Thermodynamique : fondements

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/thermo-base

Introduction

# Course Review: **Thermodynamique : fondements** ## Overview If you are eager to delve into the world of thermodynamics with a holistic understanding that integrates facets of physics, chemistry, and engineering, Coursera's course **"Thermodynamique : fondements"** is an excellent choice. Offered by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), this comprehensive course is structured into two MOOCs, aiming to provide both foundational knowledge and practical applications of thermodynamic principles. Led by the esteemed Professor J.-Ph. Ansermet and Dr. Sylvain Bréchet, this course is split into two main parts: an initial exploration of fundamental concepts and a follow-up section that illustrates these theories with real-world applications. This dual structure ensures that participants not only grasp the theoretical aspects but also comprehend how these principles function in practical scenarios. ## Course Content ### Part One: Foundational Principles The course kicks off with an introductory lesson on thermodynamic systems, delivered by Professor Paul Ekam from the Institut Polytechnique de Yaoundé, Cameroon. Subsequently, Dr. Sylvain Bréchet takes center stage to elucidate the **First Principle of Thermodynamics**, effectively bridging foundational thermodynamics with mechanical concepts. Here, you’ll learn the critical definitions of work and heat, laying the groundwork for subsequent lessons. ### The Second Principle and Beyond As the course progresses to the **Second Principle of Thermodynamics**, Dr. Bréchet helps to differentiate between reversible and irreversible processes through the lens of time symmetry. This section is particularly valuable for those who want to explore the concepts of state equations and state diagrams, again presented by Professor Ekam, ensuring that students are engaged and continuously learning. ### Irreversibility and Thermodynamic Potentials Next, Dr. Bréchet tackles the issue of irreversibility, focusing on isolated thermodynamic systems made up of simple subsystems. This lesson investigates equilibrium conditions and delves into phenomenological laws like Fourier's and Fick's laws related to heat and material transport. The course culminates with a sophisticated exploration of **thermodynamic potentials**, where Dr. Bréchet articulates fundamental relationships such as Gibbs, Euler, and Gibbs-Duhem relations. Participants will also encounter the Legendre transformation, further defining thermodynamic potentials and their differentials while establishing Maxwell's relations based on the Schwarz theorem. ## Recommendation **"Thermodynamique : fondements"** is highly recommended for students and professionals alike who wish to build or solidify their understanding of thermodynamics. The course's organizing structure is commendable, and the collaboration between experienced faculty members from different institutions enhances the learning experience. Prospective learners can expect a blend of rigorous theoretical instruction complemented with ample insights into practical applications. Additionally, the course's bilingual nature (French) may serve as an added advantage for French-speaking students or those looking to practice their language skills while acquiring technical knowledge. Enrolling in this MOOC not only empowers you with theoretical insights but also equips you with the analytical skills necessary for real-world problem-solving in various scientific and engineering fields. ### Final Thoughts Whether you aim to apply thermodynamic principles in research, engineering applications, or academic pursuits, this course encapsulates the essence of thermodynamics effectively. With its well-structured curriculum, expert instructors, and practical approach, **"Thermodynamique : fondements"** deserves a spot on your learning agenda. Don’t miss the opportunity to deepen your understanding of this fundamental science!

Syllabus

Présentation générale et leçon sur le premier principe

Bienvenue à ce MOOC de thermodynamique. Cette formation de base en thermodynamique est présentée en deux parties. La première partie où vous êtes maintenant pose les fondements de la thermodynamique. La deuxième partie présente des applications. Dans le premier chapitre, le professeur Paul Ekam de l'Institut Polytechnique de Yaoundé au Cameroun définit ce qu'est un système thermodynamique. Le docteur Sylvain Bréchet de l’École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne en Suisse présente le premier principe de la thermodynamique et montre comment le cadre conceptuel de la thermodynamique généralise celui de la mécanique. Il définit en particulier les notions de travail et de chaleur.

Le docteur Sylvain Bréchet de l’École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne en Suisse présente le deuxième principe de la thermodynamique qui permet de distinguer des processus réversibles et irréversibles par rapport à leur symétrie par renversement du temps. Il examine ensuite l'application des principes de la thermodynamique au cas d'un système simple. Le professeur Paul Ekam de l'Institut Polytechnique de Yaoundé au Cameroun introduit les notions d'équation d'état et de diagramme d'état.

Le docteur Sylvain Bréchet de l’École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne en Suisse aborde la thermodynamique d'un système isolé constitué de deux sous-systèmes simples. Il déduit les conditions d'équilibre ainsi que les lois phénoménologiques de Fourier et de Fick qui décrivent le transport de chaleur et de matière.

Le docteur Sylvain Bréchet de l’École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne en Suisse établit les relations fondamentales de la thermodynamique, à savoir la relation de Gibbs, la relation d'Euler et la relation Gibbs-Duhem. Il définit la transformation mathématique de Legendre. A l'aide de cette transformation, il définit les potentiels thermodynamiques et leurs différentielles. En se basant sur le théorème de Schwarz, il établit les relations de Maxwell entre les dérivées premières des fonctions d'état.