THERMODYNAMICS LAB

Mass and Energy Analysis of

Control Volumes
Polytropic Processes
ENTC - 370

ENTC 370

PROF. ALVARADO

Polytropic Process(1)
During expansion and compression processes
of gases, the following relationship holds:
PV n C1
If m is constant, m n is also constant
Vn
P n C2
m
n
Pv C2

Equation_ 1

For a Process from state 1 to state 2:

P1v1n P2 v2n

The coefficient n depends on the process.

2

Polytropic Process(2)
During expansion and compression processes
of gases, the following relationship holds:
Taking natural log_ of_ Equation_ 1 :
ln(P) n ln( v) C
Y ln(P); X ln( v)
Y -n X C
If we measure T and P, we can_ obtain_ v_ from_ Ideal_ gas_ equation :
PV mRT

V RT
RT

v
m
P
P

The coefficient n depends on the process.

3

Polytropic Process
The coefficient n depends on the process:
n=0 , Isobaric process (constant pressure) 5-1 in graph.
n=, Isometric process (constant volume) 2-6 in graph.
n=1, Isothermal process (constant temperature) 4-8 in
graph.
n=k, Adiabatic process (no heat transfer) 3-7 in the
graph. k=cp/cv=1.4 for air.

Graph from www.taftan.com

ENTC 370

PROF. ALVARADO

Polytropic Process
Boundary work:

mR (T2 T1 )
Wb
1 n
V2
Wb PV ln
V1

ENTC 370

PROF. ALVARADO

n 1
n=1

Problem 1: Polytropic Process (Excel)

Pressurized air inside a pressure vessel is expanded in a polytropic
process using three discharge valves with small, medium and large
orifices. The measured temperature and pressure for the process
are posted.
1. Use the ideal gas law, Pv = RT, to compute v for each
corresponding P. Use SI units: m3/kg for v, kPa for P and K for T.
-

Conversion factor: 6.894 kPa=1 PSI

K
= C+273.15
R= 0.286 KJ/(kg K) for
air

2. Plot ln(P) versus ln(v) and find n:

a. For each run, on a separate graph, plot ln(P) [on the ordinate
(vertical) axis] versus ln(v) [on the abscissa (horizontal) axis].
b. Determine the polytropic exponent n by using a linear model of
each run. Also find the correlation coefficient R2.
3. Discuss the meaning of your n values, that is, how do the n values
compare with n values for other, known processes (see previous
slide)?
ENTC 370

PROF. ALVARADO

Turbines and Compressors

Analysis for steady state systems, Energy
balance:

For Adiabatic Turbines :

E E
in

out
2

v1
v2

m (h1
gz1 ) Wout m (h2
gz 2 )
2
2
v12 v22
ke
2
ENTC 370

PROF. ALVARADO

Problem 2: Steam Turbine (EES)

Steam flows steadily (8 kg/sec, mass flow
rate) through an adiabatic turbine. The inlet
conditions of the steam are 10 MPa, 350 C,
and 65 m/sec. The exit conditions are 85%
quality, and 40 m/sec. The exit pressure
varies from 10 kPa to 200 kPa.
P1,T1,V1
Determine:
-Change in Kinetic Energy (ke)
-Turbine inlet area
P2,x2,V2
-Plot the power output against the outlet
pressure
ENTC 370

PROF. ALVARADO

Problem 2: Steam Turbine (EES)

V v A
m

where,
m mass _ flow _ rate
V Volume _ flow _ rate
v velocity
specific _ volume
A cross _ sec tional _ area
ENTC 370

PROF. ALVARADO

Individual Lab Report

Introduction: Briefly explain the objectives of the
assigned tasks
Data: Present data in tabulated form (use Excel)
Findings or Results: Include plots (EES and
Excel) for each data set and the corresponding
correlation equations and correlation values
Conclusions: Comment on the tasks performed
and provide concluding remarks

ENTC 370

PROF. ALVARADO

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