Engineering MAE 91. Intro to Thermodynamics. Lecture 03.

Updated: November 17, 2024

UCI Open


Summary

The video demonstrates a simulated experiment to study thermodynamic properties of liquids and vapors using a piston-cylinder setup. Key concepts such as saturated liquid/vapor lines, critical points, and specific volume are explored to understand the state of a system. The importance of quality in determining system state and utilizing thermodynamic tables like Appendix B for data analysis is emphasized, providing a comprehensive overview of analyzing thermodynamic properties.


Experimental Setup

The speaker sets up a simulated experiment with liquid in a cylinder and a free-moving piston exposed to controlled outside pressure. Heat is slowly added to observe a quasi-equilibrium process.

Data Collection

Data is collected under various conditions with different pressures and temperatures to observe the changes in volume and phase transitions from liquid to vapor.

Saturated Lines

The speaker introduces the concept of saturated liquid and vapor lines, marking the points where vapor first appears and the last drop of liquid disappears. The critical point where the two lines meet is highlighted.

Specific Volume Introduction

Specific volume is introduced to the diagram, and values are added for water at different pressures and temperatures. The speaker explains the significance of specific volume in the experiment.

Quality in Thermodynamics

The concept of quality in thermodynamics is defined as the ratio of vapor mass to total mass. The speaker explains that quality is crucial in determining the state of a system with a mixture of liquid and vapor.

Triple Point and Solid-Vapor Equilibrium

The triple point and solid-vapor equilibrium are discussed, along with the unique characteristics of substances like water that expand when freezing. The three-dimensional representation of the system is shown.

State Postulate and Independent Properties

The state postulate is explained, stating that two independent and intensive properties are needed to define the state of a system in thermodynamics. The speaker emphasizes the importance of properties being independent and intensive.

Temperature and State Identification

Temperature and state identification are not independent inside a dome. Specific volume, mass, and quality are key factors for identifying the state within the dome.

Data Sources and Thermodynamic Tables

Accessing thermodynamic tables and data sources like Appendix B is crucial for solving problems. Tables in Appendix B provide data for different substances like water, ammonia, CO2, and nitrogen.

Working with Thermodynamic Tables - Superheated Vapor

Understanding how to navigate and use tables like B11 and B13 for superheated vapor data. Differentiating between regions outside and inside the dome in tables.

Using Tables for Compressed Liquid

Explaining how tables like B14 for compressed liquid work and how to interpret the data provided in the table entries.

Practice Problem Walkthrough

Walkthrough of a practice problem involving state determination using pressure and specific volume data along with using thermodynamic tables to find missing properties.


FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of setting up a simulated experiment with liquid in a cylinder and a free-moving piston?

A: The purpose is to observe a quasi-equilibrium process by adding heat and collecting data on changes in volume and phase transitions under controlled pressure.

Q: What are saturated liquid and vapor lines in thermodynamics?

A: Saturated liquid and vapor lines are points on a diagram marking where vapor first appears and the last drop of liquid disappears respectively, with the critical point being where these lines meet.

Q: How is specific volume significant in the experiment?

A: Specific volume helps in defining the state of a system at different pressures and temperatures, especially in understanding volume changes during phase transitions.

Q: What is quality in thermodynamics and why is it crucial?

A: Quality is the ratio of vapor mass to total mass in a system with a mixture of liquid and vapor, and it is crucial for determining the state of the system accurately.

Q: What does the state postulate state in thermodynamics?

A: The state postulate asserts that two independent and intensive properties are necessary to define the state of a system in thermodynamics, emphasizing the importance of these properties being independent and intensive.

Q: Why are specific volume, mass, and quality key factors for identifying the state within the dome on a thermodynamic diagram?

A: These factors are crucial within the dome as they help in precisely determining the state of the system in terms of volume, mass distribution, and phase composition.

Q: How do thermodynamic tables like Appendix B aid in problem-solving?

A: They provide essential data on properties of different substances under various conditions, facilitating the determination of unknown properties in problem-solving scenarios.

Q: What substances are typically covered in thermodynamic tables like Appendix B?

A: Common substances include water, ammonia, CO2, and nitrogen, with data available for analyzing their thermodynamic properties.

Q: How do tables like B11 and B13 help in understanding superheated vapor data?

A: These tables offer specific data on superheated vapor conditions, aiding in analyzing the properties and behavior of substances beyond their saturated states.

Q: What is the significance of differentiating between regions outside and inside the dome in thermodynamic tables?

A: It helps in understanding the phase states and properties of substances more accurately, especially when dealing with mixtures of liquid and vapor.

Q: How does one interpret the data provided in tables like B14 for compressed liquid?

A: Tables like B14 provide crucial information on compressed liquid states, and interpreting the data involves understanding specific entries related to properties like pressure, temperature, and specific volume.

Q: Can you summarize the process of state determination using pressure and specific volume data along with thermodynamic tables?

A: State determination involves using the known pressure and specific volume data to locate the state within the dome on thermodynamic diagrams, and then utilizing thermodynamic tables to find missing properties for accurate identification.

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