A piston-cylinder arrangement contains a gas initially at a pressure of 800 kPa and a

volume of 0.1 𝑚3 . Determine the work done by the gas when it undergoes the
following processes to a final volume of 0.5 𝑚3 .
a) constant pressure
b) according to linear law to a final pressure of 200 kPa
c) according to law 𝑃𝑉 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
d) according to law 𝑃𝑉 2 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑏
e) according to the relation 𝑃 = 𝑎 + to a final pressure of 200 kPa
𝑉
Solution:
Initial state: 𝑃1 = 800 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑉1 = 0.1 𝑚3
Final state: 𝑉2 = 0.5 𝑚3

a) For a constant pressure process, work done is given by

𝑊 = 𝑃 𝑉2 − 𝑉1 = 800 0.5 − 0.1 = 320 𝑘𝐽
b) For a linear process, work done can be determined by calculating the area
under 𝑃 − 𝑉 diagram
1
𝑊 = 𝑃1 + 𝑃2 𝑉2 − 𝑉1
2
1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊 = 800 + 200 0.5 − 0.1
2

∴ 𝑊 = 200 𝑘𝐽
c) For an isothermal process (𝑃𝑉 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡), work done is given by
𝑉2 0.5
𝑊 = 𝑃1 𝑉1 𝑙𝑛 = 800 ∗ 0.1 ∗ 𝑙𝑛 = 128.755 𝑘𝐽
𝑉1 0.1
d) For polytropic process (𝑃𝑉 2 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡),
𝑃1 𝑉12 = 𝑃2 𝑉22
2 2
𝑉1 0.1
𝑃2 = 𝑃1 = 800 ∗ = 32 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑉2 0.5
Work done during polytropic process is given by
𝑃2 𝑉2 − 𝑃1 𝑉1 32 ∗ 0.5 − 800 ∗ 0.1
𝑊= = = 64 𝑘𝐽
1−𝑛 1−2
𝑏
e) Given 𝑃 − 𝑉 relation: 𝑃 = 𝑎 +
𝑉
Initial state: 𝑃1 = 800 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑉1 = 0.1 𝑚3
Final state: 𝑃2 = 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑉2 = 0.5 𝑚3
Substituting initial and final states into the given relation, we get
𝑎 + 10𝑏 = 800
𝑎 + 2𝑏 = 200
Solving, we get
𝑎 = 50 𝑏 = 75
Hence, the 𝑃 − 𝑉 relation for the process becomes
75
𝑃 = 50 +
𝑉
Then work transfer during the process is given by
𝑉2
𝑊= 𝑃 ⅆ𝑉
𝑉
0.5 1
75
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊 = 50 + ⅆ𝑉
0.1 𝑉
𝑉2
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊 = 50 𝑉2 − 𝑉1 + 75𝑙𝑛
𝑉1
∴ 𝑊 = 140.708 𝑘𝐽
A spring-loaded piston-cylinder device contains gas initially at a pressure of 800
kPa and a volume of 0.05 𝑚3 . 𝑃 − 𝑉 relationship for the set up is given by 𝑃 = 𝑎 +
𝑏𝑉, where a and b are constants. Heat is added to the system till its final state 𝑃2 =
2000 𝑘𝑃𝑎 and 𝑉2 = 0.2 𝑚3 is reached. Determine the work transfer during the
process.
[Ans: 210 𝑘𝐽]

In a non-flow process, a gas expands from volume 0.5 𝑚3 to 1 𝑚3 according to the

1
law 𝑃 = 3𝑉 2 + , where 𝑃 is pressure in bar and 𝑉 is volume in 𝑚3 . Determine
𝑉
a) the pressure at the end of the expansion and
b) the work done by the gas in the expansion process in kJ
[Ans: 400 𝑘𝑃𝑎, 156.8 𝑘𝐽]
In a quasi-equilibrium process in a closed system, a gas expands from a volume of
0.15 𝑚3 and a pressure of 120 kPa to a volume of 0.25 𝑚3 in such a manner that
𝑃 𝑉 + 0.030 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡, where 𝑉 is in 𝑚3 . Calculate the work.
[Ans: 9.545 𝑘𝐽]
 𝑾
𝑷𝒈𝒂𝒔 = 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒎 +
𝑨𝑷

