Piston/cylinder expands polytropically

  • Thread starter Thread starter OsDaJu
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a thermodynamic problem involving a piston/cylinder containing helium, initially at 500 K and 1200 kPa, expanding polytropically with a polytropic index (n) of 1.667 to a final pressure of 100 kPa. Key equations utilized include the polytropic process equation (P1*V1^n = P2*V2^n) and the work done during the process (1W2 = (P2V2 - P1V1)/(1-n)). The user is advised to manipulate these equations to express V1 in terms of other variables to facilitate solving for the final temperature and other parameters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polytropic processes in thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law (PV = mRT)
  • Knowledge of specific work and heat transfer calculations
  • Ability to manipulate thermodynamic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the polytropic process equation
  • Learn how to calculate specific work in thermodynamic processes
  • Explore the implications of using ideal gas assumptions in calculations
  • Investigate the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature in ideal gases
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mechanical engineering, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, will benefit from this discussion.

OsDaJu
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A piston/cylinder contains helium at 500 K and 1200 kPa. It expands polytropically with n=1.667 to a pressure of 100 kPa. Find the final temperature, the specific work and specific heat transfer in the process

Homework Equations


U2-U1=1Q2-1W2
1W2=P2V2-P1V1/(1-n)
P1*V1^n=P2*V2^n
PV=mRT

The Attempt at a Solution



(P1V1/T1)=mR=(P2V2/T2)

I'm trying to plug that into this equation (P1*V1^n=P2*V2^n) to find P or T but I can't since I don't have enough data to use it.

I only have intensive information to work with. Can I assume that this is an ideal gas or should I look for the stage it is in? What am I doing wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
\frac{P_1 V_1}{T_1}=\frac{P_2 V_2}{T_2}


make V1 the subject and then sub that into P1V1n=P2V2n

You should then get an equation involving P1,P2,T1,T2 and n
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
965
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K