Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having constant entropy; occurring without change in entropy: In thermodynamics, "isentropic" describes a process or condition where the entropy of a system remains unchanged. It is a key concept in analyzing idealized, reversible adiabatic processes.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The compression in this theoretical model is assumed to be an isentropic process.
  • For an isentropic flow, the stagnation temperature remains constant.
  • Engineers often use isentropic efficiency to compare the performance of real turbines to ideal ones.

Advanced Usage

• "Isentropic surface": In meteorology and fluid dynamics, a surface on which entropy (or potential temperature) is constant.
  • The air parcel moved along an isentropic surface.
• "Isentropic exponent": A ratio of specific heats used in equations for isentropic processes in gases.
  • The isentropic exponent (k) is crucial for calculating the speed of sound in a gas.

Variants and Related Words

• Isentrope (noun): A line on a diagram connecting points of equal entropy; an isentropic line or curve.
  • The process is represented by an isentrope on the chart.
• Isentropically (adverb): In an isentropic manner.
  • The fluid is assumed to expand isentropically through the nozzle.

Synonyms

• Constant-entropy: Having entropy that does not change.
• Reversible adiabatic: (In ideal thermodynamics) A process that is both adiabatic (no heat transfer) and reversible, resulting in constant entropy.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Isentropic process: A thermodynamic process during which the entropy of the system remains constant.
  • Analyzing an isentropic process simplifies the calculations for ideal compressors.
• Isentropic efficiency: A measure of the performance of a real device (like a turbine or compressor) compared to an ideal isentropic device.
  • The isentropic efficiency of the compressor was calculated to be 85%.

Adjective

1. with unchanging entropy; at constant entropy