Isobaric Heating Process

Case 1: 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 < 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡
where,
𝑊
𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 +
𝐴𝑃

Process 1-2: Isochoric heating process

State 2 indicates the position when the piston just leaves the stops where 𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 .
Process 2-3: Isobaric heating process
Case 2: 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 > 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡
where,
𝑊
𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 +
𝐴𝑃

Process 1-2: Isochoric cooling process

State 2 indicates the position when the piston just leaves the stops where 𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 .
Process 2-3: Isobaric cooling process
Case 3:

Process 1-2: Isobaric heating process

State 2 indicates the position when the piston just touches the stops.
Process 2-3: Isochoric heating process
Case 4:

Process 1-2: Isobaric cooling process

State 2 indicates the position when the piston just touches the stops.
Process 2-3: Isochoric cooling process
Case 5: 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 < 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡
where,
𝑊
𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 +
𝐴𝑃
Process 1-2: Isochoric heating process
State 2 indicates the position when the piston just leaves the bottom stops.
Process 2-3: Isobaric heating process
State 3 indicates the position when the piston just touches the upper stops.
Process 3-4: Isochoric heating process
Case 6:
𝑊 𝐹𝑆 (= 𝑘𝑥)
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
State 1 indicates the position when the spring is undeformed.
𝑊
𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + [∵ 𝐹𝑆 = 0]
𝐴𝑃

State 2 indicates the position when the spring is compressed (or the piston is
displaced upward) by length, 𝑥.
𝑊 𝑘𝑥 𝑘𝑥
𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + + = 𝑃1 +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃

Process 1-2: Process in which 𝑃 increases linearly with 𝑉

(Upon heating) When 𝑥 ↑, 𝑉 ↑ and 𝑃 ↑ .
This is quite evident from the pressure equation above.
Case 7:
If 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 < 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡
𝑊 𝐹𝑆
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
𝑊
𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + [∵ 𝐹𝑆 = 0]
𝐴𝑃
Process 1-2: Isochoric heating process
State 2 indicates the position when the piston leaves the stops where 𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 .
Process 2-3: Process in which 𝑃 increases linearly with 𝑉 (as in Case 6)

