Minimizing the generation of entropy: which sequence of reservoirs to choose?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

J. Anacleto (Author) FCUP; J.M. Ferreira (Author) Other

Journal

Title: European Journal of Physics

Vol. 31 No. 1

Pages: L1-L4

ISSN: 0143-0807

Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing

Indexing

ISI Web of Science

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Physical sciences

CORDIS: Physical sciences > Physics

Other information

Abstract (EN): This letter deals with irreversible processes described by abrupt changes in temperature or in pressure, in which the system is placed into contact with a finite number N of heat or work reservoirs, respectively. Two previous papers have shown that when N goes to infinity the entropy generation goes to zero, i.e. the process becomes reversible. Here we look for the sequence in temperature or in pressure of such reservoirs that leads to a minimum in entropy generation and find that in both cases such a sequence is the geometric progression. This work also highlights the close relation between mathematical and physical concepts and is therefore quite interesting from an instructive standpoint.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific