Mechanics and heat

Subject description

First, we give the physical foundations of kinematics, then in the context of dynamics we discuss Newton's laws, then the theorem on kinetic and gravitational potential energy, and finally the theorem on angular momentum and its conservation. We then derive the harmonic undamped oscillation equations for different types of mechanical pendulums. In the following we continue with a description of  damped, forced and coupled harmonic oscillation. We also briefly describe different ways of deformation of solid and liquid substances and the corresponding expressions for deformation energies. Then we move on to a physical description of the basic properties of liquids and a simplified description of the movement of liquids using the Bernoulli equation. As an example of using Bernoulli's equation, we calculate the drag forces acting on bodies in a fluid at high speeds. We continue with the derivation of  Poiseuille – Hagen equation. In the context of the treatment of surface tension, we derive Laplace's and Young's equations and consider capillary rise and adhesion of liquid droplets to solid surfaces. At the end, we also briefly describe the foundations of the physical description of mechanical wave.  

Within the theory of heat we begin with an explanation of the 1st law of thermodynamics, where  we define also various thermodynamic functions, equations of state of matter such as the ideal gas equation and describe possible phase transitions between different phases of matter. We also present the equations describing heat transfer through thermal conductors. At the end, we process the physical description of the thermal expansion of solids and liquids. 

All theoretical considerations in mechanics and thermodynamics are illustrated with relevant experiments, which are shown in the lectures. 

The subject is taught in programs

Objectives and competences

To acquire a general education in technical and natural sciences. To gain better understanding of  theoretical and experimental methods in  natural and technical sciences.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, tutorials, demonstrative experiments during lectures and  lectures of visiting professors from abroad.

Expected study results

Successful completion of  the course will provide the students with:

  • education in fundamental  mechanics and thermodynamics, preparing  them for a future as problem solvers  in industry,
  • a good basic education suitable for a career in electrical engineering  industry.

After completion of  the course the  students should be able to/of:

  • use  the basic  theoretical tools of  mechanics and thermodynamics   that are needed for the more specialised courses in electrical engineering,
  • application of   the basic laws of mechanics and thermodynamics  to  solve  general problems  in electrical engineering,
  • solve practical problems, which prepare  the students for independent  development  work in the industry,
  • solve  interdisciplinary engineering  problems,  requiring a  knowledge and understanding  of   thermodynamics and mechanics, as well as experience with analytical tools.

Basic sources and literature

  1. Raymond A. Serway: Physics (international edition), Sounders Golden Sunburst Series (vsakokratna nova izdaja). PDF knjige lahko študenti dobijo pri učiteljih ali asistentih fizike na FE UL. 
  2. A. Iglič: Predloge k predavanjem iz Mehanike in termodinamike, vsakokratna nova izdaja, spletna izdaja v  Spletni učilnici FE: https://e.fe.uni-lj.si/login/index.php  ter na domači strani Laboratorija za fiziko (LF) FE  : http://physics.fe.uni-lj.si/students/predavanja/zapiski_iglic_fiz1.html 
  3. Aleš Iglič, Veronika Kralj-Iglič: Mehanika in termodinamika, Založba FE in FRI, vsakokratna nova izdaja. Spletna izdaja  na domači strani LF FE: http://physics.fe.uni-lj.si/students/predavanja/zapiski_iglic_fiz1.html ter v  Spletni učilnici FE: https://e.fe.uni-lj.si/login/index.php 
  4. T. Gyergyek, V. Kralj-Iglič, A. Iglič, M. Fošnarič: Vaje iz Fizike 1, Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za elektrotehniko, vsakokratna nova izdaja je tudi na domači strani LF FE in v Spletni učilnici FE: http://physics.fe.uni-lj.si/students/predavanja/zapiski_iglic_fiz1.html  
  5. J. Strnad: Fizika 1. del: Mehanika, toplota, DMFA, najnovejša izdaja. 
  6. Feynman, Leighton, Sands: The Feynman Lectures on Physics, link na dostopen PDF knjige na voljo na  domači strani LF FE ter v  Spletni učilnici FE.  
  7. A. Iglič: Demonstracijski praktikum pri Mehaniki in termodinamiki/toploti. 1. izd. Ljubljana: Založba FE, 2020. 
  8. M. Jeran, T. Gyergyek, A. Iglič: Demonstracijski poskusi iz Mehanike in termodinamike/toplote za študente naravoslovno-tehničnih usmeritev, Ljubljana, spletni vir (113 videodatotek), 2022 [COBISS.SI-ID 92412675], na domači strani LF FE ter v  Spletni učilnici FE. 
  9. A. Iglič: posnetki »online« predavanj iz Mehanike in termodinamike študentom FE (55 videotek v skupnem trajanju okoli 80 ur), v  Spletni učilnici FE: https://e.fe.uni-lj.si/login/index.php 
  10. Rudolf Kladnik, Visokošolska fizika, 1. del, Mehanski in toplotni pojavi, DZS, 1991. 

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