Help on TEST

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't see the TEST logo. How do I enable Javascript in my browser?

Script or Javascript is a standard feature in any web browser. Some system managers, however, disable them. TEST uses Javascript extensively like most advanced web sites. To enable scripting do the following:

IE: Select "Internet Options.." from the Tools menu, select "Security" tab, click "Custom Level..", scroll down until you find "Scripting", enable "Active Scripting" by clicking the "Enable" button.

New Netscape/Firefox : Select "Options..." from the Tools menu, select "Site Controls" tab, check the box labeled "Enable Javascript", "Enable Java", "Allow cookies".

I don't see the log in block. How do I enable cookie?

Web browsers (such as Netscape Navigator (NN) or Internet Explorer(IE)) use a small text file called a cookie to store a message from the web server. The TEST web servers (TEST mirrors such as thermo.sdsu.edu) stores your name, your access mode (Guest, Evaluation, Academic, or Professional), and other information you supplied during registration in such a cookie. It is completely harmless and does not affect your computer in any manner. When you log out or after a two hour session, the cookie expires and deletes itself, requiring you to log in again for a new session.

By default, all browsers allow cookie creation. In some cases overzealous system administrators restrict the use of cookies altogether. Here is how you can allow your browser to accept cookies from the TEST servers. We recommend that you start with the least restrictive option of 'Allow all cookies'.

Internet Explorer: Go to Tools menu, select "Internet Options...", click on the Privacy tab. There, you will see a slide bar. Move it all the way down to "Low". You should be able to log in after you restart your browser with the new setting.

Old Netscape Navigator : Go to Edit menu, select Preferences..., click on the Privacy tab. Select 'Allow cookie based on privacy settings'. Click the OK button to close the dialogue box. Now restart your browser and go to a TEST mirror site (energy.sdsu.edu, entropy.sdsu.edu, exergy.sdsu.edu, thermo.sdsu.edu, www.thermofluids.net, etc.). If you still see a Login Warning, repeat the procedure by selecting 'Allow all cookies'.

New Netscape/Firefox: Select "Options..." from the Tools menu, select "Site Controls" tab, check the box labeled "Enable Javascript", "Enable Java", "Allow cookies".

I still cannot log in, why?

Even with an expired account you should be able to log in. When you log in, our server checks your account and starts a session for 2 hours; also, It sends a cookie (it is a a string of characters with your identification) to your PC to signal a successful login through a salutation such as "Greetings Mr. Thermo". Unfortunately, if your browser restricts cookie creation, the session cannot be started at your (client) end. After adjusting your privacy settings, when you try to log in for the second time (with 2 hours of the first log in attempt), the server finds an incomplete session and logs you out. Now if you try for the third time (who says persistence does not pay?), you should have no problem logging in.

For some reason, if you still cannot see the Greetings sign after the third log in attempt, please let us know at support@thermofluids.net.

Does TEST work in Mac and Linux platforms?

TEST works on all windows version (98/ME/NT/XP) with java downloaded from www.java.com.
MacX: Netscape 6.5+ works great. Also, IE 7+ works fine.
Linux: Netscape 6.5 works well just as in a PC.

How do I change/retrieve password?

Go to www.thermofluids.net or any of the TEST mirror sites. On the login block of the TEST home page you will find the links 'register now', 'Forgot Your Password?', and 'Change Your Password' links. Follow the appropriate link. The password will be mailed to you in seconds.

What is the most reliable mirror of TEST?

www.thermofluids.net. You may also bookmark thermo.sdsu.edu, energy.sdsu.edu, test.sdsu.edu, and exergy.sdsu.edu as reliable TEST servers for educators. For maximum reliability, bookmark a mirror that works well for you. Between thermofluids.net and your favorite mirror, TEST will be there when you need it. Some mirrors may not be up to date, so always check the version number at the bottom right corner of the home page.

How do I test TEST, where do I start exploring?

After you register, you can use TEST in its Academic Mode for a month. During this evaluation period you have full access to all the important modules of TEST, including its animation library and daemons in their academic settings. Make sure that you check out (a) tables and charts, (b) animation library, (c) problems and examples (the manual solutions are online too), and (d) the thermodynamic calculators called daemons.

The best place to start is the Getting Started section of the Tutorial page. Make sure you go through some of the hands-on examples found in the daemons section. The Slide Show is slightly outdated, but can be helpful for a quick visual tour of the site.

How can I get permanent access to TEST?

Educators: If you think TEST can be a useful suite of tools for your classes, please contact the author of TEST (subrata@thermo.sdsu.edu) directly for upgrading your account, and set your university for a free site license (for that, you have to supply the IP address range of your university computers). You may also look at the Master CD option in the MyAccount page, whereby you can obtain a license for your students to install TEST in their personal computers using a Master CD.

