Thermodynamic Cycles & Formulas: A Summary

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the need for a comprehensive summary of thermodynamic cycles and their associated formulas, as the original poster struggles to memorize them without a provided formula sheet. They inquire about resources, such as websites or books, that could offer organized information on cycles like Carnot, Rankine, Otto, and Brayton, along with their components. Participants suggest using Wikipedia for each cycle and emphasize the importance of having a textbook for reliable reference. The poster also expresses difficulty understanding PVT relationships involving the specific heat ratio (κ) and seeks clearer explanations. Overall, the conversation highlights the challenges of studying thermodynamics and the search for effective study aids.
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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