Compressible Fluid Thermodynamics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the ideal gas law (PV=nRT) in understanding the thermodynamic behavior of compressed air in an internal combustion engine. The user questions the validity of their temperature calculation of 2928°C resulting from a 10:1 compression ratio, highlighting concerns about the implications for engine materials and autoignition temperatures. The calculation is clarified as a misunderstanding of temperature conversion between Celsius and Kelvin, emphasizing the need for accurate thermodynamic principles when analyzing engine performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the ideal gas law (PV=nRT)
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and temperature conversion (Celsius to Kelvin)
  • Familiarity with internal combustion engine mechanics
  • Concept of compression ratios in engines
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  • Study the ideal gas law and its applications in thermodynamics
  • Learn about the effects of compression ratios on engine performance
  • Research the thermal properties of materials used in internal combustion engines
  • Explore the concept of autoignition temperatures and their relevance in engine design
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Students of physics, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in the thermodynamic principles governing internal combustion engines.

iridium889
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Hi, I am new to physicsforums, and have no higher education in math or physics; but have much interest.

I do not think I understand correctly the relationships described under the 'deal gas law' PV=nRT. Specifically, my question is:

If pressure and temperature are directly proportional when volume and mass are constant, and volume and pressure are inversely proportional when mass is constant, then how exactly does one describe the thermodynamic relationship in say a compression action of ambient air? Such as the compression stroke of an internal combustion engine?

Ambient air (say 295K) compressed with a 10:1 compression ratio in an engine, should then produce a charge (before ignition) of about 2928*C? This is assuming on heat loss through conduction to the cylinder, but still, how much of this astronomical temp could be lost to the cooling system?

(273 + 22) * 10 - 22 = 2928*C.

Am I way off the mark here? This seems like a truly obscene temperature, especially when one considers the autoignition temperature of the air/fuel mixture involved being only around 750*C or so. And the fact that economy engines often use around 10:1 compression ratio with aluminum cylinder liners, heads, and cast aluminum pistons, which should easily melt in such an environment.

This leads me to believe that my understanding here is fundamentally flawed, and I would appreciate any and all direction regarding this issue.

Thank you for your time.
 
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I think your conclusion is correct.

(273 + 22) * 10 - 22 = 2928*C.

It is not at all clear to me where you got this calculation!
 
The equation is derived from:

273 + 22 is a correction to turn ambient temperature in degrees celsius to kelvins, multiplied by the compression ratio (10), which then has 22 subtracted from it to convert back to degrees celsius.
 

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