GATE AE 2026 • Q14 MCQ • 1 Mark Propulsion

Propulsion

Thermodynamic Cycles of Gas Turbines

Subtopic: Turbojet, Turbofan & Turboprop Engine Performance

Question Statement:

Which one of the following makes an ideal air-standard Stirling cycle?

Options:

  • (A) Two reversible isobars, and two reversible adiabatics
  • (B) Two reversible isotherms, and two reversible isobars
  • (C) Two reversible isotherms, and two reversible isochores
  • (D) Isentropic compression, constant volume heat addition, isentropic expansion, and constant volume heat rejection

Official Answer Key:

C

Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation

### **Detailed Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2026 Q.14)** **1. Intuitive Physical Setup & Given Parameters**: We are asked to identify the four thermodynamic processes constituting the ideal air-standard Stirling heat engine cycle. **2. Step-by-Step Mathematical Derivation**: 1. **Thermodynamic Definition of the Stirling Cycle**: The ideal Stirling cycle operates between two thermal reservoirs ($T_H$ and $T_C$) with ideal regenerative heat exchange. Its four closed-system processes are: - **Process 1-2**: Isothermal compression at low temperature $T_C$ (heat rejection to cold reservoir: $Q_{\text{out}}$). - **Process 2-3**: Isochoric (constant volume) regenerative heating from $T_C$ to $T_H$ (absorbing internal regenerative heat $Q_{\text{reg}}$). - **Process 3-4**: Isothermal expansion at high temperature $T_H$ (heat addition from source: $Q_{\text{in}}$). - **Process 4-1**: Isochoric (constant volume) regenerative cooling from $T_H$ to $T_C$ (depositing heat back into the regenerator matrix). 2. **Key Distinctions from Other Gas Cycles**: - **Carnot Cycle**: Two isotherms + two reversible adiabatics (isentropics). - **Ericsson Cycle**: Two isotherms + two isobars (constant pressure). - **Otto Cycle**: Two isentropics + two isochors. - **Brayton Cycle**: Two isentropics + two isobars. **3. Comprehensive Options & Distractor Analysis**: - **(A) Two reversible isobars, and two reversible adiabatics**: ❌ **INCORRECT**. This defines the ideal Brayton (Joule) cycle. - **(B) Two reversible isotherms, and two reversible isobars**: ❌ **INCORRECT**. This defines the ideal Ericsson cycle. - **(C) Two reversible isotherms, and two reversible isochors**: ✅ **CORRECT**. The Stirling cycle consists of two reversible isothermal processes and two reversible constant-volume (isochoric) regenerative processes. - **(D) Isentropic compression, constant volume heat addition...**: ❌ **INCORRECT**. This defines the internal-combustion Otto cycle. **4. Official Master Key & Exam Takeaway**: - **Official Answer Key**: **C** - **Exam Takeaway**: Remember the memory mnemonic: Stirling has Constant Volume (isochoric) regeneration, whereas Ericsson has Constant Pressure (isobaric) regeneration. Both achieve theoretical Carnot efficiency with ideal regenerators.
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