TRANSPORT PHENOMENA FOR CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The course is delivered through lectures and practical exercises, supported by multimedia demonstrations designed to connect theoretical models with real transport phenomena. Lectures introduce the fundamental principles of transport processes, discussing assumptions, limitations, and validity domains of the classical models.

Practical sessions include guided problem-solving, analysis of case studies, and the formulation of mathematical models relevant to real-world applications. Throughout the course, multimedia experimental demonstrations are shown to help students visualize the studied phenomena and interpret their physical behavior.

Part of the teaching activities involves the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools to simulate transport processes, with particular emphasis on boundary conditions and physical parameters. The course also includes the presentation of 3D solid models and real devices that exemplify practical applications of the concepts studied, enhancing understanding through concrete engineering examples.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

To successfully follow the course, students must have a solid background in applied mathematics and physics. In particular, they should be familiar with:

• fundamental concepts of calculus, including derivatives, integrals, and multivariable functions;

• the basics of ordinary and partial differential equations, essential for understanding balance equations;

• introductory notions of continuum mechanics and classical physics, especially forces, fluxes, gradients, and conservation principles;

• the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and energy-related phenomena (heat, temperature, equilibrium);

• the ability to read and interpret experimental data and physical quantities.

It is also useful, though not strictly required, to have some familiarity with numerical computation tools and with the formulation of problems involving boundary conditions, as these skills support the setup of simulations and the analysis of real-world cases.

The course provides a rigorous yet application-oriented introduction to the fundamental principles of transport phenomena, examining diffusion, conduction, and convection through constitutive laws and balance equations. Starting from classical theoretical models, their assumptions, limitations, and domains of validity are critically discussed, with the aim of enabling students to correctly interpret real transport processes.

The governing differential equations for mass, momentum, and energy transport are introduced and applied, with particular emphasis on local balance formulations, boundary conditions, and the physical parameters that influence system behavior. Throughout the course, theory and application are tightly integrated, showing how mathematical models serve as the foundation for observing, understanding, and predicting real-world transport phenomena.

A significant portion of the course is devoted to case studies and numerical simulations, illustrating how theoretical models are implemented in computational environments and how simulation results must be critically interpreted in relation to experimental data and operating conditions.

Introductory Transport Phenomena (R. Byron Bird, Warren E. Stewart etc.) 

Perrys Chemical Engineers Handbook (Don W. Green, Robert H. Perry)

Transport Phenomena Fundamentals (Joel L. Plawsky)

SolidWorks Flow Simulation 2024 Black Book (Gaurav Verma , Matt Weber)

The assessment consists of three in-term tests with multiple-choice questions, each focusing on the knowledge related to one of the three fundamental laws covered in the course. These tests are designed to evaluate the student’s understanding of theoretical models, their critical interpretation, and their ability to relate them to real transport phenomena.

At the end of the course, students will take an oral examination, aimed at assessing their overall understanding of transport phenomena and their ability to apply theoretical models to real-world situations.

The final evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

• relevance and accuracy of the answers;

• quality and depth of the concepts presented;

• ability to connect theoretical topics to real phenomena, including everyday-life examples;

• ability to provide clear and pertinent examples;

• use of appropriate technical language and clarity of exposition;

• ability to simplify and explain phenomena while maintaining scientific rigor and consistency with the studied events.

Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities, students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory or dispensatory measures, in agreement with the CInAP representative of the Department.