A Pressure-Volume Diagram is a graphical representation that shows the relationship between the pressure and volume of a system, typically used in thermodynamics to analyze the work done by or on the system during a process. It is crucial for understanding the efficiency and performance of engines and refrigerators, illustrating cycles such as the Carnot cycle, Otto cycle, and Diesel cycle.
A Stirling engine is a closed-cycle regenerative heat engine that operates by cyclic compression and expansion of air or other gas at different temperatures, resulting in a conversion of heat energy to mechanical work. It is known for its high efficiency and ability to operate with various heat sources, making it suitable for applications in power generation and heat recovery systems.
Work and heat transfer represent two fundamental modes of energy transfer, crucial in the study of thermodynamics. While work involves energy transfer due to force acting over a distance, heat transfer is the energy exchanged due to temperature differences between a system and its surroundings.