1. Introduction -- 2. Systems, processes and interactions -- 3. Work -- 4. Mass, energy, temperature and heat -- 5. Mechanical work processes of closed systems -- 6. Thermodynamic property diagrams -- 7. The steam tables -- 8. Ideal gases -- 9. The mass balance equation -- 10. The first law of thermodynamics -- 11. The steady flow energy equation -- 12. Heat engines -- 13. The second law of thermodynamics -- 14. Entropy -- 15. The Carnot cycle -- 16. The Rankine steam cycle -- 17. The air standard Otto cycle -- Appendix A. Steam tables -- Appendix B. Ideal gas data -- Appendix C. Answers to the self-assessment questions -- Appendix D. Guide to further reading.

The Prentice Hall Essence of Engineering Series provides a concise, practical and uniform introduction to the core components of an undergraduate engineering degree. Acknowledging the recent changes within Higher Education, this approach uses a variety of pedagogical tools - case-studies, worked examples and self-test questions - to underpin the student's learning. Details of all titles in the series can be found on page ii. The Essence of Engineering Thermodynamics is an introduction to thermodynamics for engineering students of all disciplines. The book looks at the properties of substances and the first, second and zeroth laws of thermodynamics. The non-flow energy equation and the steady-flow energy equation are also covered. The theory is then applied to the Carnot cycle, the Rankine steam cycle and the air standard Otto cycle.