Understanding Engineering Thermo

Levenspiel (chemical engineering, Oregon State U.), taking pity on the undergraduate puzzling over thermodynamic symbols and squiggles, provides a foundation text for "thermo" study minimizing its abstractions. Concentrating on the first two laws of Thermo, the text presents introductions to work and heat, potential and kinetic energy, chemical and nuclear reacting systems, mechanical engineering, phase equilibrium, and entropy and information. The text includes problems, witty illustrations, theorems, and tables. No bibliography. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or. "Dr. Levenspiel has been teaching Thermo to lower-division engineering students for more than 40 years. He has also written four other engineering books, one of them now in its 38th printing! This intimate acquaintance with the field makes him the perfect choice to introduce you to Thermo, friend-to-friend. Using everyday English, Dr. Levenspiel first takes a qualitative approach to Thermo, and then shows how to treat the subject quantitatively, using classic examples. From the literature to show the power, scope, and utility of the subject. Understanding Engineering Thermo concentrates on a broad-based coverage of the first two laws of Thermo. While not intended to be the last word on the subject, this book provides a lively way to master the foundations of this sometimes dry topic. To broaden the book's applicability, Dr. Levenspiel includes thought-provoking problems from diverse fields, such as biology and nuclear energy on up to literature, astrology, nursery rhymes, and even "How to Terrorize Your Mother." Dozens of witty illustrations make the lessons even more memorable. This comprehensive yet easy-going book is a great way for beginning students to get to know the basics of Thermo."--Back cover