Course coordinator
Professor Anand Veeraragavan
If you have questions you would like to discuss with Professor Veeraragavan, please email to arrange an appointment.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Mech & Mine Engineering School
2nd law, entropy and availability. Power and refrigeration cycles. Mixtures, psychrometry, chemical reactions and combustion. Conduction, convection, radiation, multi-mode heat transfer applications.
This course will build on the knowledge learned in the introductory thermofluids courses to cover the fundamentals of classical thermodynamics and heat transfer, taught in ENGG1500 and MECH2410. The students will then be able to apply the principles learned in the course to mechanical engineering systems.
The thermodynamics part of this course builds on students' knowledge ofﾠthe fundamentals of thermodynamics including the second law, entropy, exergy, Carnot cycle ,ﾠand chemical reactio nsﾠgained in ENGG1500. The students will then learn about different heat engines/advanced power cycles (Carnot, Otto, Diesel, Brayton, Rankine, etc) and refrigeration cycles. Basics of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) as well as psychrometry will be covered. Thermodynamic analysis of mixtures and combustion will ﾠalso be taught.ﾠ
The heat transfer part of this course builds on MECH2410 and ENGG1500, and coversﾠmodes of heat transfer and applies the newﾠknowledge toﾠheat exchanger design and evaluation. The students will learn about conduction (1D as well as 2D and 3D; with heat generation), convection (forced, free and mixed for both internal and external flow) and radiation heat transfer both under steady and unsteady conditions. Concepts like thermal resistance, area extension through fins, and logarithmic mean temperature difference (LMTD) will be introduced and their use in solving practical heat transfer problems will be covered.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Knowledge equivalent to first year engineering thermodymanics (such as that covered in ENGG1500) and second year incompressible fluid mechanics (such as that covered in MECH2410) is essential.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ENGG1500 and MECH2410
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Ramprakash Ananthapadmanaban
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
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Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to develop the student's ability to utilise advanced concepts in thermodynamics and heat transfer to analyse complex real-life industrial processes by making simplifying assumptions that can allow analytical or semi-emperical engineering calculations to be undertaken for performance analysis of such systems.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and correctly use the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer - Analyse simple canonical engineering problems and link them to these fundamental principles
LO2.
Identify and correctly use the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer - Understand different modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation)
LO3.
Identify and correctly use the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer - Apply basic thermodynamic principles to analyse well-known power/refrigeration cycles
LO4.
Identify and correctly use the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer - Calculate the temperature distribution in a heat exchanger and for different processes
LO5.
Identify and correctly use the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer - Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental thermodynamic principles of combustion and chemical equilibrium
LO6.
Identify and correctly use the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer - Read psychrometric charts and identify the relevant air properties (saturation temperature, humidity, enthalpy etc)
LO7.
Identify and correctly use the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer - Understand the difference between transient and steady problems and select the proper tool to investigate the problem
LO8.
Apply thermodynamics and heat transfer problem-solving strategies to analyse the performance of complex engineering systems - Select and apply appropriate techniques and tools introduced in the course to quantify the thermodynamic performance of innovative power/refrigeration cycles
LO9.
Apply thermodynamics and heat transfer problem-solving strategies to analyse the performance of complex engineering systems - Apply simplified mathematical models to complex thermodynamic processes in heating ventilation and air conditioning problems
LO10.
Apply thermodynamics and heat transfer problem-solving strategies to analyse the performance of complex engineering systems - Create strategies for accommodating real effects building on the simplified frameworks developed in thermodynamics
LO11.
Apply thermodynamics and heat transfer problem-solving strategies to analyse the performance of complex engineering systems - Select the approach best suited to investigate a given heat transfer problem
LO12.
Apply thermodynamics and heat transfer problem-solving strategies to analyse the performance of complex engineering systems - Interpret temperature and heat transfer measurements
LO13.
Effectively communicate engineering solutions in thermodynamics and heat transfer to teaching staff and peers - Work collaboratively with team members to develop analysis of thermodynamics and heat transfer data from laboratory experiments
LO14.
Effectively communicate engineering solutions in thermodynamics and heat transfer to teaching staff and peers - Demonstrate the ability to articulate methodologies to estimate heat transfer and energy conversion efficiency
LO15.
Effectively communicate engineering solutions in thermodynamics and heat transfer to teaching staff and peers - Document and report engineering thermohydraulics measurements and analysis of physical data
LO16.
Use analysis methods of physical systems to contrast performance against potential environmental impacts and human comfort - Systematically utilise the basic thermodynamic analysis of advanced engineering systems to quantify environmental benefits of existing options
LO17.
