The unit on thermodynamics serves to revise notions learnt during preparatory classes and to explore new fields. It consists of three parts:
· The bases: introduction of the notion of fundamental relation. It is explained how this sole equation leads to full knowledge of a system (h,v,s,c_p,...). Students will also learn to identify the key variables of a given problem and to adapt the writing of thermodynamic principles to this context, using the Legendre transform. The example of a pure monophasic body and a binary monophase combination is dealt with in detail.
· Transformations: unbalanced systems are subject to transformations which are described in a macroscopic manner by terms of work and heat and also in a microscopic manner using the principle notions of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. This generalisation allows the processing of interesting cases of coupled phenomena such as the Seebeck or Soret effects.
· Stability and instability: a general and rigorous description is given of stability and instability. It allows the correct description of solid-liquid, liquid-vapour and solid-vapour phase changes. The mechanisms of return to equilibrium, such as nucleation-growth and spinodal decomposition, are explained from a thermodynamic point of view.
Assessment will be based on:
| On completion of the unit, the student will be capable of: | Classification level | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Constructing a fundamental relation from experimental data (in particular equations of state) | 3. Apply | null |
| Using a fundamental relation to obtain a particular property of a thermal system | 3. Apply | |
| Carrying out an analysis of thermodynamic stability | 4. Analyse | |
| Identifying pertinent variables of a system and writing the thermodynamic principle in an adapted manner | 4. Analyse | |
| Using the thermodynamics of irreversible processes to describe coupled phenomena | 3. Apply |
| Percentage ratio of individual assessment | Percentage ratio of group assessment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exam: | 80 | % | Project submission: | % | |
| Individual oral exam: | % | Group presentation: | % | ||
| Individual presentation: | % | Group practical exercise: | % | ||
| Individual practical exercise: | % | Group report: | % | ||
| Individual report: | 20 | % | |||
| Other(s): % | |||||
| Type of teaching activity | Content, sequencing and organisation |
|---|---|
| (inter)active Amphitheatre | The unit presents new notions by emphasising the qualitative aspects of phenomena or equations. This allows the development of the “physics dimension”, the overview and the intuition which characterise the engineer. The course is completed by a duplication which emphasises the rigour of scientific methods and logical reasoning. |
| Supervised studies | The supervised study sessions provide the opportunities for applying the notions presented in class. They are the moment for exchanges and discussions with the teachers. The supervised study sessions represent approx. 50% of the total unit teaching hours. They are preceded by individual work and lead to the production of a report. Each report will be assessed on an ABCDE basis. |