MathCAD functions were constructed to evaluate the thermodynamic properties of moist air, ammonia, propane, and Refrigerant 22. The functions were constructed to ease the need for time-consuming interpolation using tabularized thermodynamic data while reinforcing the functional representation of traditional thermodynamic property tables. Three examples are provided to demonstrate the use of the functions in an undergraduate applied thermodynamics course. The examples include the analysis of an evaporative cooling system, the analysis of a cascade, reversed-Rankine cycle refrigeration system, and the design of a propane based heat pump system. The examples are presented in their entirety in appendices to demonstrate the report-quality worksheets possible using MathCAD. The efforts described are an extension of earlier efforts to develop a complete set thermodynamic property functions needed to teach an undergraduate applied thermodynamics course. While the function development was directed at the applied thermodynamics course, which is commonly taught early in the undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum, the functions are excellent tools for upper-level electives such as HVAC, internal combustion engines, thermal systems design, and turbomachinery.
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