Thermodynamics Course | IIT Delhi Prof. S.R. Kale | UG/PG Engineering
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 132 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals of Energy: A Comprehensive Guide to Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the cornerstone of mechanical engineering, governing everything from power plants and car engines to refrigerators and jet propulsion. Understanding its principles is essential for any engineer working with energy conversion systems. This detailed blog introduces a structured, 12-week course designed by a renowned expert from IIT Delhi to help you build a rock-solid foundation in this critical subject.
Course Overview: Your Path to Thermodynamic Proficiency
This undergraduate/postgraduate-level course offers a deep dive into basic engineering thermodynamics. Structured in two clear parts, it begins with single-component systems—covering fundamental concepts, conservation laws, and property relations—before advancing to complex topics like gas mixtures, combustion, and equilibrium. The curriculum is meticulously designed to translate theoretical principles into practical applications, emphasizing systematic problem-solving through provided lecture notes and assignments.
Meet Your Instructor: Learn from an IIT Delhi Expert
Professor Sunil R. Kale brings over three decades of academic and research excellence to this course. A faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Delhi since 1989, Prof. Kale has extensive experience teaching core subjects like thermodynamics, heat transfer, and energy conversion. His research spans heat transfer, fluid mechanics, combustion, and fire dynamics, ensuring the course content is both academically rigorous and industry-relevant.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Undergraduate students in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, and related engineering disciplines.
- Postgraduate students seeking to reinforce core concepts.
- GATE, ESE, and other competitive exam aspirants looking for a structured review.
- Professionals and enthusiasts interested in the fundamentals of energy conversion, power generation, and thermal systems.
Prerequisites & Industry Relevance
To succeed, you should have a basic understanding of 12th standard science (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and elementary differential calculus. The knowledge gained directly supports industries involved in:
- Power Generation (Thermal, Nuclear)
- Automotive and I.C. Engines
- Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning, and HVAC
- Process and Chemical Engineering
- Energy Consulting and Sustainable Technology
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Concepts & Definitions: System, Boundary, State, Properties, Equilibrium, Reversible Process. |
| Week 2 | Conservation of Mass; First Law of Thermodynamics: Internal Energy & Enthalpy. |
| Week 3 | First Law for Closed & Open Systems; SSSF and USUF Processes. |
| Week 4 | Second Law of Thermodynamics; Entropy; Clausius Inequality; Carnot Cycle. |
| Week 5 | Pure Substances: Phases & Thermodynamic Properties; Property Relations. |
| Week 6 | Carnot Cycle Realization for Ideal Gas & Vapour; Practical Limitations & Modifications. |
| Week 7 | Analysis of Engineered Equipment: Turbines, Compressors, Heat Exchangers, Nozzles, etc. |
| Week 8 | Practical Cycles: Rankine Cycle, Ideal Gas Cycles, Vapour Compression & Absorption Cycles. |
| Week 9 | Mixtures of Ideal Gases: Physical Behaviour of Non-Reacting Mixtures. |
| Week 10 | Psychrometry: Humidity, Dew Point, Psychrometric Chart, Air-Conditioning Applications. |
| Week 11 | Reacting Systems: Combustion, Stoichiometry, Adiabatic Flame Temperature, Fuel Cells. |
| Week 12 | Phase & Chemical Equilibrium; Equilibrium Constant; Simultaneous Reactions. |
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
The course is supported by comprehensive notes prepared by Prof. Kale. For further study, consider these standard textbooks (latest editions):
- Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach by Yunus A. Çengel & Michael A. Boles (McGraw-Hill)
- Fundamentals of Thermodynamics by Claus Borgnakke & Richard E. Sonntag (John Wiley)
- Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics by Michael J. Moran & Howard N. Shapiro (John Wiley)
- Engineering Thermodynamics by P. L. Dhar (Elsevier India)
This course provides a unique opportunity to learn thermodynamics from a premier institution's perspective. Whether you're a student aiming for academic excellence, a GATE aspirant, or a professional enhancing your skills, this structured program will equip you with the knowledge to analyze and design efficient thermal systems. Begin your journey to mastering the laws that govern energy today.
Enroll Now →