At the end of the course, students will be able to: - Remember the notions necessary to evaluate, even only quantitatively, the performance of a thermal machine given its main operating parameters. - Understand the difference between the different thermal machines and their possible applications, also in relation to the size and type of evolving gas. - Critically discuss the main aspects related to the design and operation of thermal machines. - Analyze simple thermal machines or power plants by correctly identifying the components and their functions. - Evaluate which are the most technically correct decisions to take for the effective design of a thermal machine or power plant considering the functional, energy and environmental aspects.

For a correct understanding of the concepts included in the program, basic knowledge of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics is required, which will be recalled in the first part of the course.

Thermal Machines course is divided into three modules: - The first module is dedicated to the recall of the concepts of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. - The second module deals with thermal machines and their main characteristics. - The third module (in parallel to the first two) consists in the resolution of applicative problems. In detail, during the first two modules the following topics will be covered: - First and second law of thermodynamics, conservation equations. - Nozzles, representation in the thermodynamic space, polytropic efficiency. - Fluid machines, velocity triangles, degree of reaction. - Axial and radial turbines, characteristics of turbine blades, description of losses, calculation of efficiency, impulse turbines, reaction turbines, characteristic curves. - Steam turbines, boilers, power plant efficiency, cogeneration. - Axial and radial turbocompressors, characteristics of compressor blades, rotating stall, description of losses, calculation of efficiency, similitude theory, characteristic curves, pumping, inter-cooled compression, turbochargers, volumetric compressors. - Ideal and real cycle, combustion, thermal efficiency, combined cycles.

NA.

The course is divided into approximately 57 hours for the theoretical lessons and 23 hours for the exercises. The lessons are held through the presentation and commentary of the slides relating to the topics covered. At the same time, some topics will be explored in depth through written and oral explanations, thus encouraging moments of interaction. The slides are provided to the students through the Materials section of the Teaching Portal before the lesson. The exercises consist in solving problems about the technical concepts covered in the classroom. The exercises are organized in an interactive manner to stimulate students' learning. The texts of the exercises are made available before the exercise while their resolution is released after the classroom session.

The texts of the exercises done in class are available on the Teaching Portal. Collections of exercises done in previous years or in similar courses are also available. The diagrams and tables necessary for understanding some topics and for the correct execution of the exercises are available. The following texts are recommended for in-depth study of the topics covered in class: - S.L. Dixon. Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics of Turbomachinery. Elsevier Butterworth–Heinemann, ISBN: 0-7506-7870-4 - M.P. Boyce. Gas Turbine Engineering Handbook. GPP Butterworth–Heinemann, ISBN: 0-88415-732-6 - B.K. Hodge, K. Koenig. Compressible Fluid Dynamics. Prentice-Hall, Inc., ISBN: 0-13-308552-X - H.I.H. Saravanamuttoo. Gas Turbine Theory., Pearson Education Limited, ISBN: 9781-292-09309-3

Lecture slides; Lecture notes; Exercises; Exercise with solutions ;

Exam: Written test;

The exam is exclusively written, for a total duration of 140 minutes (to which must be added the technical times for distributing and collecting the texts, which cannot be quantified a priori). The exam is aimed at evaluating both the students’ theoretical knowledge (first part) and their ability to solve problems (second part). The first part lasts 40 minutes and consists of 12 multiple-choice questions. 1 point is assigned for each correct answer, 0 points are assigned for each unanswered question, 0.25 points are revoked for each incorrect answer. At the end of the 40 minutes, the papers will be collected. The maximum score for the first part is 12/32. The minimum score for the student to be admitted to the second part of the exam is 6/32. The use of books, handouts, notes, cell phones or tablets is not permitted. The second part lasts 100 minutes and consists of 2 exercises. The maximum score for the second part is 20/32. The minimum score for the commission to consider the second part passed is 10/32. The use of a precompiled form (maximum one A4 double-sided sheet), the Mollier diagram and the limit curve tables (both property of the student), and a scientific calculator are permitted. The use of books, handouts, notes, cell phones or tablets is not permitted. Once the first part has been completed, the candidate may withdraw at any time. If the candidate withdraws, his/her test will not be evaluated, and the result will not be recorded. If, however, the candidate submits all his/her papers, then the exam will be corrected by the commission and the result will be recorded after having communicated it to the students. For evaluations strictly higher than 30/32, Honors will be awarded. About the refusal of the grade, the course regulations are aligned with the rules established by the University for the current Academic Year. The teacher reserves the right to modify some rules during the course (without however distorting the exam rules reported here) if critical issues are identified that risk penalizing the candidates.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.