Model Description This is a demonstration of the concept of total energy. There are three principle components to total energy for introductory thermodynamics: potential energy, kinetic energy, and internal energy. This demonstration should take 3-5 minutes. Engineering Principle Total energy is the sum of all forms of energy for a system. In introductory thermodynamics it […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of the basic principles energy and energy transfer. It reinforces the concept that internal energy is one of the three forms of energy and that energy can be transferred as work. This demonstration should take 15 minutes. Engineering Principle Most students arrive to their basic Thermodynamics course with an […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of the fundamentals of the vapor power cycle in that it translates the internal energy of steam into mechanical then electrical power. This demonstration falls short of demonstrating the true vapor power cycle in that the steam is not returned to the boiler; instead it is vented as exhaust. […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of the relationship between density and buoyancy. It reinforces the concept that fluids that are less dense have a higher buoyancy. In the case of the lava lamp, this causes the “lava” to rise vertically as heating causes its density to change. This demonstration should take 3-5 minutes. […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of how pressure increases with temperature particularly at temperatures above the fluid’s boiling point. Warming the bottom chamber beyond the boiling point increases the pressure sufficiently to displace fluid into the upper chamber. This demonstration should take 5 minutes. Engineering Principle The pressure of a fluid increases as you […]
Model Description This is a demonstration designed to introduce the basic concepts of psychrometry, the adiabatic saturation or wet bulb temperature, sling psychrometers and the ASHRAE comfort zone. This demonstration should take 8-10 minutes. Engineering Principle This demonstration is best used in a Thermodynamics course when the topic of psychrometrics is introduced. It is designed […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of the concept of conservation of mass. By pouring an incompressible fluid (molasses), it is clearly demonstrated that as the velocity of the flow increases, the cross-sectional area of the flow must decrease. This demonstration should take 8-10 minutes. Engineering Principle Mass is conserved when the mass flow rate […]
Model Description This is a training aid that can be used during the discussion of engine knock in internal combustion engines, and to show the severe damage it can cause to engine components. This demonstration should take 5-8 minutes. Engineering Principle Engine knock, or autoignition is the premature ignition of the fuel-air mixture in a […]
Model Description This is a demonstration of the basic principles open and closed systems. It reinforces the conservation of mass and energy. This demonstration should take 5-8 minutes. Engineering Principle Most students have a basic understanding of open and closed systems, but tend to get lost in the terminology. In order to assist in the […]
Model Description This demonstration is designed to show that the boiling point temperature of water is dependent on the pressure. This demonstration should take 8-10 minutes. Engineering Principle Most students are familiar with the process of boiling water on a stove, but this demonstration will show that the phase change is dependent on both pressure […]