Temperature–entropy diagram

In thermodynamics, a temperature–entropy (T–s) diagram is a thermodynamic diagram used to visualize changes to temperature () and specific entropy () during a thermodynamic process or cycle as the graph of a curve. It is a useful and common tool, particularly because it helps to visualize the heat transfer during a process. For reversible (ideal) processes, the area under the T–s curve of a process is the heat transferred to the system during that process.

Working fluids are often categorized on the basis of the shape of their T–s diagram.

An isentropic process is depicted as a vertical line on a T–s diagram, whereas an isothermal process is a horizontal line.

See also

• Carnot cycle
• Pressure–volume diagram
• Rankine cycle
• Saturation vapor curve
• Working fluid
• Working fluid selection

References