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LTT: J. Norton
February 18, 2022 @ 12:10 pm - 1:30 pm EST
John D. Norton, Distinguished University Professor of HPS, University of Pittsburgh
How Analogy Helped Create the New Science of Thermodynamics
ABSTRACT: In 1824, Sadi Carnot’s “On the Motive Power of Fire” laid out the general framework of thermodynamics. The work seems to burst unexpected and fully formed into science, brimming with extraordinary, novel ideas. He is confident that a quite general theory of the efficiency of all heat engines is possible, even though heat engines can have many different designs, each employing many different component processes. The analysis is based on the internally contradictory idea of thermodynamically reversible processes. They are processes that proceed infinitely slowly so that nothing actually happens. How did Sadi Carnot come up with these extraordinary ideas? My talk with attempt an answer.
Please Note: Non-Pitt individuals who want to attend our in-person talks must send an email in advance to Katie Labuda (kathleenlabuda@pitt.edu) requesting Guest Building Access, or you will not be able to enter the Cathedral of Learning.
Zoom registration: https://pitt.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rMNQwCQTS6abGhjg8IgFwQ