Course content

The theory of partial and total differentials, and the chain rule of differentiation. Energy functions, fundamental relations and canonical variables. Equations of state for the fluid state. Unit operations in chemical engineering. Control volume theory applied to kinetic, potential and chemical energies. Thermodynamic equilibrium. Chemical equilibria in ideal gases. Adiabatic combustion temperature. Sources of thermodynamic data with emphasis on the standard state. Activity models for the calculation of thermodynamic properties of multicomponent mixtures. Thermodynamic modelling of organic liquids, salt melts and aqueous systems. The thermodynamic interpretation of phase diagrams.

Learning outcome

The course shall provide a thorough introduction to the mathematical methods of thermodynamics, aimed at the use of simple control volume theory and the computation of thermodynamic properties and equilibria in multicomponent mixtures(gases and liquids).

Learning methods and activities

The course is given as a combination of class-room lectures and practical calculations in the auditorium. Compulsory in-depth exercises are supervised by the student assistents. Some of the exercises require the knowlegde of, and programming in, Matlab - in particular the parts that cover chemical reaction equilibria and phase equilibria. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Physical chemistry, differential calculus and abstract linear algebra at the introductory university level is required. Experience with programming in Matlab (or any other mathematical language) is highly recommended.

Course materials

T. Haug-Warberg, Den termodynamiske arbeidsboken, Kolofon forlag (2005), alternatively (with some extensions) J. Elliott and C. T. Lira, Introductory Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Prentice-Hall (1999).