Computational Methods in Thermal Engineering

Code:

EM0054

Acronym:

MCET

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Heat Transfer and Fluid

Instance: 2011/2012 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Fluids and Energy Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Mechanical Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MIEM	43	Syllabus since 2006/2007	5	-	6	56	160

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

1- BACKGROUND
Thermal engineers make an increasing use of modelling and computational tools to predict system behaviour and performance. A solid knowledge of those tools is required for design engineers.
2- SPECIFIC AIMS
To develop the knowledge to model thermal systems and processes, including the mathematical representation of their components and the numerical solution of the resulting equations, through the use of computer algorithms. Finite differences and finite volumes methods are introduced, with application to distributed systems involving heat transfer and fluid mechanics. Optimisation methods and algorithms are also discussed.
3- PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE
Basic courses of Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer.
4- PERCENT DISTRIBUTION
Scientific component:50%
Technological component:50%
5- LEARNING OUTCOMES
Knowledge and Understanding- Making simplifying assumptions in order to define a mathematical model of a thermal system. Understanding the most adequate type of model for each system.
Engineering analysis-Analysis of thermal systems and numerical model solutions.
Engineering design- Use of numerical models as a design tool.
Investigations- Use of modelling techniques in new practical computational projects.
Engineering practice- Applications in Thermal Engineering.
Transferable skills- Knowledge of numerical solution of equations and systems of equations (algebraic and differential) using computational tools; knowledge of optimisation techniques.

Program

INTRODUCTION: the role of simulation in the design of thermal systems; types of mathematical and numerical models.
AUXILIARY TECHNIQUES FOR GLOBAL MODELLING: numerical interpolation and equation fitting (one and multi variable); applications to thermal equipment using computer software.
GLOBAL MODELLING OF STEADY-STATE COMPONENTS: numerical solution of non-linear equations and non-linear systems of equations; use of EES software; applications to heating/cooling systems, power cycles, etc.
GLOBAL MODELLING UNDER DYNAMIC CONDITIONS: numerical methods for integrating ordinary differential equations and systems of equations; use of EES software; applications to systems with thermal storage, mass storage, etc.
DISTRIBUTED MODELLING: differential equations of transport and its generic representation; discretisation methods (finite differences and finite volumes); applications to systems with one- and multi-dimensional unsteady heat conduction; applications to non-viscous flows.
OPTIMIZATION METHODS: one- and multi-dimensional search methods; method of Lagrange multipliers (without and with restrictions); linear programing; geometric programing; optimisation algorithms; applications to fluid flow and thermal systems.

Mandatory literature

Stoecker, Wilbert F.; Design of thermal systems. ISBN: 0-07-100610-9
Jaluria, Yogesh; Design and optimization of thermal systems. ISBN: 0-07-032388-7
Patankar, Suhas V.; Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow. ISBN: 0-07-048740-5
Chapra, Steven C. e Canale, Raymond P.; Numerical methods for engineers : with software and programming applications, McGraw Hill, 2002. ISBN: 0-07-112180-3

Complementary Bibliography

EES Software Manual
Amos Gilat; MATLAB - an Introduction with Applications

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course is structured in theoretical (2 hours/week) and practical (2 hours/week) classes. In theoretical classes the theory is presented and the solution of some typical problems is addressed. In practical classes examples are solved using manual and computer means. Guidance to the development of computational projects (groups of 3 students) is also provided.

Software

EES - Engineering Equation Solver

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Description	Type	Time (hours)	Weight (%)	End date
Attendance (estimated)	Participação presencial	56,00
	Trabalho escrito	56,00		2011-12-16
	Total:	-	0,00

Eligibility for exams

Not to exceed the maximum number of absences to classes (25%) and deliver the reports of computational projects.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final classification is the weighted average of the exam classification (75%) and the classification of the computational projects (25%).

Examinations or Special Assignments

Oral and practical computation examination, consisting in the use of EES software to solve practical problems.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Written examination, with a duration of 2 hours, and specific evaluation test

Classification improvement

Only possible for the final exam.