T229 has been designed in three parts. Each part is presented as a printed book with associated online activities. Part 1 focuses on thermodynamics, Part 2 covers fluid mechanics, and Part 3 concerns heating, cooling, and sustainability.
Part 1: Thermodynamics
You’ll consider different energy forms and how they transform from one to another. You’ll then discover the limits to these transformations and the directionality of these processes before learning how heat energy can be harnessed to do mechanical work using a heat engine. This understanding will be applied to steam turbines for power generation and jet engines for transport. The reverse process, the heat pump, is introduced as the basis of the refrigeration cycle. Its usefulness in both geothermal power and food preservation is explained.
Part 2: Fluid mechanics
This part looks at the behaviour of liquids and gases moving in a wide range of situations, from domestic plumbing to hurricanes and from jet engines to hydraulic braking systems such as those found in various forms of transport. You will learn how physical and mathematical models help engineers to understand the behaviour of fluids and to solve real-world problems.
Part 3: Heating, cooling and sustainability
You’ll apply your knowledge to design the heating and cooling of ‘low carbon’ buildings and learn about heat transfer mechanisms within buildings – including radiators, insulation and heat exchange mechanisms. You’ll consider the role of engineers in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the context of global climate policies. You will be taught how to apply a simple Life Cycle Assessment to buildings. Part 3 also introduces the theory behind effective teamwork and applies this to a group project to design a low-energy and low-carbon building.
Throughout the module, there will be opportunities to complement and enhance theoretical knowledge by carrying out several relevant experiments. In Parts 1 and 2, you’ll remotely access our OpenEngineering Laboratory to conduct experiments and acquire real-time data. In Part 3, you’ll gain heat transfer analysis skills by exploring the industry-standard finite element analysis (FEA) software package, ANSYS. If you have concerns about working in a group, talk these through with your tutor as soon as possible.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
T229 is an option module in our:
Mechanical engineering: heat and flow (T229) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.
However, we recommend that you’ve passed one of the following modules:
The module assumes a level of mathematics skill and prior knowledge that you’ll get from successfully completing one of the modules above. It assumes and builds on existing knowledge and skill in trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, vectors, polar coordinate systems, and complex numbers.
Core engineering A (T271) and Core engineering B (T272) are ideal preparation. We highly recommend that you’ve at least studied T271 before studying T229.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying T229 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
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Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
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Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
