Engineering thermodynamics is the study of energy, heat and work, and of how the properties of a substance change when they move. It underpins engines, compressors, refrigeration, furnaces and power plants.
How to use these lessons: They teach methods, not answers to assigned problems. Work each example yourself first, then compare your steps with ours.
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The 2027 Engineer Edition planner — dated and undated, for classes, labs and projects.
A first course builds a toolkit: properties of substances, energy balances, and limits on how well energy can be converted.
Start every problem by defining the system and its boundary, then list what crosses it. State your sign convention, use absolute pressure and temperature, and decide early whether the ideal gas model applies or you need property tables. The ideal gas law lesson covers that check.
Physics and chemistry texts often count work done on the system as positive; many engineering texts count work done by the system as positive. Both describe the same physics, so use the one your course uses and stick with it.
For gases at low pressure, the ideal gas law and specific heats are often enough. For water, steam and refrigerants you will need tables or property software.
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