Thermodynamics and heat transfer from developed a common set of concepts, based on observations of the physical world, specific models and laws necessary for the decision of tasks and engineering systems. Mass and energy are two of the basic concepts of engineering science is growing. From our own experience we all have some idea of what each of them, but, probably, it is difficult to provide a simple, concise, one paragraph or determination of the mass or energy. However, we are familiar with these concepts, to realize that they are the most important elements in our description of the physical world in which we live. ....
As the physical world is extremely complex, it is virtually impossible to describe it precisely. Even if it were, such detailed descriptions would be much too cumbersome for engineering purposes. One of the most significant accomplishments of engineering science has been the development of models of physical phenomena which, although they are approximations, provide both a sufficiently accurate description and a tractable means of solution. Newton's model of the relationship of force to mass and acceleration is an example. Although it cannot be applied universally, within its range of application it is accurate and extremely useful.
Models in and of themselves, however, are of little value unless they can be expressed in appropriate mathematical terms. The mathematical expressions of models provide the basic equations, or laws, which allow engineering science to explain or predict natural phenomena. The first and second laws of thermodynamics and the heat-transfer rate equations provide pertinent examples here. In this text we shall be discussing the use of these concepts, models, and laws in the description, design, and analysis of thermal systems in buildings and the process industries.
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