Thermodynamics DeMYSTiFied »

Merle Potter taught engineering for 42 years and thermodynamics for about 20 years. He has written 25 other engineering books.

Take the heat off of understanding thermodynamics

Now you can get much-needed relief from the pressure of learning the fundamentals of thermodynamics! This practical guide helps you truly comprehend this challenging engineering topic while sharpening your problem-solving skills.

Written in an easy-to-follow format, Thermodynamics Demystified begins by reviewing basic principles and discussing the properties of pure substances. The book goes on to cover laws of thermodynamics, power and refrigeration cycles, psychrometrics, combustion, and much more. Hundreds of worked examples and equations make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and two final exams help reinforce learning.

• This hands-on, self-teaching text offers:

• Numerous figures to illustrate key concepts
• Details on the first and second laws of thermodynamics
• Coverage of vapor and gas cycles, psychrometrics, and combustion
• An overview of heat transfer SI units throughout
• A time-saving approach to performing better on an exam or at work

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Thermodynamics Demystified is your shortcut to mastering this essential engineering subject.

Ch. 1 Basic Principles 1

Ch. 2 Properties of Pure Substances 23

Ch. 3 Work and Heat 41

Ch. 4 The First Law of Thermodynamics 61

Ch. 5 The Second Law of Thermodynamics 101

Ch. 6 Power and Refrigeration Vapor Cycles 143

Ch. 7 Power and Refrigeration Gas Cycles 173

Ch. 8 Psychrometrics 205

Ch. 9 Combustion 227

Appendix A Conversion of Units 245

Appendix B Material Properties 247

Appendix C Steam Tables 253

Appendix D R134a 263

Appendix E Ideal-Gas Tables 269

Appendix F Psychrometric Chart 277

Appendix G Compressibility Chart 279

Final Exams 281

Solutions to Quizzes and Final Exams 297

Index 335