Thermodynamics (MCEN90015)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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AIMS

There are 2 related, major topics of study in this subject. Each of these topics will analyse aspects of important thermodynamic devices and will then be integrated to analyse their combined effects in selected devices:

  • Cycle analysis: gas turbines, refrigeration and steam cycles
  • Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation and heat exchangers


INDICATIVE CONTENT

  • Heat transfer: 1-D conduction, external convection, internal convection, heat exchangers and thermal radiation
  • Cycle analysis: Brayton cycles, turboject cycles, Rankine cycles, refrigeration cycles

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

 

Having completed this subject the student is expected to be able to:



  • Apply the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer to numerous engineering devices
  • Quantify and analyse the performance of various devices in which energy and mass transfer occur
  • Use a systems approach to simplify a complex problem.

Generic skills

After completing this unit, students should have

  • The ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals
  • The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution
  • An understanding of social, cultural, global, and environmental responsibilities and the need to employ principles of sustainable development
  • The ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance
  • The capacity for creativity and innovation.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MCEN30018 Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

(OR prior to 2013 - ENGR30001 Fluid Mechanics & Thermodynamics)

AND

Students must also meet one of the following prerequisite options:

Option 1

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20029 Engineering Mathematics
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Option 2

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20009 Vector Calculus
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time)

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20030 Differential Equations
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

MCEN30004 Thermofluids 2

MCEN30005 Thermofluids 3

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Three written assignments, each worth 10% and not exceeding 1500 words. Assignments 1 and 2 are associated with ILOs 1 and 2, assignment 3 is associated with ILOs 1, 2 and 3.

  • 35-40 hours (of work required)
From Week 4 to Week 1230%

One written examination. Assesses ILOs 1, 2 and 3.

  • 3 hours
Hurdle requirement: the examination is a hurdle and must be passed to pass the subject.		End of semester70%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorYi Yang
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorials and up to 4 hours of laboratory work.
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2023
    Census date31 March 2023
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023
    Assessment period ends23 June 2023

    Semester 1 contact information

    yi.yang@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

200 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Subject notes

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

    The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures and tutorials. Students will also complete one experiment which will reinforce the material covered in lectures.

     

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

    Students will have access to the following textbooks, and lecture notes.

    Theodore L. Bergman, Adrienne S. Lavine, Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt, Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, 7 th ed., Wiley (2011).

    Yonus A. Cengel and Michael A. Boles, Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach, 4 th ed., McGraw-Hill (2010).

     

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

    This subject is linked to many industries, including oil refining, power generation, chemical production, industrial processing, etc.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Mechanical Engineering
    Specialisation (formal)Mechanical with Business
    Specialisation (formal)Mechanical
    Specialisation (formal)Mechatronics
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 4 March 2025