130.

112 Thermal Sciences Thermodynamics Solution Guidelines 1

1 A Methodology for Solving Thermodynamics Problems

1. Identify important information in the problem statement (and diagram if there is one):
• highlight key words
• highlight given state information
• summarize state information beside your schematic diagram
2. Understand the problem by asking yourself key questions about it:
• What is the substance?
– pure substance? (Water or R-134a?) → use property tables
– ideal gas? → use ideal gas equation of state and constant specific heats
– liquid or solid? → constant v
• What is the solution domain or device?
– control mass?
– control volume?
– heat engine, heat pump, refrigeration system, thermal reservoir?
– turbine, pump, compressor, heat exchanger, condenser, boiler, evaporator, nozzle, dif-
fuser, duct, etc.?
• What is the process (or what are the processes)?
– special process (constant v, T , h, s, or P )?
– polytropic (P V n = C)?
– special energy flows (e.g. work or heat are zero)?
– special cycle?
• What are the state definitions?
– what states are defined?
– what information (re: state properties) is needed?
• What equations will be needed?
– First Law?
– conservation of mass?
– Second Law (related to keywords: reversible, ideal, possible/impossible)?
– special equations for boundary work?
– special equations relating two states?

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130.112 Thermal Sciences Thermodynamics Solution Guidelines 2

2 A Format for Presenting Thermodynamics Problem Solutions

1. Schematic and Given Data:

• Draw a sketch of the system to be considered.

• Identify the system and indicate the system boundary.
• Label the diagram with relevant information.
• Indicate energy flows (follow sign convention).

2. Properties: Record the relevant properties required for the analysis.

3. Process Representation: Sketch a graph of the process representation. If necessary, complete the
sketch as the analysis proceeds.

4. Assumptions: Briefly state relevant simplifying assumptions needed to model the system.

5. Analysis: Complete the solution by introducing additional information needed, such as:

• conservation laws
• definitions
• additional properties required for the analysis
• additional assumptions as needed (clearly stated)

6. Comments: Add your own brief discussion or interpretation as necessary (may be optional).

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