ChE 330: Chemical and Engineering Thermodynamics

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Course #: CHE 330 (4 credits)

Course Title: Chemical & Engineering Thermodynamics

Terms Offered: Winter

Prerequisites: CHE 230: Introduction to Material and Energy Balances

Textbooks/Required Materials: Fundamentals of Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, 1st ed, (2015), K.D. Dahm, D.P. Visco, Cengage Learning. (SI edition)

Instructor: Lenert, Gong, Lindsey

Cognizant Faculty: Gong, Lenert, Lindsey, Min, Tadd, Tessier

Faculty Approval: 2022-09-23

CoE Bulletin Description:

Development of fundamental thermodynamic property relations and complete energy and entropy balances. Analysis of heat pumps and engines, and use of combined energy-entropy balances in flow devices. Calculation and application of total and partial properties in physical and chemical equilibria.  Prediction and correlation of physical/chemical properties of various states and aggregates.  Elements of statistical thermodynamics.

Course Topics: (number of hours in parentheses)

  1. Thermodynamic definitions: equilibrium, energy transfers, etc. (1.5)
  2. Material and energy balances (3)
  3. Entropy, irreversibility, combined energy-entropy balances (3)
  4. Thermodynamic processes and cycles (4.5)
  5. Equations of state, measurable properties, property changes (3)
  6. Phase equilibria of pure components (3)
  7. Phase equilibria of multi-component systems (6)
  8. Chemical reaction equilibrium (4.5)

Course Structure/Schedule: Lecture: 3 per week @ 1 hour; Discussion: 1 per week @ 1 hour

Course Objectives: Links shown in brackets are to course outcomes that satisfy these objectives. 

  1. Provide students with a lasting and solid understanding of thermodynamics. [a-e]
  2. Effectively teach fundamental concepts such as enthalpy, entropy, fugacity, free energy, and chemical potential. [a-d]
  3. Teach students how to set up and solve thermodynamics problems. [a-e]
  4. Equip students to estimate or locate necessary thermodynamic data. [b,e]
  5. Provide examples of applications of thermodynamics to chemical engineering processes and process safety, biological sciences, energy, and environmental sciences. [a]
  6. Provide opportunities for students to become proficient using computer tools for solving problems. [a, c, e] 

Course Outcomes: Links shown in brackets are to ABET student outcomes 1-7.

A. Apply the laws of thermodynamics to chemical engineering processes. [1]

B. Calculate differences in thermodynamic properties using equations of state, charts and tables, and computer resources. [1]

C. Solve problems dealing with multi-phase chemical systems and reactive systems, some in the context of safety. [1,2]

D. Explain the molecular basis of thermodynamics. [1]

E. Interpret thermodynamic data for applications in chemical engineering processes, process safety, biological sciences, energy, and environmental sciences. [1]

Assessment Tools: Links shown in brackets are to course outcomes.

  1. Weekly homework problems [a-e].
  2. Written quizzes [a-e].
  3. Written examinations [a-e].