What are the phases of the Carnot cycle?

How to Answer
Answer Example

Your interviewer will likely ask you knowledge-based questions to understand how well you are able to explain concepts to others. Be prepared for questions like this one by practicing a few possibilities ahead of time. In this case, the Carnot cycle generally describes the conversion of heat into work via four ideal thermodynamic phases. It is most often used in relation to an engine, specifically an internal combustion engine. However, it can also be applied to refrigeration systems. The cycle consists of two phases of compression and two phases of expansion, one of which is isothermal (same temperature) while the other is adiabatic (no heat transfer) and reversible (no friction). This question may be asked to gauge your familiarity with thermodynamics, which may or may not be directly relevant for the role.

"The Carnot cycle consists of compression and expansion. Starting with isothermal compression, it is followed by adiabatic compression, then reversible isothermal expansion, and finally reversible adiabatic expansion. In internal combustion engines, this is happening inside of the piston as fuel is injected and then ignited. I learned about these concepts in my Thermodynamics class, and Iknow that they can also apply to refrigeration cycles as well."

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How to Answer: What are the phases of the Carnot cycle?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Mechanical Engineer job interview.

31. What are the phases of the Carnot cycle?

How to Answer

Your interviewer will likely ask you knowledge-based questions to understand how well you are able to explain concepts to others. Be prepared for questions like this one by practicing a few possibilities ahead of time. In this case, the Carnot cycle generally describes the conversion of heat into work via four ideal thermodynamic phases. It is most often used in relation to an engine, specifically an internal combustion engine. However, it can also be applied to refrigeration systems. The cycle consists of two phases of compression and two phases of expansion, one of which is isothermal (same temperature) while the other is adiabatic (no heat transfer) and reversible (no friction). This question may be asked to gauge your familiarity with thermodynamics, which may or may not be directly relevant for the role.

Written by Jason Toby on October 12th, 2020

Answer Example

"The Carnot cycle consists of compression and expansion. Starting with isothermal compression, it is followed by adiabatic compression, then reversible isothermal expansion, and finally reversible adiabatic expansion. In internal combustion engines, this is happening inside of the piston as fuel is injected and then ignited. I learned about these concepts in my Thermodynamics class, and Iknow that they can also apply to refrigeration cycles as well."

Written by Jason Toby on October 12th, 2020

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