Thermodynamics - Enthelpy change in adiabatic expansion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the enthalpy change during the adiabatic expansion of an ideal gas in a steady flow process. Participants explore the implications of the process being reversible and the correct application of thermodynamic equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the approach to calculate work done using the equation for steady flow processes and expresses uncertainty about handling the Δ(PV) term in the enthalpy change equation.
  • Another participant suggests that if the expansion is reversible, the work done could be equated to the change in enthalpy, indicating a simpler relationship involving specific heat capacities.
  • A third participant questions the completeness of the problem statement, noting that the nature of the flow (e.g., through a porous plug versus a turbine) significantly affects the outcome.
  • A later reply acknowledges a missing detail about the process being slow and steady, raising the question of whether this implies reversibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the process can be assumed to be reversible, and there is uncertainty regarding the completeness of the problem statement and its implications for the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential ambiguity in the problem statement regarding the nature of the flow process and the assumptions about reversibility that may not be explicitly stated.

ScottHendo
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Homework Statement


Adiabatic expansion of an ideal gas is carried out in a steady flow process. The initial pressure of the gas is 2.5 bar. The volume is expanded from 1.2m3 to 3.8m3. Heat capacity ratio (γ) = 1.42. Calculate enthalpy change of the process.

Homework Equations


PV = nRT

W = ∫ PdV

ΔH = ΔU + Δ(PV)

PVγ = constant

The Attempt at a Solution


Calculate work done by using work done for steady flow process equation:
W = ∫ PdV with PVγ= constant to get W = constant ∫ (dV)/Vγ .
Carry out the integration to get W.
-W = ΔU
Then use ΔH = ΔU + Δ(PV) to find enthalpy change.

I am looking for any help on 1) to make sure I am on the right track and 2) what to do with the Δ(PV) part of the last equation.

Thanks in advance!
 
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I suppose the expansion is a reversible process. In a steady flow process ##W = \Delta H = c_p*(T_2-T_1)##. Working with internal energy seems to be correct but it much more complicated.
 
Is this the exact problem statement, or is there something that you left out? The answer is different if the flow is through a porous plug compared to a turbine featuring an adiabatic reversible expansion. Did you leave out the word “reversible” from your description?
 
I missed out that it is a slow steady flow process, would this mean that I could assume it is reversible?
 

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