Results of Implementing an Introductory Course: Foundations of Thermal-Fluid Sciences

Abstract

Pursuant to implementation of a new mechanical engineering curriculum at Clemson University, results of the new introductory course in thermal-fluid science are presented. This course is situated in the second semester of the sophomore year for mechanical engineering majors, and is a prerequisite for the subsequent courses in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. In addition to introducing thermodynamic property analysis, the course develops conservation laws for mass, momentum, and energy and provides an emphasis in design. Discussion is presented of the motivation, placement in the overall curriculum, interaction with other curriculum elements, and the selection of textbooks.