Dynamics vs Thermo Fluids for EE

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Choosing between dynamics and thermo fluids for the spring semester is a key decision for electrical engineering majors aiming for graduate studies in micro-systems and nano-systems. The discussion highlights the relevance of thermo fluids, particularly its focus on thermodynamics and heat transfer, which are crucial for circuit design and understanding heat dissipation in microprocessors. Participants note that dynamics may not provide significant additional benefits, especially for those already familiar with statics, as it primarily deals with motion. The consensus leans toward thermo fluids, emphasizing its importance in electrical engineering and its practical applications in circuit analysis, including thermal circuits that mirror electrical circuits. Overall, thermo fluids is viewed as a more beneficial choice for enhancing knowledge relevant to the major.
stephenmw
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Hello all,
I'm choosing my classes for spring semester and am unsure about which of these two classes I should pick (topic title). My major is electrical engineering and I want to hopefully go to graduate school at my current school for their micro-systems nano-systems program listed here ( http://www.graduatecatalog.ucf.edu/programs/program.aspx?id=1198 ).

Originally I was leaning more towards dynamics (mechanics) but now that I'm in statics I see little to be gained by taking dynamics. On the other hand thermo fluids would teach me a thing or two about heat transfer which I could see being useful for circuits or microprocessors in general.

So far my spring semester is looking like this
Digital Systems- Combinational and sequential logic circuits including registers, arithmetic units, memories, finite state machines, and design with programmable logic devices.
Electrical Networks- Analysis and design of linear circuits, transients, ac analysis, power calculations, threephase circuits, Laplace transform.
Physics 3-Thermodynamics, oscillations, modern physics

And finally here's the course description for thermo fluids
Introduction to first and second laws of thermodynamics, continuum fluid mechanics, and heat transfer for electrical, industrial, and computer engineering majors.

I think taking thermo fluids and physics 3 would give me a strong understanding of thermodynamics whereas dynamics would be a little off-topic for my major. Regardless I have to pick one of the two. I tried searching on Google but all it lead me to were university sites about those classes or programs related to them. I also asked my adviser who couldn't answer the question, today I will ask my physics 2 professor for his input as well.

Thanks for the help
 
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If you are taking statics then dynamics is going to be the same just in motion. You should be able to self study that. However heat transfer is very important in circuit design. Especially when you're trying to figure out how much heat is dissipated through epoxies and such. When I took it last semester it had a lot in common with circuit analysis. For example when you get to thermal circuits which are solved just like electrical circuits and you'll see thermal resistances and capacitance and series and parallel circuits. Heat transfer should be required for EE majors
 
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That's what I figured about dynamics. If I can find a thermo fluids section that fits in my schedule I'll take it.

Thanks caldweab
 
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