Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

Building Physics: Fundamentals and Applications

In course

PHYS-118: Building physics

Ce cours traite des principaux phénomènes physiques observables dans le bâtiment et doit permettre à l'étudiant d'acquérir des connaissances de base dans le domaine de la physique du bâtiment. ...

Description

This lecture covers the fundamental principles of building physics, focusing on topics such as complexity, current trends, reduction of costs and delays, harmony balance, specific contributions to architecture projects, and thermal comfort. It also delves into concepts like sensible and latent heat, hydrostatics, radiation, sound propagation, and colorimetry. The instructor discusses the importance of architecture in relation to building physics and provides insights into the distribution of rooms, organization of exercises, and online exercise sessions. Additionally, the lecture explores topics related to Earth's orbit, geocentric declination, celestial movements, and legal time versus solar time.

This video is available exclusively on Mediaspace for a restricted audience. Please log in to MediaSpace to access it if you have the necessary permissions.

Watch on Mediaspace

Instructors (2)

Andreas Schueler

Studies of Physics at the University of Freiburg, Germany
Master of Science (Physics) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
PhD degree from the University of Basel, Switzerland

Jean-Louis Scartezzini

Director of EPFL Solar Energy and Building Physics Laboratory (1994-present); Founder & Director of ENAC Institute of Infrastructures, Resources and Environment (2002-2009); Founder & Director of EPFL Doctoral Program in Environment (2002-2009); Co-Director of EPFL Institute of Building Technology (1994-1997); Associate Professor of Building Physics at EPFL (1994-1997); Associate Professor of Building Physics at University of Geneva (1990-1997); Group Leader & Research Fellow at the EPFL Solar Energy Research Group (1981-1989); Research Fellow at the Applied Geophysics Institute of University of Lausanne (1980-1981).

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Low Earth orbit

A low Earth orbit (LEO) is an orbit around Earth with a period of 128 minutes or less (making at least 11.25 orbits per day) and an eccentricity less than 0.25. Most of the artificial objects in outer space are in LEO, with an altitude never more than about one-third of the radius of Earth. The term LEO region is also used for the area of space below an altitude of (about one-third of Earth's radius). Objects in orbits that pass through this zone, even if they have an apogee further out or are sub-orbital, are carefully tracked since they present a collision risk to the many LEO satellites.

Medium Earth orbit

A medium Earth orbit (MEO) is an Earth-centered orbit with an altitude above a low Earth orbit (LEO) and below a high Earth orbit (HEO) – between above sea level. The boundary between MEO and LEO is an arbitrary altitude chosen by accepted convention, whereas the boundary between MEO and HEO is the particular altitude of a geosynchronous orbit, in which a satellite takes 24 hours to circle the Earth, the same period as the Earth’s own rotation.

Equatorial coordinate system

The equatorial coordinate system is a celestial coordinate system widely used to specify the positions of celestial objects. It may be implemented in spherical or rectangular coordinates, both defined by an origin at the centre of Earth, a fundamental plane consisting of the projection of Earth's equator onto the celestial sphere (forming the celestial equator), a primary direction towards the vernal equinox, and a right-handed convention.

High Earth orbit

High Earth orbit (HEO) is a region of space around the Earth where satellites and other spacecraft are placed in orbits that are very high above the planet's atmosphere. This area is defined as an altitude higher than 35,786 km (22,236 mi) above sea level, which is the radius of a circular geosynchronous orbit. HEO extends to end of the Earth's sphere of influence. Satellites in HEO are primarily used for communication, navigation, scientific research, and military applications.

Geosynchronous orbit

A geosynchronous orbit (sometimes abbreviated GSO) is an Earth-centered orbit with an orbital period that matches Earth's rotation on its axis, 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds (one sidereal day). The synchronization of rotation and orbital period means that, for an observer on Earth's surface, an object in geosynchronous orbit returns to exactly the same position in the sky after a period of one sidereal day.

Related lectures (32)

Solar System: Satellite Swarms and Asteroids

Explores satellite swarms, near-Earth asteroids, and the need for international cooperation in space.

Earth Orbits

Explores various Earth orbits, historical space missions, and solar system exploration.

Orbital Motion and Kepler's Laws MOOC: Space Mission Design and Operations

Covers the two-body problem, Newton's law, gravitational perturbations, and Kepler's laws.

Space Exploration: Overview MOOC: Space Mission Design and Operations

Covers Earth's orbit, interplanetary trajectories, propulsion systems, and future space projects.

Space Capabilities Worldwide MOOC: Space Mission Design and Operations