Carnot cycle

noun

Thermodynamics.

1. 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

1. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Carnot cycle¹

After N. L. S. Carnot

Example Sentences

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

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

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It differs from the Carnot cycle in employing reception and rejection of heat at constant volume instead of at constant temperature.

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

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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.

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