Part 1: Foundations
Review of general thermodynamic concepts, entropy for nonequilibrium states and small systems, and energy/entropy transfer. Applications include exergies, second-law efficiencies, and greenhouse gas allocation.
About the Course
This course provides a rigorous approach to thermodynamics, spanning from rigorous foundational definitions of general concepts to advanced equilibrium and nonequilibrium modeling, with applications to small systems, chemical kinetics, molecular modeling, energy and climate engineering technologies, near-equilibrium Onsager reciprocity, far-nonequilibrium irreversible dynamics. It is offered on MIT OpenCourseWare as a free and open resource.
Instructor: Gian Paolo Beretta
Schedule: Tuesdays (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM) and Fridays (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) from February 2 to May 10, 2024.
Course Highlights
- Comprehensive review of general thermodynamics concepts
- Advanced coverage of nonequilibrium thermodynamics
- Applications to climate engineering and future energy technologies
- Unique teaching approach emphasizing precise articulation of concepts and mathematical modeling
Resources
Comprehensive Index - Links to all videos, chapters, and resources
- MIT OpenCourseWare Course Reference Page
- YouTube Video Playlist
- Table of Contents and Analytical Index
- PDF of Slides for Each Lecture
Syllabus Overview
Part 2: Multicomponent Equilibrium Systems
Chemical potentials, phase equilibria, liquid-vapor systems, membrane equilibria, and chemical kinetics. Applications include combustion kinetics, energy separation, and material processing.
Part 3: Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics
Introduction to local and constrained equilibrium assumptions, Onsager reciprocal relations, and entropy production principles. Applications include transport phenomena in fluids, thermodiffusion and thermoelectricity.
Recommended Readings
- Kjelstrup, Bedeaux, Johannessen, and Gross, Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics for Engineers, World Scientific, 2010.
- Gyftopoulos and Beretta, Thermodynamics: Foundations and Applications, Dover, 2005.
Evaluation
Coursework includes one traditional homework assignment, four take-home midterm assignments (video presentations), and a final oral exam.
Comprehensive Index and Links
For a complete overview of topics, timestamps, and resources, visit the Comprehensive Index.