Undergraduate education in thermodynamics-fluid mechanics-heat-transfer-energy conversion

Abstract

Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Turkey, 19-21 July, 2010.

Mechanical Engineering education in thermodynamics fluid mechanics, heat transfer and energy conversion comprise the minimum studies of an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited undergraduate mechanical engineering programs, both in the United States an internationally. Unfortunately in the last three decades thermodynamics education has deteriorated causing certain changes in the follow up courses in fluid mechanics, heat transfer and energy conversion systems. The cause of this ha been the lack of graduates with advanced degrees i thermodynamics since research in thermodynamics has left vacancy filled with computational studies and other application areas. If thermodynamics cannot be taught well, then the fundamental understanding of the follow up courses lose a well. This further strays educators away from teaching these topics in a mathematically rigorous way, resulting in "coo book" approaches to problem solving. Unfortunately, the problems we are facing today and in the future are not the ordinary type thus requiring even more fundamental understanding and precise and rigorous applications in the design of engineered systems. Before it is too late, this situation must be reversed so that future engineers will b comfortable in attempting to solve difficult problems i materials science and engineering and their use in energy systems that are sustainable that leave the smallest footprint Otherwise we will be facing real difficulties in our lives an those of our children throughout the world.