If 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 ,
Argon (1 𝑘𝑔) contained in a piston-cylinder device shown in figure below is initially
at a pressure of 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎 and a temperature of 70℃. Heat is added until the final
temperature is 600℃ and a pressure of 1 𝑀𝑃𝑎 is required to lift the piston from the
stops. Sketch the process on 𝑃 − 𝑉 and 𝑇 − 𝑉 diagrams, and determine the total
work transfer. [Take 𝑅 = 208 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾]
Solution:
𝑚 = 1 𝑘𝑔
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 70℃ = 343 𝐾
𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 1 𝑀𝑃𝑎 = 1000 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑇𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 600℃ = 873 𝐾
Process 1-2: Isochoric heating process (∵ 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 < 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 )
State 1:
𝑃1 = 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑇1 = 343 𝐾
𝑚𝑅𝑇1 1 ∗ 0.208 ∗ 343
𝑉1 = = = 0.142688 𝑚3
𝑃1 500
State 2:
𝑉2 = 𝑉1 = 0.142688 𝑚3 𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 1000 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃2 𝑉2 1000 ∗ 0.142688
𝑇2 = = = 686 𝐾
𝑚𝑅 1 ∗ 0.208
Process 2-3: Isobaric heating process
State 3:
𝑃3 = 𝑃2 = 1000 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑇3 = 873 𝐾
𝑚𝑅𝑇3 1 ∗ 0.208 ∗ 873
𝑉3 = = = 0.181584 𝑚3
𝑃3 1000
Total work transfer is
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑊1−2 + 𝑊2−3
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 0 + 𝑃2/3 𝑉3 − 𝑉2
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 1000(0.181584 − 0.142688)
∴ 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 38.896 𝑘𝐽
A piston-cylinder device shown in figure contains 1 kg of nitrogen initially at a
pressure of 250 kPa and a temperature of 500°C. Heat is lost from the system till its
temperature reaches 25°C. Sketch the process on 𝑃 − 𝑉 and 𝑇 − 𝑉 diagrams, and
determine the final pressure and the total work transfer. [Take 𝑅 = 297 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾]
Solution:
𝑚 = 1 𝑘𝑔
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 250 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 500℃ = 773 𝐾
𝑇𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 25℃ = 298 𝐾
Process 1-2: Isobaric cooling process
State 1:
𝑃1 = 250 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑇1 = 773 𝐾
𝑚𝑅𝑇1 1 ∗ 0.297 ∗ 773
𝑉1 = = = 0.918324 𝑚3
𝑃1 250
𝑉1
𝐴𝑃 = = 0.918324 𝑚2
0.5 + 0.5
State 2:
𝑃2 = 𝑃1 = 250 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑉2 = 𝐴𝑃 × 0.5 = 0.459162 𝑚3
𝑃2 𝑉2 250 ∗ 0.459162
𝑇2 = = = 386.5 𝐾
𝑚𝑅 1 ∗ 0.297
Process 2-3: Isochoric cooling process
State 3:
𝑉3 = 𝑉2 = 0.459162 𝑚3 𝑇3 = 298 𝐾
𝑚𝑅𝑇3 1 ∗ 0.297 ∗ 298
𝑃3 = = = 192.755 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑉3 0.459162
Total work transfer is
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑊1−2 + 𝑊2−3
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑃1/2 𝑉2 − 𝑉1 + 0
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 250(0.459162 − 0.918324)
∴ 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = −114.791 𝑘𝐽
A piston-cylinder device shown in figure contains 2 𝑘𝑔 of air initially at a pressure
of 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎 and a temperature of 50°C. Heat is added until the piston reaches the
upper stops where the total volume is 1.5 𝑚3 . There is further heat transfer to the air
until its temperature reaches 1200°C. It takes a pressure of 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎 to lift the piston
from the bottom stops. Sketch the process on P-V and T-V diagrams and determine
the final pressure and the total work transfer. [Take 𝑅 = 287 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾]
Solution:
𝑚 = 2 𝑘𝑔
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 50℃ = 323 𝐾
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 1.5 𝑚3
𝑇𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 1200℃ = 1473 𝐾
𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Process 1-2: Isochoric heating process [∵ 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 < 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 ]
State 1:
𝑃1 = 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑇1 = 323 𝐾
 𝑚𝑅𝑇1 2 ∗ 0.287 ∗ 323
𝑉1 = = = 0.92701 𝑚3
𝑃1 200
State 2:
𝑉2 = 𝑉1 = 0.92701 𝑚3 𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃2 𝑉2 500 ∗ 0.92701
𝑇2 = = = 1615 𝐾
𝑚𝑅 1 ∗ 0.287
Process 2-3: Isobaric heating process
State 3:
𝑃3 = 𝑃2 = 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑉3 = 𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 1.5 𝑚3
𝑃3 𝑉3 500 ∗ 1.5
𝑇3 = = = 1306.62 𝐾
𝑚𝑅 2 ∗ 0.287
Process 3-4: Isochoric heating process
State 4:
𝑉4 = 𝑉3 = 1.5 𝑚3 𝑇4 = 1473 𝐾
 𝑚𝑅𝑇4 2 ∗ 0.287 ∗ 1473
𝑃4 = = = 563.668 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑉4 1.5
Total work transfer is given by
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑊1−2 + 𝑊2−3 + 𝑊3−4
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 0 + 𝑃2/3 𝑉3 − 𝑉2 + 0
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 500 1.5 − 0.92701
∴ 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 286.495 𝑘𝐽
A piston cylinder arrangement with two set of stops is restrained by a linear spring
(𝑘 = 12 𝑘𝑁/𝑚) as shown in figure. The cross sectional area of the piston is 0.05
𝑚2 .The initial pressure of the gas is 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎 and the pressure required to lift the
piston is 1000 𝑘𝑃𝑎. Heat is supplied to the gas until its pressure reaches 6000 𝑘𝑃𝑎.
Sketch the process on 𝑃 − 𝑉 diagram and determine the total work transfer.
Solution:
𝑘 = 12 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝐴𝑃 = 0.05𝑚2
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 1000 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 6000 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑉𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝐴𝑃 ∗ 0.2 = 0.01 𝑚3
𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐴𝑃 ∗ 0.2 + 0.4 = 0.03 𝑚3
Referring to the FBD, we can write the equation for the gas pressure inside the
cylinder as
𝑊 𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
Process 1-2: Isochoric heating process (∵ 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 < 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 )
State 1:
𝑃1 = 500 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑉1 = 0.01 𝑚3
State 2: (State when the piston just leaves the bottom stops)
𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 1000 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑉2 = 𝑉1 = 0.01 𝑚3
Process 2-3: Process in which 𝑃 increases linearly with 𝑉
State 3: (State when the piston just reaches the upper stops)
𝑉3 = 0.03 𝑚3
𝑊 𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑥 12 ∗ 0.4
𝑃3 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + + = 𝑃2 + = 1000 +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃 0.05
∴ 𝑃3 = 1096 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Process 3-4: Isochoric heating process
State 4:
𝑃4 = 6000 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑉4 = 𝑉3 = 0.03 𝑚3
Total work transfer is
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑊1−2 + 𝑊2−3 + 𝑊3−4
1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 0 + 𝑃2 + 𝑃3 𝑉3 − 𝑉2 + 0
2
1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 1000 + 1096 0.03 − 0.01
2
∴ 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 20.96 𝑘𝐽
A piston-cylinder device restrained by a linear spring (𝑘 = 20 𝑘𝑁/𝑚) as shown in
figure contains a gas initially at a pressure of 400 𝑘𝑃𝑎 and a volume of 0.5 𝑚3 .
Initially spring touches the piston but exerts no force on it. Heat is transferred to the
system until its volume doubles. If the cross-sectional area of the piston is 0.4 𝑚2 ,
determine
a) the final pressure inside the cylinder
b) the total work done by the gas
c) the fraction of total work done consumed for the compression of the spring
Solution:
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 400 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 0.5 𝑚3
𝑉𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 1 𝑚3
𝐴𝑃 = 0.4 𝑚2
𝑘 = 20 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 =0
𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙
Referring to the FBD, we can write the equation for the gas pressure inside the
cylinder as
𝑊 𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
Substituting initial state into above equation, we get
𝑊 0
𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
𝑊
∴ 𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + = 400
𝐴𝑃 This slide can be
summed up as:
Substituting final state into above equation, we get 𝑃1 = 400 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑊 𝑘𝑥 𝑘𝑥 𝑘𝑥
𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + + = 𝑃1 + 𝑃2 = 𝑃1 +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
𝑉2 −𝑉1 1−0.5
Change in displacement of the piston, 𝑥 = = = 1.25 𝑚
𝐴𝑃 0.4
200 ∗ 1.25
∴ 𝑃2 = 400 + = 1025 𝑘𝑃𝑎
0.4
Work done by the gas can be determined by evaluating the area under 𝑃 − 𝑉
diagram.
1
𝑊 = 𝑃1 + 𝑃2 𝑉2 − 𝑉1
2
1
∴ 𝑊 = 400 + 1025 1 − 0.5 = 356.25 𝑘𝐽
2

