Lecturer: Anna Magrini  

Course name: Technical physics
Course code: 500155
Degree course: Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale
Disciplinary field of science: ING-IND/11
The course relates to:
University credits: CFU 9
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

The course aims to provide the cultural background necessary to understand the basic principles of thermodynamics and thermal energy analysis and the basics of heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation to apply them through exercises to system components and power systems. In particular, extensive use of the basic equations of mass and energy conservation in the field of thermodynamics will be performed, with special reference and examples related to air conditioning systems. At the end of the course the student will be able to set the analysis of thermal systems and will have acquired a set of concepts that allow the examination of the practical problems of heat transfer of systems.

Course programme

Thermodynamics - Fundamentals
Principles of thermodynamics: introduction, definitions. Reversibility and irreversibility. Work and heat. Principle I of thermodynamics for open and closed systems, internal energy and enthalpy. Principle II: statements, entropy. Efficiency of thermodynamic cycles. Carnot cycle. COP. Properties of fluids on diagrams. Ideal gases and their major transformations. Ideal gas cycles (outline): Otto, Diesel and Joule. Efficiency. Direct and reverse cycles (with phase liquid-vapor) heat pumps.

Heat transfer - Fundamentals
Mechanisms of heat transfer. Heat conduction in solids: Fourier law of conduction and its application to flat and cylindrical surfaces in steady state, thermal insulation ancd critical insulation thickness, electrical analogy. Heat transfer in natural and forced convection, finned surfaces. The overall heat transfer coefficient. Heat transfer by radiation: definitions, fundamental laws, black body, shape factors, electrical analogy. Heat exchangers.

Thermodynamics of humid air
Definition of relevant quantities: relative and absolute humidity, enthalpy. Mollier diagram for moist air. Transformations on the diagram. Applications and calculations relating to air conditioning systems: fundamental thermodynamic processes, energy and mass balance and latent heat loads. HVAC systems. Measuring instruments. Behavior of materials against moisture. Superficial and interstitial condensation. Examples.

Course entry requirements

Basic knowledge of mathematics, derivatives and integrals. Basic Concepts of Physics

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 45
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 45
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 0

Suggested reading materials

Testing and exams

To access the examination one or more exercises set at the beginning of the course must be prepared. The details of the development and delivery of exercise are defined in the web page of the teacher. The final assessment is a written test and a conversation (normally the day after the written test).