Looking for an efficient and engaging Thermodynamics textbook?

In summary, The textbook "Fundamental of Thermal-Fluid Sciences" is thick and filled with unnecessary problems and tangents. The recommended alternative, "Introduction to Thermal Physics" by Schroeder, is more concise and presents both engineering and statistical mechanics approaches to thermodynamics. Some familiarity with partial derivatives is needed for the later chapters, and basic knowledge of quantum mechanics is helpful.
  • #1
Gauss M.D.
153
1
Using this godawful textbook (Fundamental of Thermal-Fluid Sciences, Cengel) for Thermodynamics. It's thick as three bibles, has lots of pretty pictures, constantly goes off on tangents, avoids 'advanced' stuff like calculus like the plague and is filled to the brim with problems involving converting fahrenheits to celsius, looking stuff up in tables and various unnecessary numerical computations.

In other words, it's a typical engineering textbook.

Can anyone direct me to an introductory level book, or even better a pdf, without a bunch of fluff, preferably one with interesting, compact problems? Not looking for grad-level treatment, just something more to-the-point.
 
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  • #2
I like Introduction to Thermal Physics by Schroeder. It'll teach you the engineering side (how to solve all the gas law problems, heat engines, etc.) but it also gives you the more interesting statistical mechanics approach. Definitely oriented towards more serious physics.

There's no lack of rigor, but you'll need to be comfortable with partial derivatives. If you want to study the last few chapters, the basics of quantum mechanics is useful as well. No knowledge of thermodynamics is assumed.
 

1. What is thermodynamics materials?

Thermodynamics materials is a field of study that involves the relationship between heat, energy, and matter. It explores how materials behave and change under different temperature and pressure conditions.

2. What are the laws of thermodynamics?

The laws of thermodynamics are fundamental principles that govern how energy behaves in a closed system. They include the first law, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted, and the second law, which states that the total entropy of a system will always increase over time.

3. How is thermodynamics materials applied in real life?

Thermodynamics materials has many practical applications, such as in the design of engines, power plants, and refrigeration systems. It is also used in materials science to understand and improve the properties of various materials, such as metals, ceramics, and polymers.

4. What is the difference between heat and temperature?

Heat and temperature are related but distinct concepts. Heat refers to the transfer of energy from a higher temperature object to a lower temperature object. Temperature, on the other hand, is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.

5. What are some common thermodynamic processes?

There are several common thermodynamic processes, including isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, and isochoric processes. In an isothermal process, the temperature remains constant, while in an adiabatic process, there is no heat exchange with the surroundings. In an isobaric process, the pressure remains constant, and in an isochoric process, the volume remains constant.

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