Thermal Engineering is a comprehensive textbook that introduces the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, energy conversion, and the performance analysis of thermal systems. The book provides a systematic understanding of thermodynamic cycles, steam nozzles, injectors, steam turbines, gas turbines, and internal combustion engines. It explains important air standard cycles, including the Carnot, Otto, Diesel, Dual, Brayton, and Rankine cycles, with emphasis on their working principles, thermal efficiency, and performance characteristics. The discussion of steam nozzles covers nozzle configurations, steam flow, critical pressure ratios, mass flow rates, frictional effects, and metastable flow. The chapters on steam and gas turbines examine turbine classification, impulse and reaction principles, velocity diagrams, work output, efficiency, compounding, governing, and performance improvement techniques. The book also explores internal combustion engine classification, components, operating cycles, valve timing, port timing, fuel properties, air–fuel ratio calculations, combustion, and knocking phenomena. Dedicated sections address engine performance testing, performance parameters, Morse tests, heat balance tests, and fuel injection technologies. Important auxiliary systems, including ignition, lubrication, cooling, supercharging, and turbocharging, are discussed to strengthen practical understanding. The book introduces emission norms and highlights their relevance to engine operation and environmental performance. Technical explanations and thermodynamic relationships help readers connect theoretical concepts with engineering applications. The structured presentation supports conceptual learning, analytical problem-solving, and the interpretation of thermal system performance. This textbook is suitable for undergraduate engineering students, diploma learners, educators, and readers seeking a foundational reference in mechanical, thermal, and energy engineering. By integrating essential theory with practical engineering principles, Thermal Engineering provides a valuable foundation for understanding engines, turbines, power generation, energy efficiency, and modern thermal system technologies.
About the Authors’
Dr. S. R. Rajabalayanan is working as Professor and Head in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Director IQAC at Hindusthan Institute of Technology, Coimbatore. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering at Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. He secured Master of Technology in Energy Conservation and Management at School of Energy, Bharathidasan University Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India. He secured Ph.D., in Mechanical Engineering at Anna University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India .He is in teaching profession for more than 26 years. He has published 20 papers in National and International Journals, Conferences and Symposiums. His main area of interest includes Solar Thermal Energy and Energy conservation. He has been Principal Investigator of research Projects funded by DST, MNRE & AICTE.
Mr. Karthick. P, M.E., (Ph.D) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, at the Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET), Deemed to be University, Chennai. With over 10 years of teaching and research experience, He has demonstrated excellence in academia through his consistent contribution to student development, research supervision, and curriculum advancement. He has served as a coordinator for NBA and NAAC accreditation processes, emphasizing his commitment to institutional quality and continuous improvement. He has published two Q1-ranked research papers in Annexure- I Journals and authored 5 books published by reputed national publishers. Additionally, he has 5 technical papers to his credit in national and international journals and has successfully completed the VICT certification course. He has guided several undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, mentoring students in innovative and application-oriented work in the fields of mechanical design, manufacturing systems, and computational modeling. His research interests include Composite Materials, Manufacturing Engineering, and Advanced Computational Applications. Mr. Karthick is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research by integrating mechanical sciences with emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Manufacturing.
S. Maria Mercy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at J.J. College of Engineering and Technology. She holds a B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering and an M.E. in Thermal Engineering. Her academic and research interests include aircraft structures, propulsion, thermal engineering, battery thermal management systems, and emerging aerospace technologies. She is passionate about teaching, research, innovation, and inspiring students to explore new ideas in the field of aeronautical engineering.