Use analysis methods of physical systems to contrast performance against potential environmental impacts and human comfort - Compare and contrast different HVAC system options to identify environmental suitability based on their climate of application
LO18.
Use analysis methods of physical systems to contrast performance against potential environmental impacts and human comfort - Demonstrate an understanding of engineering tailored heat transfer solutions to achieve least environmental impact
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration | Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer prac sessions | 15% |
24/03/2025 - 20/05/2025
13:00 (1:00pm) One week from the attendance of your practical session |
| Examination |
In-Semester Exam
|
25% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
Please refer to your personal exam timetable on my.UQ. |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer prac sessions
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
24/03/2025 - 20/05/2025
13:00 (1:00pm) One week from the attendance of your practical session
Task description
Students are expected to attend the practical on the date that they have signed up for. We strongly encourage the students to note this down in their calendar with adequate reminders, as this occurs only once in the semester for every student. The practical spaces are limited and hence it is very difficult to accommodate students who accidentally miss their session. We would suggest contacting Dr. Ramprakash Ananthapadmanaban (Practical Coordinator) by email, in the event of missing your session, owing only to extenuating circumstances, to be relocated to a new session. Please note that the Report deadlines noted below then shift to your new practical session and with the group of students you undertake this with.
Pre-work (self-study at home and responding to questions posted on Blackboard) carries 5%, running the tests and Practical Report on thermodynamics (refrigeration) and heat transfer (conduction) carries the remaining 10%.
Practical reports are due one week (5 working days) from the date that you attended your practical session. If that date falls on a holiday/mid-semester break, it will be due the next working day of the semester.
The submission time for the report is 13:00 (1 PM), even if your practical hours were different from this.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extensions are available for the report.
Students will be provided with feedback within 15-21 days after the original due date.
A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Electronic Course Profile (ECP), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
In-Semester Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
Please refer to your personal exam timetable on my.UQ.
Task description
The In-Semester examination will assess a portion of the thermodynamics/heat transfer content covered up to this point in the semester. Specific topics will be communicated via Blackboard announcements.
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer, Problem solving
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
Final Exam will assess all of the content covered in the course.
Format: Multiple-choice, Problem solving
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Pass Hurdle: Must demonstrate competency in the final exam of >40% in order to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.00 - 34.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all the requirements for a Pass. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Satisfies the following basic learning requirements for the course: is able to apply the basic concepts introduced in heat transfer and thermodynamics to analysis of simple engineering systems and demonstrates a professional engineering approach to solving heat transfer/thermodynamics problems. Must also meet the other requirements noted below (Pass Hurdle). |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts of heat transfer/thermodynamics by, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance and some originality or insight.ﾠMust also meet the other requirements noted below (Pass Hurdle). |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of heat transfer/thermodynamics. This is shown by an ability to solve non-routine problems, and to adapt and apply ideas to new situations. Must also meet the other requirements noted below (Pass Hurdle). |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality or flair, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course.ﾠMust also meet the other requirements noted below (Pass Hurdle). |
Additional course grading information
Pass Hurdle: Must demonstrate competency in the final exam of >40% in order to pass the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site, will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.ﾠ
A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Laboratory access
Students must have completed the Student Laboratory Safety Induction, Annual Fire Safety Training and Health Safety and Wellness (HSW) to a specific laboratory induction, all accessed via Blackboard.
If you require access for experimental work, then register for an induction by searching for that laboratory at the following link: https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/urite/
Additional requirements to be inducted into each laboratory will be listed on that link.
Students can also check their HSW training card here: https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/safe
Access to laboratories will be granted after all of the specific laboratory requirements have been met.
If you have any enquiries regarding HSW please contact the School’s Technical Services Team on labsupport@mechmining.uq.edu.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Apply, practice, and extend the concepts taught during the lectures to sample problems and discuss worked solutions; receive feedback and assistance in the learning process; develop communication skills through in-class discussions. |
Lecture |
Lectures on thermodynamics and heat transfer Learn new concepts and how to apply them to solve thermodynamics and heat transfer problems. Participate in in-class discussions regarding technical aspects of thermodynamics and heat transfer. |
|
Not Timetabled |
Independent Study Both the thermodynamics and heat transfer components of the course require students to undertake individual study. This is necessary to reinforce understanding of lecture material and practice application of the course concepts to tutorial and additional problems. |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 11 |
Practical |
Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer Pracs Heat transfer practicals provide an opportunity to apply knowledge of course content to real problems, and thereby gain a more direct understanding of course concepts. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.