What is thermal dynamics the science of?

Thermal dynamics, often referred to in the context of thermodynamics, is primarily the science that deals with heat and the movement of energy. This field examines how energy is transferred and transformed through physical systems, particularly in the form of heat and work. The principles of thermodynamics describe the relationships between energy, heat, temperature, and physical processes, laying the groundwork for understanding how energy is conserved and transferred in various systems.

While other topics, such as temperature and pressure, are certainly important aspects of thermodynamics and related fields, the core focus is on the concepts of heat transfer and energy transformation. This makes the choice centered on heat and movement of energy the most accurate representation of what thermal dynamics encompasses. Fluid mechanics, while relevant in certain thermodynamic applications, does not capture the broader principles of thermal dynamics.