Thermodynamic Cycles & Formulas: A Summary

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around thermodynamic cycles and the associated formulas, focusing on the need for a comprehensive summary of these cycles and their components. Participants explore resources for studying cycles such as Carnot, Rankine, Otto, and Brayton, as well as the formulas related to each component like compressors and turbines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a resource that summarizes thermodynamic cycles and their formulas, expressing difficulty in memorizing them without a provided formula sheet.
  • Several participants suggest using Wikipedia pages for each major thermodynamic cycle as a starting point for information.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of having a textbook for thermodynamics, noting that it is less likely to be lost compared to notes or formula sheets.
  • A participant mentions the challenge of understanding PVT relationships involving κ and asks for clarification on when to use different forms of κ in equations.
  • Another participant shares a link to a resource that provides information on ideal gas processes, indicating it is similar to what they are looking for.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the usefulness of Wikipedia as a resource for thermodynamic cycles, but there is no consensus on a single comprehensive source for formulas. The discussion about PVT relationships remains unresolved, with differing levels of understanding expressed.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the completeness of available resources and the specific needs for their studies, particularly in relation to the order of ratios in PVT relationships.

ksukhin
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This is not a homework question, but more of a information seeking question. I'm currently enrolled in Fundamentals of Thermodynamics where we studied many different cycles (Carnot, Rankine, Otto, Brayton, etc.) and their respective components (compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, pumps, etc.) in both ideal and actual cases.

MY QUESTION: Is there a website or a book that contains a summary of the cycles and formulas for each cycle/component?

I'm having a tough time remembering all the formulas for each component in each cycle. My prof DOES NOT provide a formula sheet, therefore I am forced to memorize them.

The way I picture it in my head is the cycles being listed and for each component there are formulas. For example,
Brayton cycle: (1) compressor > (2) combustion chamber > (3) turbine > (4) heat rejected
Compressor:
Work = Cp(T2-T1)
... etc.

Thank you!
 
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Each of the major thermodynamic cycles (Otto, Diesel, Rankine, and Brayton) has its own Wikipedia page as well as many others. You simply put the name of the cycle into the search box and enjoy the hits.

It's not clear if your thermo course has a textbook. These are invaluable, because notes, formula sheets, etc. can get damaged, lost or misplaced over time, but it's much harder to destroy or lose a book.
 
SteamKing said:
Each of the major thermodynamic cycles (Otto, Diesel, Rankine, and Brayton) has its own Wikipedia page as well as many others. You simply put the name of the cycle into the search box and enjoy the hits.

It's not clear if your thermo course has a textbook. These are invaluable, becIause notes, formula sheets, etc. can get damaged, lost or misplaced over time, but it's much harder to destroy or lose a book.

Thanks for the quick reply! I've done a lot of research and it seems like I'm going to have to come up with my own formula sheet. I basically wanted a sheet with the majority of the formulas that are used so I don't have to look them up - that way I'll slowly start memorizing them.

I'm also having difficulty with PVT relationships with κ. I don't understand when I use (κ,κ-1, or κ-1/κ) and the order of the ratios (for example, T1/T2 = (V2/V1) ^ (κ-1) ). Any suggestions where I could find a good explanation on it?

I tried doing my research but I found that the more specific the problem is, the more difficult it is to find the exact solution you're looking for. It's mainly a bunch of general formulas and ideas that don't lead me to my answer.
 
SteamKing said:
Each of the major thermodynamic cycles (Otto, Diesel, Rankine, and Brayton) has its own Wikipedia page as well as many others. You simply put the name of the cycle into the search box and enjoy the hits.

It's not clear if your thermo course has a textbook. These are invaluable, because notes, formula sheets, etc. can get damaged, lost or misplaced over time, but it's much harder to destroy or lose a book.

This is the sort of thing I'm looking for except for the components in the cycles... http://faculty.wwu.edu/vawter/physicsnet/Topics/Thermal/IdealGasProcessesTable.htm
 
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