Reversible and Irreversible

Processes
• A reversible process RP
-which both the system and surroundings are returned to their original states. Otherwise, it
is irreversible.

Reversible processes do not occur in nature, they are simply idealized concepts. RPs are
useful however in that they simplify mathematical analysis through a series of equilibrium
states, and they provide useful models to compare with actual processes.
RPs give the theoretical limits of device efficiency based on the 2LTD. Second Law Efficiency
ηII can be defined as:

ηII = wactual / wreversible for work producing device, thus < 1

ηII = wreversible / wactual for work absorbing device, thus < 1
 BASIC PROPERTIES OF IDEAL GAS Gas Formula MW Gas constant, R
kJ/kg·K Btu/lbm·R kJ/kg·K
cp
Btu/lbm·R kJ/kg·K
cv
Btu/lbm·R
k

Specific Ratio – a ratio of specific heat at Air 28.97 0.2870 0.06855 1.005 0.2400 0.718 0.1715 1.400

constant pressure and specific heat at Ammonia NH3 18 0.4882 0.1166 0.4999 0.3834

constant volume Argon Ar 40 0.2081 0.04970 0.5203 0.1243 0.3122 0.07457 1.667

Relation between cp, cv, k and R Butane C4H10 58 0.1433 0.03415 1.7164 0.4046 1.5734 0.3705 1.091

From h = u + pv and pv = RT Carbon

dioxide
CO2 44 0.1889 0.04512 0.846 0.2016 0.657 0.1564 1.289

Carbon CO 28 0.2968 0.07089 1.040 0.2482 0.744 0.1772 1.400

dh = du + RdT monoxide

𝑝 𝑑𝑇 =𝑐 𝑣 𝑑𝑇 + 𝑅𝑑𝑇 Ethane C2H6 30 0.2765 0.06604 1.7662 0.4166 1.4897 0.3506 1.186

Helium He 4 2.0769 0.4961 5.1926 1.2403 3.1156 0.7442 1.667

𝑐 𝑝 =𝑐 𝑣 + 𝑅
Specific ratio
Hydrogen H 1 4.1240 0.9850 14.307 3.416 10.183 2.431 1.405

Methane CH4 16 0.5182 0.1238 2.2537 0.5317 1.7354 0.4080 1.299

k = 1.4 for cold air
k = 1.3 for hot air
Neon Ne 20 0.4119 0.09838 1.0299 0.2460 0.6179 0.1476 1.667

Nitrogen N2 28 0.2968 0.07089 1.039 0.2484 0.743 0.1774 1.400

𝑅 Oxygen O2 32 0.2598 0.06205 0.918 0.2193 0.658 0.1572 1.395

𝑐 𝑣=
𝑘 −1 Propane C3H8 34 0.1885 0.04502 1.6794 0.3986 1.4909 0.3535 1.126

Steam H2O 18 0.4615 0.1102 1.8723 0.4455 1.4108 0.3351 1.327

𝑘𝑅
𝑐𝑝= Sulfur dioxide SO2 64 0.1298 0.03100 1.263

𝑘 −1
Example 1
• An amount 1.63 lb of gas is contained in a tank, the
volume of which is 2 ft3. If the internal energy is
decreases by 27.4 BTU as temperature changes from
200 °F to 100 "F, compute the specific heat at constant
volume conditions.
Example 2
• A piston cylinder system contains a gas which expands
under a constant pressure of 1200lb/ft2. If the piston is
displaced 12 in during the process and the piston
diameter is 24 in. What is the work done by the gas on
the piston?
Example 2
• Two lb of air 50 psia & occupying 10 ft3 undergo a
process at constant volume o until the temperature has
risen 500 0R. Calculate the initial & final pressures &
temperatures, the heat added, and the heat gain of
internal energy and enthalpy.
Example 3
• Determine the theoretical horsepower required for the
isothermal compression of 800 ft3/min of air from 14.7
to 120 psia.
Example 4
• 3.How much work is necessary to compress air in an
insulated cylinder from 0.20 m3 to 0.01 m3? Use
T1=20℃, P1=100kPa and k=1.4
Example 5
• Helium (R=0.4968 Btu/lb m °R) is compressed isothermally from 14.7
psia and 68 °F. The compression ratio is 4. Calculate the work done
by the gas .
Example 6
• Nitrogen is expanded isentropically. Its temperature changes from
620oF to 60oF. The volumetric ratio (V1/V2) = 6.22 and the value of R
for nitrogen is 0.0787 BTU/lbm-oR. What is the work done by the gas?
Example 7
• A closed gaseous system undergoes a reversible process
during which 25 BTU are rejected, the volume changing from 5
ft 3 to 2 ft 3 , and the pressure remains constant at 50 psia. Find
the change in internal energy.
Example 8
• Air is compressed in a cylinder during a non- flow
reversible polytropic process from an initial temperature
and pressure of 80 F and 15 psia to a final temperature
and pressure of 285 F and 75 psia. The cylinder contains
0.01 lb of air, and the area of the piston is 0.20 sq. ft. Find
A the value of the polytropic exponent, n
B the work done
C The change of Internal Energy
D The heat transferred
E The distance of the piston moves during the process