Applying the possibilities of Microsoft Excel for solving problems of fuel burning thermodynamics

Heat energy obtained from burning fuels is practically the main source of useful effect of the heat engine cycle. To calculate the cycles of heat engines it is necessary to know the temperature and thermodynamic characteristics of the products of combustion that constitute the working substance in the processes of expansion. The solution of the balances of the initial substance masses and those of the masses of products of chemical reactions as well as the power balances of reactions becomes a serious task. In the authors’ opinion Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that make up the compulsory set of software for Microsoft Office computers and laptops are useful for the development of computational methods of reactions of burning at the stage of training students and engineers.