Professionals, Students, and Other Users: Go to www.thermofluids.net. Click on the MyAccount link on the task bar, and log in to display your account status. There, you will see several licensing option. If you are a student with high speed web access, probably TEST-Academic is the best choice. If you would like to install TEST in your desktop or notebook computer to run TEST on a stand-alone mode, you should opt for TEST-Academic-CD. TEST-Pro packs a much richer database, comes with a CD for local installation, and free technical support over the Internet. If you need any further information, just a drop a line to support@thermofluids.net.

The property tables are not formatted correctly, why?

The property tables (Daemons page) can be best viewed with IE 6+ or NN7+. Older versions cannot recognize the dynamic HTML used in the tables.

The animations are not working in my PC, why?

The animations require Macromedia Flash Player plug-in. While Netscape bundles Flash Player, you have to download it from www.macromedia.com if you use IE or Firefox. In the macromedia site, click on the Downloads tab, and then on Macromedia Flash Player (Download Free Players) link. The property tables (Daemons page) can be best viewed with IE 6+ or NN7+. Older versions cannot recognize the dynamic HTML used in the tables.

When I click on a daemon only a gray box or an "X" is displayed, why?

You do not have java turned on in your browser.
Windows XP: Go to www.java.com and do a single-click installation of Java. Even if your browser has Java, a download from www.sun.com will ensure that you have the latest edition of Java running in your browser. The TEST-CD also comes with the JVM required by IE. The download option, however, is highly recommended.

Select "Internet Options..." from the Tools menu. In the Advanced tab scroll down and you will find Java(Sun) checked. Your PC may require a restart.

Windows 95/98/NT/2000/ME: If you are using Netscape, all its version except 6.0 should work. Netscape quickly replaced 6.0 with 6.2, in which they fixed some major bugs. Remember to install java while downloading Netscape 6.2. If you are using IE, there should be no problems with IE 4.0 - IE 5.5.

MacX: Netscape 6.5+ works great. Also, IE 7+ works fine.
Linux: Netscape 6.5 works well just as in a PC.

How fast are the daemons supposed to load?

If you are running TEST locally (installed in your PC), it takes less than two seconds even for the most demanding daemon to load.

Over the net, the loading time depends on the speed of the internet connection. The first time you access a page, it is generally very sluggish. However, because modern versions of the browsers cashes frequently accessed modules, the access speed rapidly increases the more you access TEST. So, before you assess the speed of your connection, access a daemon several times. Typically a daemon should load within 4-5 seconds if TEST is locally mirrored in your institution and about 5-10 seconds if you are accessing TEST from a really remote mirror. TEST can be mirrored freely by any academic institutions. Mirroring allows unlimited free access to any user within the domain of the institution. Click on the Create a Mirror link to learn more about how to mirror TEST.

How do I find a thermodynamic property?

For manual evaluation of a property use the tables and charts located in Daemons>Basics>Tables page. These are the tables found on the back of any thermodynamic textbooks. You may still find these pdf files more user friendly than the traditional tables.

The state daemons - special purpose Java applets customized to evaluate properties - are located in the Daemons>States page. The daemons come in two flavors - volume daemons to find the state of an extended system and surface daemons to find the state of a flow. Either kind can be used for most properties. Once you launch a daemon by selecting a material model, enter the known properties and click Calculate (or press Enter) to find the complete state.

Why am I having problems with the TASK-BAR and other little things with this new version?

Your browser stores images from the TEST web site to make the access appear faster the next time you visit TEST. This model breaks down, when a new version is released. The remedy is to use the 'Refresh' button in IE and the 'Reload' button in Netscape. If that does not work, you have to delete the temporary internet files stored in your computer.
In IE, go to Tools>Internet Options... and on the General tab, click on the Delete Files... button.
If you use Netscape, go to Edit>Preferences.., expand the Advanced category, click on Cache, and then Clear Disk Cache.

The site looks pretty complex. Where do I start exploring?

The Tutorial.

What version do I have?

Select "About Internet Explorer" or "About Netscape Browser" from the Help menu.

I have a browser from the Jurassic era, how do I install a modern version on my PC?

If you PC runs Windows-XP, you probably keep it constantly upgraded (unless you want to be exposed to spy ware, virus, and worms). With Windows update, you also get IE upgrade. TEST requires Flash Player download from www.macromedia.com and Java from www.java.com.

Netscape and Firefox come bundled with Java and Flash Player. TEST CD comes with Firefox and Netscape browsers.

I only want to use the smart thermodynamic tables. Where do I start?

Use the TEST-Map (TEST Home Page>TEST Map) to jump onto the TEST.Daemons.States page (you may bookmark this page). Click on the material you are interested in. If the applet (daemon) does not show up within a minute, you have an old browser or a poor connection. If TEST is installed on your PC, the daemon takes less than a couple of seconds to load.

How accurate are the property values?

