This textbook is for a one semester introductory course in thermodynamics primarily for use in
a mechanical or aerospace engineering program although it could also be used in an engineering
science curriculum. The book contains a section on the geometry of curves and surfaces in
order to review those parts of calculus that are needed in thermodynamics for interpolation and
in discussing thermodynamic equations of state of simple substances. It presents the First Law
of Thermodynamics as an equation for the time rate of change of system energy the same way
that Newton's Law of Motion an equation for the time rate of change of system momentum is
presented in Dynamics. Moreover this emphasis illustrates the importance of the equation to
the study of heat transfer and fluid mechanics. New thermodynamic properties such as internal
energy and entropy are introduced with a motivating discussion rather than by abstract
postulation and connection is made with kinetic theory. Thermodynamic properties of the
vaporizable liquids needed for the solution of practical thermodynamic problems (e.g. water and
various refrigerants) are presented in a unique tabular format that is both simple to
understand and easy to use. All theoretical discussions throughout the book are accompanied by
worked examples illustrating their use in practical devices. These examples of the solution of
various kinds of thermodynamic problems are all structured in exactly the same way in order to
make as a result of the repetitions the solution of new problems easier for students to
follow and ultimately to produce themselves. Many additional problems are provided half of
them with answers for students to do on their own.
