66707 - THERMOPHYSICS AND ACOUSTICS OF CONSTRUCTIONS T

Course contents

PREREQUISITES

To successfully complete this course, it is ESSENTIAL to be familiar with the mathematics concepts typically taught in the final year of high school. Specifically:

- Basic Algebra
- Trigonometry
- Calculus especially derivatives and integrals

This course does NOT include dedicated lessons on the mathematics topics listed above. Each student is responsible for filling any gaps in their knowledge through personal study.

 

PROGRAM

1. THERMODYNAMICS

1.1 Thermodynamics of Closed Systems
Scope of Thermodynamics.
Definition of temperature and temperature scales.

First Law of Thermodynamics for closed systems:
- Equivalence of various forms of energy.
- Internal energy, enthalpy, specific heats, and their relationships.

Second Law of Thermodynamics for closed systems:
- Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements and their equivalence.
- Carnot engines.
- Irreversibility of natural phenomena.
- Entropy and wasted work. Thermodynamic temperature.

1.2 Open Systems.
Mass Balances for Open Systems.
Energy Balances for Open Systems.
Examples of Application Interest.
Head Losses. Chimney Formula.

1.3 Pure Substances, Diagrams, and Cycles.
p-v-T Surface for Pure Substances. Gibbs Phase Rule.
Saturated vapors. Thermodynamic diagrams.
Ideal Rankine cycle. Compression refrigeration cycle. Heat pumps.

1.4 Mixtures of air and water vapor.
Quantitative description of a mixture of air and water vapor (humid air). Psychrometric chart.

Psychrometric transformations.
Basics of air conditioning.
Humidity measurements.

2. HEAT TRANSFER

2.1 Conduction.
Fourier's law. Fourier equation.
Steady-state solutions: flat layer, cylindrical layer.
Critical radius.
Electrical analogy. Thermal bridges.
Thermal conductivity measurements.
Thermal insulation materials.

2.2 Convection.
Convection coefficient.
Dimensional analysis and similarity.
Forced, natural, and mixed convection.
Cooling of a body by natural convection.
Dynamic and thermal boundary layer.

2.3 Radiation.
Basic definitions. Black bodies and gray bodies.
Stefan-Boltzmann, Planck, Wien, Lambert, and Kirchhoff laws.
Energy exchange between fully and partially facing surfaces.
Solar radiation.

2.4 Simultaneous presence of different exchange modes.
Overall heat transfer coefficient.
Heat exchangers.

2.5 Thermohygrometry.
Thermohygrometric balance of building structures.
Risk of condensation in building structures.
Glaser diagram.


3. ACOUSTICS

3.1 Physical acoustics
The phenomenon of sound. Main acoustic quantities.
Plane, spherical, cylindrical, and stationary waves.

3.2 Psychophysical Acoustics
Human Hearing System
Noise Disturbance and Damage

3.3 Decibel Sound Levels and Spectra
Decibel Scale
Octave and 1/3-Octave Filters
Frequency Weighting Curves
Sound Level Metrics


3.4 Application Areas
Sound Propagation in Outdoor Environments
Sound Insulation: Fundamental Laws
Indoor Acoustics
Passive Sound-Absorbing Materials and Systems

Readings/Bibliography

Personal and thoughtful study of a university textbook is considered essential to achieve an adequate level of preparation.

Y.A. Çengel, Termodinamica e Trasmissione del calore, McGraw-Hill, Milano, 5^a ed. (2022). (adopted text)

S. Lazzari, B. Pulvirenti, E. Rossi di Schio, Esercizi risolti di termodinamica, moto dei fluidi e termocinetica, Esculapio, Bologna (2004). (recommended text for additional exercises)

V. Corrado, E. Fabrizio, Applicazioni di termofisica dell'edificio e climatizzazione, Ed. CLUT, Torino (2005). (recommended text for additional exercises)

A. Magrini, L. Magnani, La progettazione degli impianti di climatizzazione negli edifici, Ed. EPC Libri, Roma, 2a ed. (2010). (recommended text for further information on building HVAC systems)

G. Cesini, V. Lori, F. Serpilli, Acustica applicata e illuminotecnica, De Agostini Scuola - Città Studi Edizioni, Torino (2023).

(recommended text for further study of applied acoustics)

Slides prepared by the teacher available on https://virtuale.unibo.it

Teaching methods

Classes are taught primarily using a traditional blackboard and chalk.

All topics outlined in the syllabus will be discussed during the lessons, highlighting key points, pitfalls to avoid, and the correct approach to the subject. No textbook can replace direct interaction with a teacher, so attending classes in person is strongly recommended.

Lessons will be complemented by in-class numerical exercises, solved step-by-step, which are an essential part of the program.

Occasionally, short videos, graphs, drawings, summary slides, and other helpful materials may be used to facilitate understanding certain concepts.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a preliminary written section and an oral section, to be taken on the same day, except in exceptional circumstances.

The written test always includes the analytical and numerical solution to a problem similar to those covered during the practical exercises that accompany the theoretical lectures. This serves to test the student's ability to apply the acquired tools to model a given situation, calculate the desired results, and interpret them. The solution is correct if and only if it includes all of the following elements: the correct numerical value, the correct unit of measurement, and a clear and explicit solution procedure.

In addition, the written test includes several multiple-choice questions. It is possible for the same quiz to contain multiple correct answers. A multiple-choice quiz is correct if and only if all correct answers are marked.

Students have 60 minutes for the preliminary written test. Only a non-programmable calculator is permitted during the test (no computers, tablets, or cell phones; no books, notes, or similar).
The preliminary written exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

Only those who pass the preliminary written exam are admitted to the immediately following oral exam.

Those who fail the written exam must retake the entire exam at a later date.

In the oral exam, questions aim to assess the student's achievement of two learning objectives:

- full knowledge of the theoretical concepts presented in class;

- the ability to use these tools to solve applied problems.

The final grade may be higher, equal to, or lower than the written exam grade depending on the oral exam result. In extreme cases, a student may even fail the exam.

At the end of the oral exam, the grade can be accepted or rejected. In the latter case, the student must retake the entire exam, both written and oral.

Registration for the exam is done by registering on the website https://almaesami.unibo.it. The list closes a few days before the written exam. Late registrations will not be accepted under any circumstances.

The exam is held in person. If the conditions for taking the exam online are met, authorized students must prepare their workstations in advance by following the instructions available on the instructor's website.

During the exam, the use of artificial intelligence is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Lessons are held primarily using the traditional blackboard and chalk.

Occasionally, short films, graphs, drawings, summary slides and other useful material may be used to facilitate the understanding of some concepts. The PDF copy of all the slides shown in class is available on the website https://virtuale.unibo.it.

Students with disabilities (DSA) are invited to contact the teacher in good time to agree on any adaptations to be applied both during the lessons, to guarantee them full enjoyment of the teaching, and during the exam.

Office hours

See the website of Massimo Garai