Volume 19: Pages 577-582, 2006
Work in Mechanical Systems
Kent W. Mayhew 1
168 Pine Glen Crescent, Nepean, Ontario K2G 0G8 Canada
Traditionally in thermodynamics mechanical work is defined in terms of PdV. Although it is empirically correct to consider all mechanical work in terms of PdV, we shall show that it is theoretically incorrect to do so. More specifically, from a theoretical perspective, mechanical work should often be expressed in terms of VdP and not PdV.
Keywords: mechanics, work, pressure, volume, energy, thermodynamics, first law
Received: November 4, 2005; Published Online: December 15, 2008
