It is recognized that the study of mechanical engineering is built of a number of

engineering sciences, some of which are of basic nature whereas some other are of applied nature.

"Basic Thermodynamics" and "Basic Fluid Dynamics" are probably the two most important basic

engineering sciences in the build of a Mechanical Power Engineer. In applied mechanical power

engineering sciences, the principles introduced and analysed in these two basic sciences are

common divisors. In other words, we may look at these two branches of basic engineering sciences

as two legs on which Mechanical Power Engineering applications appear to stand.

The science of "Basic Thermodynamics " is based mainly on a number of basic principles

(in the form of laws) that lead to a number of equations describing and governing the behavior of

several mechanical power systems. It is therefore of particular importance to introduce and analyse

such equations. It is also essential to relate these principles and equations to each other and,

whenever possible, to pertinent phenomena and applications. This may be achieved via worked

examples that stem from from engineering practice.

The science of "Basic Fluid Dynamics" is another basic engineering science of equal

importance to "Basic Thermodynamics". The principles introduced and analysed by this basic

science find applications in almost all applied mechanical power engineering sciences. Examples of

these applied sciences are "Applied Thermodynamics", "Applied Fluid Dynamics",

"Combustion Engineering"," Turbo-machinery", "Refrigeration and Air-conditioning",

"Power Plants", "Gas dynamics". "Propulsion systems" ….etc. Because of the close inter-relation

between the science of basic thermodynamics and the science of basic fluid dynamics, it has

become a common practice to contained both sciences in one textbook under the title “Basic

Thermo/fluid Dynamics” (the title of the present textbook).

The present textbook on "Basic Thermo/fluid Dynamics" has been divided into distinct

parts: A and B. In part A, we concentrate on "Basic Thermodynamics", attempting to present, with

as much clarity as possible, the basic principles therein and giving several worked examples for the

sake of clarification. In part B, we concentrate on "Basic Fluid Dynamics", applying the same

philosophy as in Part A. In this part also, a special section (in chapter five) containing a rather

concise manipulation of the applied science of "Compressible Fluid (Gas) Dynamics" is

presented, being an important combined application of the basic principles discussed in

thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. Moreover, It was felt by the authors that it is particularly

important to include this section on gas dynamics, since, in spite of being applied in nature, it is

regarded by many as basic more than applied.

The last chapter of Part A and chapter five of Part B cover some important engineering

applications of the principles given apriori. Each of these applications may be looked upon as a

brief exposition of an applied engineering science carrying the title of the application under

consideration. This was felt imperative to the advantage hopefully to be gained by the student.

The authors are indebted to their colleague Dr. Mohammad S.H. Emeara of the Mechanical

Power Engineering Department, Zagazig University, for assisting with part of the illustrations and

wish to thank him for rendering this assistance in the early stages of preparation of this textbook.