Advanced Thermodynamics (MCEN90019)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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AIMS

This subject is an introduction to combustion theory and applications. In the first part we discuss combustion fundamentals, including thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, conservation equations, and application of these principles to solve simple flames and reacting flows. In the second part we discuss combustion engines and the combustion phenomena in spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines.


INDICATIVE CONTENT

  • Chemical thermodynamics and kinetics - flame temperatures, Gibbs free energy and equilibrium, chemical kinetics, combustion mechanisms of common fuels.
  • Governing equations - mass, momentum, species and energy conservation for idealized reactors and simplified reacting flows.
  • Flames - theoretical analyses of laminar flames, premixed flame (flame speed, quenching, flame stabilization), diffusion jet flame (flame geometry, conserved scalar, soot formation).
  • Reciprocating engines - engine cycle analysis, turbulent combustion in spark ignition and diesel engines, cylinder-pressure analysis, pollutant formation and emission control, alternative power-trains and fuels.

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)

 

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



  • Analyse the equilibrium and kinetics of combustion of different fuels
  • Use computer software to solve combustion kinetics and flame structures with detailed reaction mechanisms
  • Apply the fundamental principles of thermodynamics to numerous engineering devices
  • Use a systems approach to simplify a complex problem.

Generic skills

On completing this subject, 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
MCEN90015 Thermodynamics
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

MCEN40010 Thermofluids 4

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

Two assignments or laboratory reports of equal weight not exceeding 2500 words each, requiring approximately 25-30 hours of work each. Due week 8 and week 12 of semester (15% each). The assignments or reports assess ILOs 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • 25-30 hours
From Week 8 to Week 1230%

One oral exam, assesses ILOs 1, 3 and 4

Week 910%

One written examination, assesses ILOs 1, 3 and 4

  • 3 hours
End of semester60%

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorYi Yang
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours36 hours of lectures, up to 24 hours of tutorials and laboratories.
    Total time commitment200 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 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

    Turns S, (2010) An Introduction to Combustion - Concepts and Applications, 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill.

    Recommended texts and other resources

    Pulkrabek W, (2006) Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine, 2nd Ed. Prentice-Hall.
    Heywood J, Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals, McGraw-Hill, 1988.

  • 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, lecture notes, and Chemkin, a combustion simulation software.

    Stephen R. Turns, (2011) An Introduction to Combustion: Concepts and Applications, McGraw-Hill.

    John Heywood, (1986) Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals, McGraw-Hill.

     

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

    This subject is linked to power generation and automotive industries.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CoursePh.D.- Engineering
    CourseDoctor of Philosophy - Engineering
    CourseMaster of Philosophy - Engineering
    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