Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Catalog - 2020-2021
MECH 484 - MICRO THERMO & TRANSPORT
Long Title: MICROSCOPIC THERMODYNAMICS AND TRANSPORT
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Undergraduate Professional
Visiting Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Prerequisite(s): MECH 481
Description: This course introduces concepts in statistical mechanics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics that are used to understand the physical mechanisms of heat transfer, particularly in micro/nanoscale systems. Emphasis is placed on energy storage and thermal transport by electrons, phonons, molecules, and photons. Topics include the kinetic theory of gases, thermodynamic distribution functions, energy carrier dispersion relations, Boltzmann equation modeling of thermal and electrical properties, size effects (classical and quantum-mechanical) on material properties, and thermoelectric energy conversion. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: MECH 584.