An Introduction to Thermodynamics

R. S. Silver began to criticise convention teaching ideas when, as an employer of graduate engineers, he saw how unimaginative their training sometimes made them. In industry, thermodynamic problems are not presented in pure 'textbook' style: they arise casually, in real, complex situations, and newly graduated engineers take some time to outgrow the resulting confusion. Originally published in 1971, this book offers a different approach to the standard industry textbook. Throughout the book, Silver considers real processes, including frictional dissipation: conventional introductions to thermodynamics are limited to idealized reversible processes. Another major difference is that he avoids the unusual procedure of hiding important difficulties in thermodynamic concepts under premature definitions. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the practical application of thermodynamics, and the development of pedagogical methods in relation to it.