Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Concept/Approach Thermal equilibrium means no temperature gradients within the system; the temperature is uniform and does not change with time or position, which corresponds to an isothermal description. Isentropic additionally requires reversibility (no entropy change), which is stronger than thermal equilibrium alone. Final AnswerIsothermal

Home » Mechanical Engineering » Steam Nozzles and Turbines

Meaning of thermal equilibrium for flowing steam Interpret the term 'thermal equilibrium' in the context of the flow state of steam in a process description. Choose the most appropriate characterization.

Difficulty: Easy

Isothermal
Isentropic
Hyperbolic
Polytropic

Correct Answer: Isothermal

Explanation:

Concept/Approach

Thermal equilibrium means no temperature gradients within the system; the temperature is uniform and does not change with time or position, which corresponds to an isothermal description.
Isentropic additionally requires reversibility (no entropy change), which is stronger than thermal equilibrium alone.

Final AnswerIsothermal

← Previous Question Next Question→

More Questions from Steam Nozzles and Turbines

Steam pressure variation inside a nozzle — key dependencies Within a steam nozzle, identify the quantities that govern how static pressure changes along the flow passage. Choose the best option.
Mass discharge in a convergent–divergent steam nozzle after the throat Statement completion: In an ideally operating C–D nozzle with choked flow at the throat, the discharge (mass flow rate) of steam __________ in the divergent portion after the throat. Choose the correct completion.
Effect of regeneration on a steam power cycle Considering a regenerative Rankine cycle with feedwater heating, identify the correct impact on specific work and thermal efficiency. Choose the correct statement.
Nozzle efficiency — definition by heat drops Definition prompt: The ratio of the useful heat drop (actual enthalpy drop converted to kinetic energy) to the isentropic heat drop across a nozzle equals which efficiency? Choose the correct option.
Critical pressure ratio for choked flow in a nozzle Let p₁ be the inlet (stagnation) pressure and p₂ the throat static pressure at choking. Express the critical pressure ratio (p₂/p₁) in terms of the ratio of specific heats γ. Choose the correct expression.
Nature of flow through a well-designed nozzle Assume steady, adiabatic expansion with negligible potential energy change and small friction. How is the flow commonly idealized?
Steam turbines: definition of blading efficiency (diagram efficiency) The ratio of the work done on the blades to the energy supplied to the blades is called: Choose the correct option.
Turbine blades — prompt incomplete The stem ‘‘The turbine blades are …’’ is incomplete and does not specify what property is being asked about (shape, material, spacing, stress state, etc.). Select the most appropriate response.
Driving force in an impulse–reaction turbine For an impulse–reaction turbine stage, identify the nature of the driving force acting on the moving blades. Choose the correct option.
Supersaturated steam flow through a nozzle vs. stable (equilibrium) flow When steam expands with supersaturation (delayed condensation), how does the available heat drop compare to a stable (equilibrium) expansion? Choose the correct option.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Join Discussion