Thermodynamics For Dummies

by Michael Pauken

Take some heat off the complexity of thermodynamics Does the mere thought of thermodynamics make you sweat? It doesn't have to! This hands-on guide helps you score your highest in a thermodynamics course by offering easily understood, plain-English explanations of how energy is used in things like automobiles, airplanes, air conditioners, and electric power plants.

Thermodynamics 101 — take a look at some examples of both natural and man-made thermodynamic systems and get a handle on how energy can be used to perform work

Turn up the heat — discover how to use the first and second laws of thermodynamics to determine (and improve upon) the efficiency of machines

Oh, behave — get the 411 on how gases behave and relate to one another in different situations, from ideal-gas laws to real gases

Burn with desire — find out everything you need to know about conserving mass and energy in combustion processes

Open the book and

The laws of thermodynamics

Important properties and their relationships

The lowdown on solids, liquids, and gases

How work and heat go handin hand

The cycles that power thermodynamic processes

Chemical mixtures and reactions

Ten pioneers in thermodynamics

Real-world applications of thermodynamic laws and concepts

Learn

Master the concepts and principles of thermodynamics

Develop the problem-solving skills used by professional engineers

Ace your thermodynamics course

Genres: Science, Physics, Engineering, Technology, Reference

555 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2011

Reviews

[Luis de la Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice overview of Thermodynamics. I was interested in the basic equations for heat exchange systems and how that related to 3D printer hot ends.

[Niche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for ME thermo, it focuses a lot on heat engines and work. I was curious on the the perspective difference from ChE which involved more of a focus on chemical potential/equilibrium calculations. I really wouldn't recommend this to those approaching this from a "dummy" perspective as there's little explanation of equation derivations and the charts can be rather opaque. I think it also doesn't do a great job of discussing equation usage and assumptions, such as what's considered a "high/low" pressure or temperature in an industrial setting, which could be very different from what a layman might assume. It's pretty decent if you're already familiar with the ideas and want to brush up on the different cycles or problem solving. It's more approachable than most texts I've seen, written in a readable "plain English," but again, I feel this would be better as a supplement rather than an education source.

[Ian Kuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little heavy, even for a "For Dummies" book, but still worth the read

[BAHADIR KAPLAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a project controls and management specialist; I read the book to improve my knowledge in my work area - Oil & Gas.
As a summary;
This is an excellent book to understand the concepts. However the problems are somehow not adequate to fully settle the subject. I strongly recommend reading this book and supporting it with the Cengel & Boles' Fundamentals of Thermodynamics Book for problem solving.