About 98%. The real gas properties, however, are based on generalized compressibility chart and may produce significant error especially at low pressures, 1% of the critical pressure or lower.

For R-134a, the h and u values from TEST do not agree with those in my textbook. Is this a bug?

The absolute value of enthalpy has absolutely no meaning. The absolute values depend on what one chooses as the reference for the internal energy u. Because different people choose different reference values, you will find different values for the u or h of the same substance under the same conditions in different textbooks.
But the important thing to understand is that it does not matter. It is the difference in h, u or s that is important in a solution. If you ever find a thermodynamic problem where you are asked to evaluate the absolute energy or enthalpy of a substance, you must ask what is the reference state? The same is true when you evaluate potential energy using the formula mgh. You have to know the datum, the reference, in order to get the absolute energy, but to get the difference you can choose your own reference and end up with the correct answer mg(h2-h1).

Why do some material names have an appendix such as a * (Air*) or % (R-510%)?

The symbol * signifies a different reference reference value for enthalpy. The % sign symbolizes a refrigerant blend. The saturation pressure is a function of temperature as well as quality for such mixtures.

Where can I find the Radiation Daemons?

The Blackbody Radiation Applet, Band-Radiation Applet or the RCFTools do not belong to thermodynamics, and, hence, do not appear in the TEST-Map. Look for the linkUtility Applets at the bottom of the TEST Home Page to locate the radiation daemons.

Why does TEST seem different since the last time I used it?

TEST is continually evolving as users reports bugs, send comments and suggest new features. To see the latest changes take a feature tour. Please check this section frequently.

What is the difference between the Academic and Professional modes of TEST?

The academic version contains a database suitable for most engineering curriculum. The professional version, on the other hand, carries a large database and still provides the same ease of use as the academic version. TEST-Pro users can also receive free and paid consultation from support@thermofluids.net

What license is right for me?

The TEST-CD contains everything, including the latest edition of Netscape Communicator, to install TEST on a PC or a Server. You simply copy a large folder from the CD to your hard disk and TEST is installed. Even the most demanding of all daemons load in less than a couple of seconds when TEST runs at its native speed.
There are several ways to obtain local access to TEST, they are listed in the myAccount page. To access that page, visit www.thermofluids.net and click on the myAccount link on the task bar.

How can I create a mirror site of TEST (download TEST) in my University?

If you create a mirror site of TEST in your university, anyone in your institution can access TEST at a significantly faster access speed. Moreover, your university will receive automatic site license, which means anyone can login by simply clicking the Log In button (without supplying any login id or password).

Because the new version of TEST requires access to its user database for authentication, the web server in which TEST is mirrored must be running "php with curl". Your system administrator will be familiar with him.

To check if the server from which you are reading this page has php with curl, click test php. If php is not available you will see a blank page. Installing php requires recompiling the web server (apache in our case). The detailed instructions for installing php can be found here. Once php is installed, you can download TEST following the methods outlined below.

(a) Push: In this method TEST is pushed from our server to yours every time any part of TEST is changed. Because our systems take care of the updating, your system administrators do not have to do anything to maintain TEST. To set up your web server to mirror TEST, we need an account in your web server (login name: subrata (if possible)) and a directory name testcenter with write permission. We can take care of the rest in a few hours.
(b) Pull: In this method, your web server copies TEST periodically from our server. To replicate the TEST web site, you will need to use rsync and let us know the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of the host which will be contacting our rsync server running on voyager4.sdsu.edu. Once you tell us the FQDN of your rsync client, we will update our rsync.conf to allow replication. Alternatively, if you create an account for us in your web server (login name : subrata), we can set the whole thing remotely in that account.
For details of method (b) click here. If you have any questions regarding mirroring TEST, write to us at support@thermofluids.net.

What sort of problems can TEST help me solve?

TEST can assist you in solving problems encountered in Engineering Thermodynamics textbooks and in real world situations involving HVAC, Combustion, High Speed Flows, Gas Mixture, Steam Power, Vapor Compression Refrigeration, Power Cycles, Gas Turbines, Turbojets, Pumps, Compressors and much more. You can take a Feature Tour (click on the version number at the right end of Task Bar) to learn about some of the features of TEST.

What is VT?

Virtual Thermo or VT is a library of multi-media presentation of thermodynamic systems and processes. It explains how thermodynamic systems work with the help of animations and is designed to complement a future textbook. Macromedia Flash plug-in (available in most modern browsers) is required to browse VT. and other

How can I purchase a copy of the Visual Manual of TEST?

Published by Prentice Hall, TEST -a Visual Introduction, can be purchased from amazon.com. Search with the author name Bhattacharjee to locate it in amazon.com or any other on-line retailer.

What textbook should I use with TEST?

