Units / MAE2402
MAE2402 · Thermodynamics and gas dynamics
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
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
The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In-semester test(s) | Quiz / Test | 15% | Threshold |
| 2 | Lab report(s) | Written | 15% | Threshold |
| 3 | Moodle quizzes | Quiz / Test | 5% | Threshold |
| 4 | Problem sets | Written | 5% | Threshold |
| 5 | Examination | Examination | 60% | Threshold |
Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prerequisite
- ENG1005 — Engineering mathematics
Learning outcomes
- Identify the conservation laws relevant to thermodynamics and gas dynamics.
- Use the principle of the conservation of energy to predict the performance of aerospace systems.
- Appreciate how the second law of thermodynamics imposes upper limits on the efficiency of aerospace systems.
- Analyse thermodynamic cycles as idealised analogues to propulsive systems.
- Apply conservation principles to predict the behaviour of 1D shock and expansion waves.
- Apply the quasi-1D approximation principle to design supersonic nozzles (eg rocket propulsion), wind tunnels and diffusers.
Workload
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.
Ask about MAE2402
Answered from the Handbook fields above — no AI, no guessing. Every answer links back to the source.
Community discussions about MAE2402
CommunityStudent experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.