Laboratory experiments in thermal sciences

Study of the basic sciences (chemistry, biology, physics, etc.) requires experimental verification to support the theory developed in the classroom. Engineering solutions are the same in their need for verification. In an academic environment this verification comes in the form of laboratory courses. The link to applications is equally important as the demonstration of theory. This is especially true for engineering disciplines due to the nature of tasks engineers are expected to successfully complete in industry. It is vital for the engineer\u27s career that he/she can successfully apply the background theory learned in university study to real world applications.;The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at West Virginia University had expressed an interest in increasing the number of thermodynamics and heat transfer related experiments in its thermal sciences and fluids laboratory course. Specifically, two experiments were desired. These were to include one to demonstrate the method by which enthalpy tables are created in thermodynamics, and another to demonstrate an open heat exchanger application that also loosely models an open feedwater heater.;This thesis will cover the initial design, construction, operation and analysis of these two experiments. They were designed specifically for use and demonstration in a laboratory course. They are relatively simple to operate and, with modifications, can be easily used in the time constraints of the course for which they are intended. The accuracy of the experiments is also considered