Carnot cycle

noun

Thermodynamics.

an ideal cycle of reversible engine operations in which a substance at one temperature is compressed adiabatically to a second temperature, expanded isothermally at the second temperature, expanded adiabatically from the second temperature to the first temperature, and compressed isothermally at the first temperature.

Carnot cycle

noun

an idealized reversible heat-engine cycle giving maximum efficiency and consisting of an isothermal expansion, an adiabatic expansion, an isothermal compression, and an adiabatic compression back to the initial state

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Carnot cycle¹

After N. L. S. Carnot

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

His explanation—the “Carnot cycle”—is still taught to engineers.

From

Refrigerators work on this simple concept, known as the Carnot cycle.

From

In reality the fraction of the heat of combustion available, even in an ideal engine and apart from practical limitations, is much less than might be inferred from the efficiency formula of the Carnot cycle.

From

This equation in effect says that thermal efficiency operating on the Carnot cycle depends upon the temperatures before and after compression.

From

The equation by which the change of the F.P. is calculated may be proved by a simple application of the Carnot cycle, exactly as in the case of vapour and liquid.

From

Carnot Carnot engine

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