MAE2402 Thermodynamics and gas dynamics
Faculty of Engineering
MAE2402 Thermodynamics and gas dynamics is a level 2, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs ENG1005 and unlocks 3 units, leading on to 6 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 60%
- and 4 other tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.
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Requisites
Before MAE2402
Prohibitions
You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After MAE2402
3 units list MAE2402 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit provides the discipline basis for applications in energy and power. It is the core unit in the discipline of thermal sciences, providing a basic level of knowledge and problem-solving capability in thermodynamics and gas dynamics. Thermodynamics underpins the study of aerospace propulsion and thermal systems and is also a key component of understanding compressible gas dynamic systems. The study of gas dynamics is relevant to high-speed flight, high-thrust propulsion, spaceflight and re-entry. Thus, the unit is core to understanding both aerodynamics and propulsion systems.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | Flexible |
Assessment
- In-semester test(s)Quiz / TestThreshold hurdle15%
- Lab report(s)WrittenThreshold hurdle15%
- Moodle quizzesQuiz / TestThreshold hurdle5%
- Problem setsWrittenThreshold hurdle5%
- ExaminationThreshold hurdle60%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify the conservation laws relevant to thermodynamics and gas dynamics.
- 2
Use the principle of the conservation of energy to predict the performance of aerospace systems.
- 3
Appreciate how the second law of thermodynamics imposes upper limits on the efficiency of aerospace systems.
- 4
Analyse thermodynamic cycles as idealised analogues to propulsive systems.
- 5
Apply conservation principles to predict the behaviour of 1D shock and expansion waves.
- 6
Apply the quasi-1D approximation principle to design supersonic nozzles (eg rocket propulsion), wind tunnels and diffusers.
Workload and teaching
- Workshops24 hours
- Laboratories4 hours
- Practical activities24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Associate Professor Daniel Edgington-Mitchell
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Daniel Edgington-Mitchell
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MAE2402?
You need ENG1005 before you enrol.
What can I take after MAE2402?
MAE2402 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 3 units, including MAE3401, MAE3405 and MAE3408. Those lead on to 6 units in all.
When is MAE2402 offered?
In 2025, MAE2402 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is MAE2402?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does MAE2402 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 60% of the final mark, alongside 4 other tasks.