NWNR100008 Physics for food- and biotechnology

Type
course with non-continuous assessment
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Lichtenegger, Helga , Mayer, Herwig
Organisation
Physics and Materials Science
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

1. INTRODUCTION: Physical units, unit conversions, mathematical methods

2. MECHANICS: Translational and rotational motion, force (gravity, friction, inertia, drag, momentum), torque (moments of inertia, axes of rotation, angular momentum), statics (system of forces, cable forces and pendulum supports, support reactions)

3. ENERGY: Work, energy, conservation of energy and energy conversion, power, hydroelectric and wind power stations

4. ELECTRICITY: Electrostatics, direct current, ohmic resistance, capacitance, electromagnetism, inductance, alternating current, active, apparent and reactive power, transformers, three-phase alternating current, safety engineering

5. MATERIALS: Stress, strain, stiffness and strength under tension, bending and torsion; iron and steel; non-ferrous metals; plastics; ceramics; composite materials; effects of temperature; corrosion
Previous knowledge expected

Physics and Mathematics on high school graduation (Matura) level
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Students possess the knowledge and computational skills required to analyse and calculate physical problems relevant to food and biotechnology in the fields of mechanics, energy, elastic deformation, materials science and electricity. For example, upon successful completion of the course, they will be able to
- use and convert physical units correctly
- describe different types of motion in basic terms and calculate motion parameters
- calculate forces and torques, and the resulting accelerations and angular accelerations
- determine the mechanical work and energy associated with forces and torques
. state the conservation laws of mechanics and apply them to physical problems
- Calculate the power output of run-of-river power stations, pumped-storage power stations and wind power stations
- Calculate mechanical stresses under tensile, bending and torsional loading
- Carry out simple design calculations for components based on stiffness and strength
- Identify important crystalline ceramics, glasses, carbon materials and semiconductors, and specify practical applications for them
- Distinguish between thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers and specify their practical applications
- Identify corrosion-resistant metals
- Understand the advantages and disadvantages of iron-based materials, aluminium, copper, titanium, nickel and magnesium alloys, and select suitable metallic materials for practical applications
- Describe technical and natural particle and fibre composites and provide examples of their applications
- Classify materials according to their thermal expansion, heat capacity and thermal shock resistance
- Calculate currents, voltages and power in direct and alternating current circuits
- Calculate the forces generated by magnetic fields and the induced voltages
- Understand and estimate the efficiency of electrical energy transmission
- Calculate electrical energy storage in batteries, capacitors and coils
- Understand the purpose and function of electrical safety devices
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.