Thermodinamics of Processes

General characterization

Prerequisites

Approval in the subjects "Análise Matemática I" and "Física I" is recommended.

Bibliography

A) Introduction to the Thermodynamics of Materials, David R. Gaskell, Taylor & Francis ed.

B) Termodinâmica Aplicada, E.G. Azevedo, 4ª Ed. 2018 Escolar Editora

C) Termodinâmica, A. Dias, C. Lança e M. L. Costa, Apontamentos

Teaching method

The discipline is divided into components: theoretical (T) theoretical-practical (TP) and practical (P).T classes take place in 2 weekly sessions of 1.5h/1h, TP classes correspond to a weekly session of 1h, and include typical problem solving.P classes, with a workload of 2 hours every two weeks, constitute only laboratory classes. In laboratory classes, experimental work is carried out with the aim of monitoring and verifying physical phenomena and processes described in theoretical classes and developing skills in assemblinglaboratory and experimentation In TP classes, some problems from the series are performed, as well as, in two assessment moments, two problems for grading.

Evaluation method

Preamble
In the Thermodynamics of Processes course unit (CU), students will be divided into two groups on the first day of class:
• NP student – first-time enrolment or a repeating student without a positive practical grade.
• PP student – a student with a positive practical grade, therefore enrolled for the second time or more (repeating student).
NP students can only be assessed through continuous assessment, as detailed below.
PP students have an alternative assessment route: they can take an exam covering all course material on the date of the first test, with a commitment to concentrated study at the start of the semester, supported by supplementary classes. However, as detailed below, they may choose to be assessed as NP students.
The list of PP students will be available on CLIP under "Supporting Documents > Others" before classes begin.

Article 1 – Theoretical Component (T)
1. The course content is delivered in theoretical classes. The NP students'' theoretical class schedule is available on CLIP. PP students will have 8 hours of supplementary classes, scheduled in the first theoretical class, to be completed at least one week before the first test.
2. The theoretical component is assessed through tests or an exam. This year, assessment differs between NP and PP students.
3. NP student assessment: two tests, with grades rounded to one decimal place. The arithmetic mean, rounded to the nearest whole number, determines the theoretical component grade (CT). Alternatively, a resit exam is available, with the final grade rounded to the nearest whole number.
4. PP student assessment: a single exam-like test on the date of the first test, with the final grade (CT) rounded to the nearest whole number. Alternatively, a resit exam is available, with the final grade rounded to the nearest whole number.
5. By registering for the first test (see Article 7), a PP student is automatically registering for the exam-like test.
6. A PP student may choose to be assessed as an NP student by notifying Professor António Dias via email at least one week before the first test. If no email is sent, the student will be assessed as a PP student.
7. Any NP or PP student achieving a CT grade of 10 or higher passes the theoretical component.

Article 2 – Theoretical-Practical Component (TP)
1. Theoretical-practical classes complement theoretical classes, focusing on problem-solving and discussion.
2. These classes are primarily intended for NP students.
3. The theoretical-practical component grade (CTP) is the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest whole number) of unannounced mini-tests. Absence from a mini-test results in a grade of zero.

Article 3 – Practical Component (P)
1. Practical classes are mandatory for NP students.
2. Practical classes last 2 hours and take place on alternate weeks, except for the first session, which is held simultaneously for both groups.
3. In the first practical class, lab groups are formed, a review of data analysis is conducted, and the practical class schedule is presented.
4. Students who do not attend the first practical class will have their practical enrolment cancelled, and their spot will be made available to others.
5. Each laboratory assignment and corresponding mini-report is graded from 0 to 20. Absence from class or failure to submit the report results in a zero grade.
6. A student achieving an average practical grade (CP) of 10 or higher (rounded to the nearest whole number) earns practical component approval.

Article 4 – Final Approval, Final Grade, and Grade Review
1. A student who has practical approval and obtains a CT grade of 10 or higher passes the course.
2. The final grade (CF) is determined by one of the following formulas, rounded to the nearest whole number:
CF = CT × 0.6 + CTP × 0.1 + CP × 0.3 (for NP students)
CF = CT × 0.7 + CP × 0.3 (for PP students)
3. If the final grade exceeds 16, the student must take an additional grade defence exam (e.g., oral examination).
4. The additional exam may increase or decrease the grade, but the minimum guaranteed grade is 16.
5. Failure to attend the grade defence exam results in automatic acceptance of a final grade of 16.

Article 5 – Grade Improvement
1. Students wishing to improve their grade must follow the official registration procedures.
2. If the improved final grade exceeds 16, the student must follow the procedures outlined in Article 4 (points 3, 4, and 5).

Article 6 – Classroom Conduct
To ensure a positive learning experience, students must adhere to the following rules in class:
a. Punctuality: Arrive on time. The instructor may deny entry to students arriving more than 5 minutes late.
b. Class preparation and participation: Active participation requires students to prepare for discussions and contribute positively to scientific debates.
c. Disruptive behaviour: Any student disrupting the class will be asked to leave the room.

Article 7 – Tests and Exams
1. Each test will primarily cover the material taught up to the last theoretical class of the previous week.
2. Although tests are not cumulative, due to the course''s nature, previous knowledge may still be required.
3. Room allocation for tests and exams will be published on CLIP on the exam day.
4. Test registration is mandatory and must be completed exclusively on CLIP. Registration opens two weeks before the test and closes one week before.
o A registered student arriving more than 15 minutes late will be marked as not registered.
5. Unregistered students may only take the test if, after 15 minutes, there are available seats and test booklets.
6. The test duration is the same for all students (registered and unregistered).
7. During the test, students may not have a mobile phone, smartwatch, or any electronic communication device. Non-compliance will be treated as fraud.
8. Upon entering the test room, students must bring:
o Identification card
o Scientific calculator (non-programmable, non-graphing)
o Pen (only ink-written answers will be graded; no pencil marks allowed)
o All other belongings must be placed where the invigilator instructs.
9. Consultation of any material during the test is prohibited. Non-compliance will be treated as fraud.
10. Test materials will be provided (test booklet and formula sheet). The booklet must not be unbound.
11. Any form of fraud will be dealt with according to the university''s assessment regulations.

Article 8 – Additional Information
1. For any course-related questions, students should speak to the instructor at the end of theoretical classes.
2. If email contact is necessary, students must use the following subject format:
"TProcesses - Name – Student Number – Subject"
3. Questions already answered in this document or on the CLIP course page do not require a response from the instructor.

Subject matter

1- Introduction to Thermodynamics
2- First Law of Thermodynamics
3- Heat Transfer Processes
4- Second Law of Thermodynamics
5- Kinetic Theory and Diffusion
6- Power and Refrigeration Devices
7- Thermodynamic Potentials
8- Specific Heat of Solids and the Third Law of Thermodynamics
9- Equilibrium Thermodynamics

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: