3 credits
Spring 2026 Lecture
The fundamentals of statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, and molecular spectroscopy will be taught in order to predict and characterize the behavior of non-equilibrium gases using optical and laser diagnostics. This material will be taught within the context of applications involving combustion, plasmas, propulsion, energetic materials, shock waves and laser radiation. Pre-requisite: Thermodynamics I, ME 20000 or Heat Transfer 1, ME 31500 or Chemistry 1, CHM 12500.
Learning Outcomes1Model and experimentally characterize the dynamic behavior of non-equilibrium gases as they transition from one equilibrium state to another (e.g., due to chemical ignition, shock heating/compression, and laser radiation).
2Calculate how energy is distributed (i.e., partitioned) on the molecular level and how many molecules or atoms exist in a given quantum state.
3Determine the viable mechanisms for transferring energy and inducing chemical reactions via collisions and to calculate how quickly these processes occur and how they evolve in time.
4Calculate absorption and emission spectra of atoms and molecules and to convert laboratory measurements of said spectra to thermodynamic properties of the test gas (e.g., temperature, pressure, species concentration, velocity).
made by Purdue students.