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Are all Quasi-static Processes Reversible?

Authors :
Mukhopadhyay, Debasis
Bhattacharyya, Kamal
Publication Year :
2009

Abstract

A process, carried out in a stepwise manner, becomes quasi-static when the number of intermediate steps tends to infinity. Usually, the net entropy production approaches zero under this limiting condition. Hence, such cases are termed reversible. A favorite example is the introduction of an infinite number of intermediate-temperature reservoirs in between the source and the sink for a non-isothermal heat transfer process. We analyze the situation and conclude that such quasi-static processes are not reversible. Indeed, no non-isothermal heat transfer process can ever be made reversible due to an extraneous work term.<br />Comment: 11 pages

Details

Database :
arXiv
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsarx.0911.5010
Document Type :
Working Paper