Fraction of total work done consumed for the compression of the spring is
𝑊𝑆 1 2 𝑘𝑥 2 1 2 ∗ 200 ∗ 1.252
= = = 0.4386
𝑊 𝑊 356.25
Air (0.01 𝑘𝑔) is contained in a piston-cylinder device restrained by a linear spring
(𝑘 = 500 𝑘𝑁/𝑚) as shown in figure below. Spring initially touches the piston but
exerts no force on it. Heat is added to the system until the piston is displaced upward
by 80 𝑚𝑚. Determine
a) the temperature at which piston leaves the stops
b) work done by the air [Take 𝑅 = 287 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾 , 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 100 𝑘𝑃𝑎 and 𝑔 =
9.81 𝑚/𝑠 2 ]
[Ans: 342.519°C, 2.307 𝑘𝐽]
Air (𝑚 = 0.1𝑘𝑔) is contained in a piston-cylinder assembly as shown in figure.
Initially, the piston rests on the stops and is in contact with the spring, which is in its
unstretched position. The spring constant is 100 𝑘𝑁/𝑚. The piston weighs 30 𝑘𝑁
and atmospheric pressure is 101 𝑘𝑃𝑎. The air is initially at 300 K and 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎.
Heat transfer occurs until the air temperature reaches the surrounding temperature of
700 𝐾. Find the final pressure and volume. Also determine the total work transfer.
[Take 𝑅 = 287 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾]
Solution:
𝑚 = 0.1𝑘𝑔
𝑘 = 100 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝑊 = 30 𝑘𝑁
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 101 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 300 𝐾
𝑇𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 700 𝐾
State 1:
𝑃1 = 200 𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑇1 = 300 𝐾
𝑚𝑅𝑇1 0.1 ∗ 0.287 ∗ 300
𝑉1 = = = 0.04305 𝑚3
𝑃1 200
𝑉1
𝐴𝑃 = = 0.21525 𝑚2
0.2