TEST is designed to be used with almost any textbook. However, some of the concepts TEST emphasizes - material model, property classification, system classification, etc. - are not explicitly discussed in most textbooks. A textbook that integrates TEST with a textbook is currently under development. The publication date and the latest information about this textbook is posted in Book Web Site.

How can I help make TEST a better courseware/software?

Use the 'Comments' form at the top of this page to tell us about what improvements you would like to see in future versions of TEST. Your input have been mostly responsible for the continuing improvement of the site.

How do I print the 'p-h' or any other thermodynamic diagram?

When you select a plot on the state-panel, it appears in a floating pop-up frame. Currently there are two ways to print that frame: 1. Do a screen capture (alt and prtSc key) and paste the diagram into a word (or some other) document. 2. Click on the DATA Used button on the plot, which displays all the x-y data. Copy and paste the data to your favorite spread sheet or any plotting applications and create a presentation quality plot.

How do I install TEST in my computer?

Log in to the myAccount page at www.thermofluids.net. Order a CD (TEST - Academic, Professional, or Master). Once the CD arrives (it is shipped in 24 hours), follow the instructions that comes with the CD. The instructions are also reproduced below.

TEST INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Create a directory (folder) in the hard disk (C drive, D drive, desktop, etc.). Name it anything you like - say, "myTEST" (we will refer to it as the "myTEST" folder).

2. Insert the TEST-CD into the CD bay, wait for your computer to recognize the CD.

3. Double click the CD icon. You will see the following content:
i. Folders named testcenter and browsers.
ii. A file named index.html.
iii. This README file.

4. Copy the testcenter folder (about 200 MByte) into the "myTEST" folder in your hard disk. This step will take a while (maybe 5-8 minutes).

5. Copy the index.html into the myTEST folder.

6. TEST installation is now complete. All that remains now is to activate TEST by downloading a license file from My Account page of the TEST web site. You do not need the CD for the remaining steps.

ACTIVATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start your browser (Netscape 4.5+, IE 4.0+, or Firefox 1.0+). If you do not have a modern browser, read the README.txt file in the 'browsers' folder (in the CD) and install or upgrade your browser.

2. Use the pull-down File menu. Choose "Open.." (or "Open File.."), and browse your hard disk to find the myTEST folder. Open index.html. This should bring up the home page of TEST. Alternatively, open the myTEST folder and double-click the index.html file.

Microsoft has installed a security layer in Internet Explorer starting with version 6.0.29. When you start the local edition of TEST, it blocks the homepage from displaying the greetings and alerts you with a message "To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has restricted this file....". You may Click on the warning bar that appears and click on "allow access..". But then you have to do it once every session. A better alternative is to go to the Tools menu of IE, select Internet options.., click on the Advanced tab, scroll down to Security section and check the box that says "Allow active content to run in files on My Computer". Similar problems do not exist with Netscape or Firefox browsers (provided with
the CD).

3. Bookmark this page (or make it your home page).

4. You will find TEST in Guest-Mode, requiring activation before use. Activation is quite simple. If you are on line, click on the "My Account" link on the home page and log in. You may use any other computer to access the Internet and log on to www.thermofluids.net/myaccount page. If you do not have an account, create one in seconds following the 'Register Now' link. A login id and a password will be generated and sent to you by email within seconds.

Once you are able to log in to My Account, click on the "Get CD ROM License" button to receive the license file. It will be immediately sent to you as an email attachment "license.txt". Log out and close the browser window. The license file should appear in your mailbox in a few seconds.

Activation simply means replacing the default license.txt file in the "testcenter" (inside the "myTEST" folder) folder with the "license.txt" file that you receive in your mailbox. The local edition of TEST is now activated. Start your browser and open TEST (by selecting the TEST bookmark made in step 3). You will find a personalized greetings along with the appropriate access mode and expiration date displayed prominently on the home page.

5. Check if Java applets (the daemons) are working. Click on the UnitConverter icon (or link) that appears on the left column of the home page. If Java is not installed, you will see a gray box under the title of the daemon (java applet). Simply go to www.java.com and a single click on "Get it Now" in the Free Download section (of the Java home page) will plug Java into your browser. It takes less than a minute. Firefox and Netscape come pre installed with Java.

If you do not have an internet connection handy, you may install Java from the TEST-CD. Read the README.txt file in the 'browsers' folder.

6. Check if your browser supports Macromedia Flash Player. To do so, click on the Featured-VT icon on the left margin. If you do not see an animation, you need to install Macromedia Flash Player. Simply go to www.macromedia.com, select their Download tab, and choose Macromedia Flash Player.

7. TEST is now fully installed and ready to run.

8. The expiration date of your license is displayed in the My Account page. You can renew your license with significant discount before your license expires. Every time you renew your TEST license, download an updated "license.txt" file to reflect the new expiration date for the local edition.


	`Copyright 1998-2004:` `Subrata Bhattacharjee`