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This book offers a balanced, modern introduction that is rigorous enough for engineering students yet intuitive and accessible for those in applied physics and related disciplines. Core topics such as irreversibility, non-quasistatic processes, and spontaneity, which are often treated vaguely or in non-intuitive ways, are developed here in a systematic, sequential manner. Concepts are introduced through simple examples and then expanded step-by-step, allowing the reader to build understanding gradually while still achieving conceptual rigor.
Key Features:
- Essential concepts of thermodynamics from more general to specific use cases.
- Emphasis on practical use of thermodynamic concepts (and, as mentioned earlier, a thorough discussion of the irreversible process).
- A unique way to learn about chemical and physical phase changes in a reaction by describing them as a thermodynamic process.
- A course text with broad relevance across Applied Physics; Advanced Technology (engineering programmes); Mechanical Engineering; and Chemical Engineering
“I would like to mention that I really, really enjoyed this thermodynamics course. The material and lectures were great, but especially the reader made the course amazing. The combination of the clear and enjoyable lectures and the great and thorough reader made this subject a real pleasure to learn and super-interesting to deeply understand."
Srinivas Vanapalli is a professor in Applied Physics at the University of Twente, where he leads the Applied Thermal Sciences group within the Faculty of Science and Technology. His research focuses on cryogenic thermal systems and multiphase heat and mass transfer, with a strong emphasis on fundamental science and its translation into innovative technologies. His academic roots are from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He later received an electrical engineering master’s degree (cum laude) from University of Twente. He earned his PhD from the University of Twente, where he explored high-frequency operation and miniaturization of pulse tube cryocoolers—a part of which was conducted at NIST in Boulder, USA. After a period in industry, he returned to academia, where he now contributes extensively to both research and education. At Twente, Prof. Vanapalli teaches classical thermodynamics and cryogenics. He is also deeply engaged in the international cryogenics community, serving on several boards and committees, including the Cryogenics Society of Europe as chairman, International Institute of Refrigeration (Commission A2), and the Cryogenic Engineering Conference
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author biography
1 Introduction
2 Enthalpy and heat capacity
3 Thermodynamic processes in a closed system
4 Entropy
5 Quasistatic processes with irreversible work transfer and non-quasistatic processes
6 Thermodynamic cycles
7 Real gas properties and applications in thermodynamic cycles
8 Free energy and the spontaneity of a process
9 Thermodynamic potentials—applications under non-standard temperature and pressure conditions