3.1 Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is a branch of physics which deals with the energy and work of a system. It was born in the 19th century as scientists were first discovering how to build and operate steam engines. Thermodynamics deals only with the large scale response of a system which we can observe and measure in experiments. Small scale gas interactions are described by the kinetic theory of gases. The methods complement each other; some principles are more easily understood in terms of thermodynamics and some principles are more easily explained by kinetic theory.

There are three principal laws of thermodynamics. Each law leads to the definition of thermodynamic properties which help us to understand and predict the operation of a physical system.

• The zeroth law Links to an external site. of thermodynamics involves some simple definitions of thermodynamic equilibrium. Thermodynamic equilibrium leads to the large scale definition of temperature, as opposed to the small scale definition related to the kinetic energy of the molecules. The zeroth law of thermodynamics is an observation. When two objects are separately in thermodynamic equilibrium with a third object, they are in equilibrium with each other. 
  
  
• The first law Links to an external site. of thermodynamics relates the various forms of kinetic and potential energy in a system to the work which a system can perform and to the transfer of heat. This law is sometimes taken as the definition of internal energy, and introduces an additional state variable, enthalpy. The first law of thermodynamics allows for many possible states of a system to exist. But experience indicates that only certain states occur. This leads to the second lawof thermodynamics and the definition of another state variable called entropy.
  
  
• The second law Links to an external site. stipulates that the total entropy of a system plus its environment can not decrease; it can remain constant for a reversible process but must always increase for an irreversible process.
  (Resource : https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/thermo.html Links to an external site.)

Recommended courses :

• coursera - Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transforming Energy from Here to There (Links to an external site.)
  "This course provides an introduction to the most powerful engineering principles you will ever learn - Thermodynamics: the science of transferring energy from one place or form to another place or form." 
• Duration : 12 Hours
• Free
• Introductory course for engineering and science students. 
• The course must be followed during a given period.

• edX - Thermodynamics Links to an external site.  

"Introduction to basic concepts and applications of thermodynamics in mechanical engineering."

• Duration : 20 weeks, 8 to 10 hours/week
• Free
• Intermediate level
• The course must be followed during a given period. 

Recommended articles or reports : 

• Environmental thermodynamics and Renewable Energy (Links to an external site.)
  This article discusses the relations between environmental impact and renewable energy in general, and the limitation put by the laws of thermodynamic in particular.