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Catalogue: ChE 905322 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I

Semester: Fall 2003

Lecture: Mon. & Wed. 9:30-11:00 am, ChE 103

Discussion: Mon.: 2:00 pm, ChE 103

Office hours: M & W: 2:00-4:00 pm, or by appointment.

Course website: http://www.geocities.com/juchemeng

Instructor

Name: Dr. Ali Khalaf Al-matar

Office: ChE-202B

Tel.: 5355000 Ext. 3050

Email: [email protected]

Course Description and Objectives

It is crucial for chemical engineering students to have a working knowledge in thermodynamics. This knowledge is critical for solution of many classes of problems pertinent to applied as well as research oriented areas. Thermodynamics is important in solving problems in areas as diverse as power generation, refrigeration cycles, reaction kinetics, catalysis, biochemical engineering, polymer production and processing, drug design and application, separations, semiconductor and advanced materials, and so forth.

This class will provide the students with an introduction to thermodynamics, and basic thermodynamic tools for solving many classes of problems. It will also help the students gain a working knowledge of classical thermodynamics specifically as it relates to the calculation of thermophysical properties, phase equilibria, and chemical equilibria for single component systems. The goals of this course are:

• The students are expected to know and comprehend the basic theory of thermodynamics, translate problems into their mathematical equivalents and solve the translated forms,

•  the students will be able to analyze different kinds of problems and their solutions, while having the problem solving and critical thinking skills to judge the quality of their solutions,

• the students are expected to apply the principles and theories taught in the class to their respective fields,

• the students will provide a solution to a project problem, and write a full report that is conforming to the standards of technical writing,

• the students will utilize their computer skills in a manner such that they will be able to combine different skills and theories into an integrated approach for tackling the problems they are faced with, and

• the students will be able to present their work in a coherent manner, and practice their presentation skills. In addition, some feedback and critique will be given by their peers regarding their performance.

Topics Covered

Introduction to thermodynamic concepts, first law of thermodynamics, second law of thermodynamics, applications of the first and second laws of thermodynamics of chemical process equipment, application to power cycles and refrigeration, equations of state, properties of pure components, Maxwell relations and the derivation of thermodynamic properties,  and stability in single component systems.

Recommended references

1. (Textbook) Smith, Van Ness, and Abbott, N.C., Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, 6^th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1999.

2.  Sandler, S. I., Chemical and Engineering Thermodynamics, John Wiley & Sons, 3^rd Edition, New York, 1999.

3.   Jack Winnick, Chemical Engineering thermodynamics, John Wiley, 1998.

4. J. Richard Elliott, and Carl T. Lira, Introductory Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Prentice Hall, 1999.

5. G. Kyle, Chemical and Process Thermodynamics, Third Edition, Prentice Hall, 1999.

6. R. E. Balzhiser, M. R. Samuels, and J. D. Eliassen, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics: The study of energy, entropy, and equilibrium, Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, 1972.

7. Prausnitz, J. M.; Lichtenthaler, R. N.; and Azevedo, E. G, Molecular Thermodynamics of Fluid Phase Equilibria, Third Edition, Prentice-Hall, 1999.

Problem Solution Format

It is strongly recommended that you follow the problem solution strategy that is going to be discussed in class. The general outline of this strategy is:

Given (known), wanted, model, assumptions, analysis, and comment.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required for all lectures. By university policy, attendance is required, and will be taken. It will also be factored into your grade.

Computer Use

Students may be required to develop computer programs, or use standard software tools. Students are expected to have an account on the university servers, and a valid email address.

Exam and Homework Policy

All students are required to finish their homework assignments, and submit them on time. Late homeworks will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Popup quizzes will be given without any prior notice. You need to come prepared to class.

In addition to the final exam, there will be two midterm exams. These exams will be challenging and comprehensive. You need to prepare extensively to perform well. Make up exams will not be allowed except for excused absences.

The two midterm exams will be given on the following dates:

 Grading and Point Distribution

I will try my best to be as fair as possible when grading quizzes, home works, and exams. In general, you can expect to obtain partial credit for a less-than-perfect solution. However, there will be severe penalties for any of the following sources of incorrect solution:

1. Errors in fundamental concepts,

2. serious concept errors in calculus and algebra (math in general), and

3. Errors in dimensional quantities, and unit’s conversions.

Point Distribution

Grade distribution

 Curving

There will be no "curving" in this course. Students are NOT competing for grades. It is possible that everyone could earn an "A", but unfortunately also possible that everyone could earn an "F".

 Re-grades

Re-grades can be requested within one week of the return date of the graded assignment.  A memo indicating why a re-grade is sought must be attached to the front of the assignment.  The re-submitted document(s) will be re-graded in their entirety.  The score on the assignment may increase or decrease. 

Professionalism and Formalities

Students may (and are encouraged) to work in groups of 2 or 3 on the homework. However, each student is individually responsible for being familiar with the solution to each problem. "That was my partner's problem and so I don't have / know / understand the solution" will therefore not be considered a valid excuse.

Participation includes attending class and contributing to a positive learning environment. If a student's conduct disrupts this positive environment, this conduct can translate into a loss of points. Keeping these points is basically a no brainier for most people - behave yourself, attend class, and take advantage of your situation here to learn the concepts covered in this course now.

Quizzes might be given at any time to cover mainly reading assignments and understanding of the material covered in the previous class. It is a matter of success to you, your co-workers, and to the public that you learn the concepts of this course properly before you come in contact with your colleagues on the job.

No cell phones allowed in the class room. Be considerate and silence, or better yet shut down, your cell phone before coming to class.

Last updated on 09/27/2003 12:49:46 +0200 by Dr. Ali Al-matar

*Disclaimer: This is neither an official web site of the university of Jordan, nor it is endorsed by any official body in the university. I have established this homepage due to the  outdated mentality of the administration which forbids faculty members from having their own homepages on the university's servers. The page is intended mainly to help my students in classes to download lecture notes, assignments, key solutions and their grades.