Temperature–entropy diagram (original) (raw)

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Graph relating temperature and entropy during a thermodynamic process or cycle

In thermodynamics, a temperature–entropy (T–s) diagram is a thermodynamic diagram used to visualize changes to temperature (T ) and specific entropy (s) during a thermodynamic process or cycle as the graph of a curve. It is a useful and common tool, particularly because it helps to visualize the heat transfer during a process. For reversible (ideal) processes, the area under the T–s curve of a process is the heat transferred to the system during that process.[1]

Working fluids are often categorized on the basis of the shape of their T–s diagram.

An isentropic process is depicted as a vertical line on a T–s diagram, whereas an isothermal process is a horizontal line.[2]

Example T–s diagram for a thermodynamic cycle taking place between a hot reservoir (_T_H) and a cold reservoir (_T_C).
For reversible processes, such as those found in the Carnot cycle:

_Q_C = the amount of energy exchanged between the system and the cold reservoir

_Q_H = W + _Q_C = heat exchanged with the hot reservoir. η = W / (_Q_C + _Q_H) = thermal efficiency of the cycle
If the cycle moves in a clockwise sense, then it is a heat engine that outputs work; if the cycle moves in a counterclockwise sense, it is a heat pump that takes in work and moves heat _Q_H from the cold reservoir to the hot reservoir.

T–s diagram for steam, US units

  1. ^ "Temperature Entropy (T–s) Diagram - Thermodynamics - Thermodynamics". Engineers Edge. Retrieved 2010-09-21.
  2. ^ "P–V and T–S Diagrams". Grc.nasa.gov. 2008-07-11. Retrieved 2010-09-21.