Hydraulic Machines and Energy

This first volume of the textbook Hydraulic and Thermal Machines introduces readers to all necessary fundamentals to understand and operate hydraulic and thermal machines. No prior knowledge in machinery is required. With an uncomplicated yet rigorous approach, it gradually guides bachelor students, with no prior knowledge in machines, from basic concepts such as dimensions and SI base and derived units, to more complex, mathematical and mechanical fundamentals of hydraulic machines, energy conversion processes, fluids, including real ones, as well as hydrostatics and hydrodynamics. In turn, the book gets into the basic structure and operating modes of pumps and turbines, ending up with the study of fluid dynamic transmission in hydraulic machines. Numerous examples are analyzed in detail, for a comprehensive understanding and effective learning, which will prepare readers to the second volume of this set.

Giorgio Cornetti received a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1963. From April 1963 to August 1974, he worked in the engine/combustion department of ENI (National Hydrocarbons Authority of Italy); from September 1974 to December 1979 he served as the manager of the Diesel Engine Group at FIAT Research Center in Turin. In turn, until December 1985, he was manager of the Combustion and Emissions Group at IVECO Fiat in Turin. From January 1986 to December 1991, he served as the manager of Engines Research at IVECO Fiat in Turin. In parallel, he was assistant and lecturer at the Polytechnic University of Milan (1965 – 1973) and at the Polytechnic University of Turin (1975 – 1977). From 1978 to 1991, he held short courses on combustion, emissions and internal combustion engines at the Polytechnic University of Turin. From January 1992, Giorgio Cornetti has served as a consulting engineer for the European Commissionwithin three different Departments: Directorates-General (DGs) Research, Environment, and Joint Research Center of the European Commission on advanced propulsion systems and emission reduction technologies. He co-authored with F. Millo a textbook (in Italian) on fluid machines, “Macchine a Fluido”, published by Il Capitello, in 2015. He is also the author of 70 publications, including SAE papers, FISITA (International Federation for the Automotive and Mobility Systems) conference papers, and other contributions to a number of International Conferences as well.