Specific enthalpy combines internal energy with pressure–volume flow work.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Read time
4 min
Prerequisites
Consistent SI units, algebra, and the physical assumptions listed below
Source
Teng-Jui Lin — Equation SheetsAdapted from Teng-Jui Lin, Equation Sheets — Mechanical Engineering, under CC BY 4.0.
Adapted notation and added original explanations, variables, assumptions, applications, and a worked example.
Specific enthalpy combines internal energy with pressure–volume flow work. It is especially useful in open-system energy balances because fluid entering or leaving a control volume carries both contributions.
| Symbol | Meaning | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Specific enthalpy | ||
| Specific internal energy | ||
| Absolute pressure | ||
| Specific volume |
Relate internal-energy and enthalpy property data.
Check pressure–volume contributions in a fluid state.
A fluid state has u = 200000 J/kg, pressure 300000 Pa, and specific volume 0.001 m³/kg. Find h.
Adapted from Teng-Jui Lin, Equation Sheets — Mechanical Engineering, under CC BY 4.0.
Adapted notation and added original explanations, variables, assumptions, applications, and a worked example.
Assumptions
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