No sublimation for human body in vacuum? [Thermodynamics]

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the thermodynamic principles governing the behavior of substances in a vacuum, specifically focusing on the saturation pressure and temperature of water. It is established that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius under atmospheric pressure, with variations in pressure affecting the energy required for boiling. The conversation highlights that in a vacuum, fluids within the human body evaporate, leading to swelling, while the solid structure of the body remains intact, similar to the spacecraft hull, which does not evaporate due to its material properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of saturation pressure and saturation temperature
  • Familiarity with P-v diagrams in thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of enthalpy of vaporization
  • Basic principles of fluid dynamics in vacuum environments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of vacuum on biological tissues
  • Study the thermodynamic properties of various fluids under different pressures
  • Explore material science related to spacecraft hulls and their thermal properties
  • Learn about the principles of phase changes in thermodynamics
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Students and professionals in thermodynamics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the physical effects of vacuum on biological and material systems.

Satonam
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In my Thermodynamics course, we recently learned about the saturation pressure and saturation temperature of different substances -mainly water. As you know, the saturation temperature at which a substance begins to boil is specific to a fixed saturation pressure. Water only boils at 100 centigrade while at atmospheric pressure; increasing that pressure in a P-v diagram raises the energy required to start boiling water, while decreasing that pressure reduces it. (Albeit, the enthalpy of vaporization decreases with increasing pressure)

Why is it that only the fluids in the body evaporate, accounting for the swelling, while the human body itself remains solid whilst exposed to the vacuum temperature in a space environment?
 
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Same reason the spacecraft hull doesn't evaporate.
 

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