Referring to the FBD, we can write the equation for the gas pressure inside the
cylinder as
𝑊 𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
𝑊 30
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + = 101 +
𝐴𝑃 0.21525
∴ 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 240.373 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Process 1-2: Isochoric heating process (∵ 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 < 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 )
State 2:
𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 240.373 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑉2 = 𝑉1 = 0.04305 𝑚3
𝑃2 𝑉2 240.373 ∗ 0.04305
𝑇2 = = = 360.56 𝐾
𝑚𝑅 0.1 ∗ 0.287
Process 2-3: Process in which 𝑃 increases linearly with 𝑉
State 3:
𝑇3 = 700 𝐾
𝑉3 = 𝐴𝑃 0.2 + 𝑥 = 0.21525(0.2 + 𝑥)
Using pressure equation given above,
𝑊 𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑥
𝑃3 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + + = 𝑃2 +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
100𝑥
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃3 = 240.373 +
0.21525
Using ideal gas equation for 𝑃3 ,
𝑚𝑅𝑇3 0.1 ∗ 0.287 ∗ 700
𝑃3 = =
𝑉3 0.21525(0.2 + 𝑥)
20.09
𝑜𝑟, 𝑃3 =
0.21525(0.2 + 𝑥)
Using above two equations, we solve for 𝑥.
100𝑥 20.09
240.373 + =
0.21525 0.21525(0.2 + 𝑥)
51.74029 + 100𝑥 20.09
𝑜𝑟, =
0.21525 0.21525(0.2 + 𝑥)
𝑜𝑟, 10.34806 + 71.74029𝑥 + 100𝑥 2 = 20.09
𝑜𝑟, 100𝑥 2 + 71.74029𝑥 − 9.74194 = 0
∴ 𝑥 = 0.1168 𝑚
Substituting the value of 𝑥 for 𝑉3 and 𝑃3 , we get
∴ 𝑉3 = 0.21525 0.2 + 0.1168 = 0.06819 𝑚3
100 ∗ 0.1168
∴ 𝑃3 = 240.373 + = 294.635 𝑘𝑃𝑎
0.21525
Total work transfer is
𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑊1−2 + 𝑊2−3
1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 0 + 𝑃2 + 𝑃3 𝑉3 − 𝑉2
2
1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 240.373 + 294.635 0.06819 − 0.04305
2
∴ 𝑊𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 6.725 𝑘𝐽
A gas enclosed by a piston as shown in figure starts to expand due to heating. The
initial movement of 0.2 𝑚 is restrained by a fixed mass of 30 𝑘𝑔 and the final 0.05
𝑚 is restrained both by the mass and a spring of stiffness 10 𝑘𝑁/𝑚. The cross-
sectional area of the piston is 0.15 𝑚2 and the atmospheric pressure is 100 𝑘𝑃𝑎.
a) Neglecting the mass of the spring and the piston, sketch a 𝑃 − 𝑉 diagram.
b) Calculate the work done during the initial 0.2 𝑚 movement.
c) Calculate the total work done.
Solution:
𝑚 = 30 𝑘𝑔
𝑘 = 10 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
𝐴𝑃 = 0.15𝑚2
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 100 𝑘𝑃𝑎
Referring to the FBD, we can write the equation for the gas pressure inside the
cylinder as
𝑊 𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + + You can skip the whole thing in red.
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
Process 1-2: Isobaric heating process
State 1:
𝑉1 = 𝐴𝑃 ∗ 0.05 = 0.0075 𝑚3
𝑚𝑔 0 30 ∗ 9.81
𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + + = 100 + 3
= 101.962 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃 0.15 ∗ 10
State 2: Piston with load just touches the spring.
𝑃2 = 𝑃1 = 101.962 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑉2 = 𝐴𝑃 ∗ (0.05 + 0.2) = 0.0375 𝑚3
Process 2-3: Process in which 𝑃 increases linearly with 𝑉
State 3:
𝑉3 = 𝐴𝑃 ∗ (0.05 + 0.2 + 0.05) = 0.045 𝑚3
𝑚𝑔 𝑘𝑥
𝑃3 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + + You can skip the whole thing in red.
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
𝑘𝑥 10 ∗ 0.05
∴ 𝑃3 = 𝑃2 + = 101.962 + = 105.295 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑃 0.15
Work done during initial 0.2 𝑚 movement is
𝑊1−2 = 𝑃1/2 𝑉2 − 𝑉1
∴ 𝑊1−2 = 101.962 0.0375 − 0.0075 = 3.059 𝑘𝐽

