Program Overview

---

APPLIED THERMODYNAMICS, ENERGETICS AND HEAT TRANSFER

Course Overview

The course aims to provide the basic knowledge necessary to understand the main applications of applied physics relevant for the design of small pleasure yachts. After introducing the principles of thermodynamics applied to energy systems, the study of direct and inverse thermodynamic cycles, heat transfer, and the main problems related to thermohygrometric comfort and environmental air conditioning is addressed; finally, the fundamentals of energetics are presented.

Aims and Content

Aims and Learning Outcomes

• Educational objectives: Through the course contents, the student is able to analyze and solve simple problems in different fields of applied physics: applied thermodynamics, heat transfer, environmental comfort, and air conditioning, with particular reference to applications relating to mechanical engineering.
• Learning outcomes: At the end of the course, students will be able to remember the main thermophysical quantities/properties with the relative units of measure, accurately identify the physical meaning of the terms that make up the mathematical expressions of the relationships/physical laws, correctly interpret a proposed text, solve simple numerical problems, and have a clear awareness of the physical phenomena treated and the related technical implications.

Prerequisites

To effectively tackle the content of this course, the following basic mathematical knowledge is required:

• Calculation of areas and volumes of simple geometries.
• Functions: linear, absolute value, parabolic, hyperbolic, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent, and their inverses).
• Solving equations of first and second degree, equations with logarithms and trigonometric functions.

Additionally, a solid understanding of the following mathematical analysis topics is desirable for a critical comprehension of the treated physical phenomena:

• Meaning of limit.
• Differential calculus in a real variable: geometric interpretation of derivative and integral concepts, calculation of derivatives and integrals of simple functions.
• Separable first and second-order ordinary differential equations.

Furthermore, a fundamental knowledge of general physics, with particular reference to the main topics in mechanics, is essential:

• Units of measurement, scalar and vector quantities.
• Kinematics: displacement, velocity, acceleration. Uniform linear motion and uniformly accelerated linear motion. Uniform circular motion.
• Dynamics: fundamental laws of dynamics, concept of work, kinetic and potential energy, mechanical power. Principle of conservation of mechanical energy.

Teaching Methods

The course is conducted in the Italian language using predominantly traditional teaching methods, alternating between lectures and numerical exercises. Some topics are taught using the teaching methods prescribed by TBL (Team-Based Learning), a pedagogical strategy based on independent study and collaborative learning.

Syllabus/Content

General knowledge of mechanical quantities and their relative units is an essential prerequisite to the study of physical phenomena. The course addresses the main topics of technical thermodynamics, hinting at the analysis of thermodynamic systems and energy transfer that characterize them. Afterwards, the course deals with the study of the main heat transfer mechanisms: conduction, convection, and thermal radiation. Finally, the basics of thermohygrometry are introduced, aimed at analyzing the conditions of environmental comfort and preliminary to the study of air conditioning systems. The fundamentals of energetics are also presented.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

• Bergero S., Chiari A., Appunti di termodinamica, Aracne editrice, 2007.
• Bergero S., Chiari A., Appunti di trasmissione del calore, Aracne editrice, 2012.
• Bergero S., Chiari A., Appunti di termoigrometria e impianti, Aracne editrice, 2015.
• Bergero S., Cavalletti P., Chiari A., Problemi di Fisica Tecnica, Dario Flaccovio, 2014
• G. Guglielmini e C. Pisoni, Elementi di Trasmissione del Calore, Ed.Veschi, 1990
• G. Guglielmini, E. Nannei e C. Pisoni, Problemi di Termodinamica Tecnica e Trasmissione del Calore, Ed. Ecig, 1985

All books are available in the library; they can be easily purchased on the main websites and are also available in electronic format.

Teachers and Exam Board

• GUGLIELMO LOMONACO
• MATTIA DE ROSA

Exam Description

The exam consists of a written test and an oral exam covering the entire course syllabus. The written test focuses on solving numerical problems related to the main topics covered. The oral exam is aimed at assessing theoretical knowledge of these topics, particularly the critical understanding of the issues addressed.

Assessment Methods

The exam consists of two parts:

• Written test (50%): Conducted in every exam session on the date indicated in the calendar, it focuses on solving numerical problems related to the topics covered in both modules. Grading is on a scale of 30.
• Oral exam (50%): This involves a series of questions on the theoretical and practical aspects of the module topics, aimed at assessing the critical understanding of the main concepts. The oral exam can only be taken after receiving a passing grade in the written test. Grading is on a scale of 30.

Exam Schedule

The timetable for this course is available, with exams scheduled for:

• 12/01/2026
• 05/02/2026
• 15/06/2026
• 03/07/2026
• 11/09/2026

Each exam session includes both a written and an oral component, with specific dates and times provided in the official calendar.