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.

From Wall Street Journal

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

From Scientific American

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 Project Gutenberg

It will be recognized that this is the Carnot cycle, and the efficiency E is the maximum possible between the temperature limits in accordance with the well-known second law of thermo-dynamics.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg