DEPARTMENT OF Chemical ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

ChE 311

Thermodynamics of Mixtures

Spring 2000 
 

Instructor:      Teaching Assistant:

Dr. Kathleen M. Pittman    Joanne Budzien  

2011 Engineering Hall    1033A Engineering Hall  

262-6329 (office)     262-9662   

pittmank@cae.wisc.edu    jbudzien@cae.wisc.edu  

e-mail is the best way to reach me   office hr: Friday 2:30-4:30 pm 

office hours:  TR  9:15-9:45 am   in 3039 Engineering Hall

                or by appointment 

Lecture:   TR  8-9:15 am   1227 Engr. Hall

Discussion Sections: M  1:20 pm  2239 Engr. Hall

                  M  2:25 pm  2239 Engr. Hall 
 

Final Exam is scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 5:05-7:05 pm 
 

Prerequisites:  ChE 250 and 211 
 

Text: J.M. Smith, H.C. Van Ness, and M.M. Abbott, “Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics,”  5^th edition, McGraw-Hill Co., 1996 
 

Course Scope and Objectives: 

This course, which is a continuation of ChE 211, presents the fundamental concepts concerning Chemical thermodynamics.  Whereas ChE 211 stressed energy-work concepts, this course emphasizes equilibrium relationships in multiphase systems and in Chemical reactions. A good grasp of this material is needed in subsequent Chemical engineering courses.  For example, in mass transfer (426) it is necessary to represent solubilities and distribution coefficients for phase equilibria in order to design separation processes.  Also, in Chemical kinetics and reactor design (430), one must often estimate reaction equilibrium constants and their dependence on temperature and pressure.

It is assumed that the students in the course have a thorough grounding in differential and integral calculus.  Some homework assignments may require use of standard computer programs, such as Excel and Mathcad, which are available at CAE.

By the end of the semester students should know the definitions of relevant thermodynamic properties of Chemical materials and their nonideal mixtures.  They should be able to use these properties and the relations among them in order to compute equilibrium conditions for two-phase systems and Chemical reactions. 
 

Coursework: 
 

Three exams will be given on February 24, March 30, and April 27, 7:15-9:15 pm.  (Tentative).  Exams will be closed book and closed notes (a formula sheet will be provided and will be available for inspection on the web before the exam). 
 

Weekly homework will normally be assigned on Tuesday and will be due on the following Tuesday at 5 pm, one week later.  Homework problems will be graded and returned during discussion sections.  Late homework will not be accepted.  Homework sets not turned in during lecture should be placed in the 311 mailbox.  Homework sets should be completed in teams of 2 students and one homework solution should be turned in for each team with each team member receiving the same grade.  This requirement is intended to encourage teamwork and improve learning as team members discuss the course material required to complete the homework problems.  Approximately twelve homework sets are tentatively planned for the semester.  You should plan on working as a team for 4 homework sets, and then changing teams after every 4 sets. 
 

Exam Regrades: 
 

Occasionally an exam problem will need to be regraded (the grader may unintentionally overlook part of your work or misinterpret your notation).  The procedure for regrading an exam is as follows.  On a separate sheet of paper, write a memo to the grader asking for a regrade and include the following:  problem number and why you think the problem should be regraded.  You may use a highlighter to indicate which parts of your original work you want the grader to focus on.  Memos (and attached exams) requesting regrading will be due one week after the exam is returned to the class. 
 

The final grade will be determined as shown below:

Exam I  100  20%

Exam II 100 20%

Exam III 100 20%

Homework   80 15%  Discussion grade will be based on attendance,

Discussion   20   5%  participation, and professionalism.

Final Exam 100 20%

Total  500 
 

Note:  You are expected to attend both lecture and discussion section classes. 
 

Academic Misconduct and Cheating:  
 

In this course you are encouraged to study and work on homework sets with your classmates.  However, when taking examinations, you are to work alone.  University regulations are explicit about academic misconduct and cheating, and these regulations will be enforced.  During examinations you are to work alone and neither give or receive help from any sources.  You are expected to help enforce this policy.  
 

Name Cards: 
 

Name cards will be distributed during the first meeting.  Please fold them in half lengthwise and write the name you wish to be called on both sides and bring them to each meeting.  This will help me learn your names in addition to allowing you to learn each others names. 
 

Class Representatives: 
 

I will ask for 2-3 student  volunteers at the beginning of the semester to serve as class representatives.  I will meet with the representatives periodically after lecture for 15-20 minutes.  Their job will be to relay comments from the class to myself.  They will keep the identity of the students offering the critique anonymous and report all student feedback they receive without prejudice.  I will occasionally ask for comments on specific topics.  This should not prevent you from giving me feedback directly in person, via e-mail, or by a note in my mailbox. 
 

Web Site: 
 

Copies of homework assignments, this syllabus, and miscellaneous information will be placed on the COE Web site for your convenience.  The site can be reached from http://www.engr.wisc.edu/che/courses/che311.html  and also contains a link to the Wendt Library reserve homework solutions. 
 
 

Course Outline: