Thermodynamics and Propulsion

3.2 Generalized Representation of Thermodynamic Cycles

[VW, S & B: 6.1]

Before we examine individual heat engines, note that all heat engines can be represented generally as a transfer of heat from a high temperature reservoir to a device, which does work on the surroundings, followed by a rejection of heat from that device to a low temperature reservoir.

Figure 3.3: A generalized heat engine