Total work done is

𝑊 = 𝑊1−2 + 𝑊2−3
1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊 = 𝑃1/2 𝑉2 − 𝑉1 + 𝑃2 + 𝑃3 𝑉3 − 𝑉2
2
1
∴ 𝑊 = 3.059 + 101.962 + 105.295 0.045 − 0.0375 = 3.836 𝑘𝐽
2
A piston-cylinder arrangement as shown in figure is restrained by two linear springs.
The system contains air initially at a pressure of 150 𝑘𝑃𝑎 and a volume of 0.002
𝑚3 . Heat is added to the system until its volume doubles. Determine the total work
transfer. Also sketch the process on 𝑃 − 𝑉 diagram. Both springs have spring
constant of 100 𝑘𝑁/𝑚.
Solution:
𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 150 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 = 0.002 𝑚3
𝑉𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 0.004 𝑚3
𝑘𝐿 = 𝑘𝑅 = 100 𝑘𝑁/𝑚
Referring to the FBD, we can write the equation for the gas pressure inside the
cylinder as
𝑊 𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑃𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
State 1:
𝑉
𝑉1 = 0.002 𝑚3 𝐴𝑃 = 1 = 0.01𝑚2
0.2
𝑊 0
𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
𝑊
∴ 𝑃1 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + = 150 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑃
State 2: indicates the position when the piston just touches the left spring.

𝑉2 = 𝐴𝑃 ∗ 0.2 + 0.1 = 0.003 𝑚3

𝑊 𝐹𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 You can skip the whole thing in red.
𝑃2 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + +
𝐴𝑃 𝐴𝑃
𝑘𝑅 ∗ 0.1 100 ∗ 0.1
𝑃2 = 𝑃1 + = 150 + = 1150 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑃 0.01
State 3:
Now, both springs are compressed to reach the state where the final volume is twice
the initial volume.
𝑉3 = 0.004 𝑚3
𝑉3 −𝑉2 0.004−0.003
They are compressed by = = 0.1 𝑚.
𝐴𝑃 0.01

𝑘𝐿 + 𝑘𝑅 ∗ 0.1 100 + 100 ∗ 0.1

𝑃3 = 𝑃2 + = 1150 + = 3150 𝑘𝑃𝑎
𝐴𝑃 0.01
Total work transfer is
𝑊 = 𝑊1−2 + 𝑊2−3
1 1
𝑜𝑟, 𝑊 = 𝑃1 + 𝑃2 𝑉2 − 𝑉1 + 𝑃2 + 𝑃3 𝑉3 − 𝑉2
2 2
∴ 𝑊 = 2.8 𝑘𝐽