| |
thermodynamic cycle An idealized process in which a working fluid (water, air, ammonia, etc) successively changes its state (from a liquid to a gas and back to a liquid) for the purpose of producing useful work or energy, or transferring energy. Specific examples include the Brayton cycle, Carnot cycle, Rankine cycle, and Stirling engine. Related categories • BASIC SCIENCE Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Science Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |