Test 1
Test 1 covers the course objectives of applying thermodynamics laws do gas turbine engines using ideal cycles reheating regeneration and intercooling cycles, as well as Jet Propulsion engines using ideal cycles. In comparison to the solution set for this exam there are a few discrepancies. I left out state 5a, My p-v and t-s diagrams are incorrect. The pressure in state 2 of the p-v diagram is too low, as well as the using the incorrect temperatures for the effectiveness of the heat exchanger. With that, the values I calculated for the work were incorrect as I improperly applied the first law, as well as efficiency and mass flow rate calculations. For problem 2, I did not calculate all of the necessary states, by excluding 3a and 5a you are unable to properly solve for the velocity.
Based on the solution set and comments on the exam, I can say that I am understanding of the grade received. On this first Test I was unaware of how to solve for those extra states which led me to skip them entirely. During this test I familiarized myself more with the Brayton cycle and how the engine cycles operates. While ideal Brayton cycles aren’t completely applicable to real life scenarios the principles that it teaches allow us to manipulate them in a way which can account for different operations within. This knowledge can be used in life and in a multitude of ways such as personal car repairs. The topic for this test is more niche and is not as easily applicable to other courses or events outside of the class. On this test I believe that my p-v and t-s diagrams for question 2 were relatively accurate outside of leaving out 3a and 5a. In my specific career field I don’t see myself using this knowledge very much, if ever as I am more interested in drafting than development of products. This test took me approximately 15 hours to complete. Seven of those hours being allocated to question one and eight to question 2. If I could change anything about this test I would start earlier and not the day it was due. Working within such a small window added more stress and difficulty to the test than necessary.
