problems on the
: Draw the thermodynamic system and label all energy interactions (heat ) across the boundaries. Define System Type : Determine if it is a closed system (fixed mass) or an open system (control volume). State Assumptions
Analyzing Otto, Diesel, Brayton, and Rankine cycles. Define System Type : Determine if it is
At its core, the text operates on the principle that thermodynamics is best mastered through "learning by doing." While standard textbooks often focus on deriving the First Law or explaining entropy through abstract proofs, Liley’s work provides a massive repository of 2,000 worked examples. This volume allows students to see every possible variation of a problem—from simple property lookups to complex multi-stage power cycles—ensuring they are never surprised by an exam question or a real-world design constraint. Comprehensive Coverage
Idealized processes in turbomachinery. D. Power and Refrigeration Cycles and Carnot refrigeration cycles
| Chapter | Title | Key Topics Covered | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | | Pressure, volume, temperature, mass, work, and energy. | | 2 | Thermodynamic Properties of Fluids, Ideal Gases | Ideal gas processes, real fluid processes, steam tables, critical point, Tds equations. | | 3 | First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics for Closed Systems | First law, boundary and paddle-wheel work, entropy principle, second law. | | 4 | Real Fluids | Compressibility factor, Maxwell relations, Clausius-Clapeyron equation, Joule-Thompson coefficient. | | 5 | Steady and Transient Flows | Continuity, energy equation, subsonic nozzles and diffusers, turbines, compressors. | | 6 | The Carnot Cycle | Carnot heat engines, heat pumps, and refrigerators; Clausius Inequality. | | 7 | Gas Cycles | Otto, Diesel, Dual (Sabatier), Brayton, and Stirling cycles. | | 8 | Vapor Cycles | Detailed analysis of various vapor power cycles. | | 9 | Psychrometry | Heating, cooling, humidifying, and air conditioning processes; cooling towers. | | 10 | Refrigeration | Vapor-compression, Brayton, and Carnot refrigeration cycles; air liquefaction. | | 11 | Combustion: First Law and Equation Balancing | Combustion equations, Orsat analysis, enthalpy of formation, heating values. | | 12 | The Second Law Applied to Combustion | Dissociation, equilibrium constant, and second-law analysis of combustion. | | 13 | Miscellaneous Topics | Statistical thermodynamics, transport properties, exergy (availability). | | 14 | Supplementary Problems | Additional problems from all previous chapters for extra practice. |
Beyond students, it serves as a reference for practicing engineers needing quick refreshes on specific thermodynamic calculations. Technical Specifications
The heart of mechanical engineering lies in power and cooling cycles. Solving hundreds of cycle problems helps you master: