The irreversibility of a process is due to the dissipation of work which lead to increase in internal energy of a system, is called as:

This question was previously asked in
BHEL Engineer Trainee Mechanical 24 Aug 2023 Official Paper
View all BHEL Engineer Trainee Papers >
  1. Mechanical irreversibility
  2. Chemical irreversibility
  3. Thermal irreversibility
  4. Electrical irreversibility

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Mechanical irreversibility
Free
BHEL Engineer Trainee Fluid Mechanics Mock Test
1.4 K Users
20 Questions 20 Marks 15 Mins

Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

Explanation:

Mechanical Irreversibility:

  • Mechanical irreversibility refers to the loss of mechanical work in a process due to the dissipation of energy, often as heat, within a system. This dissipation leads to an increase in the internal energy of the system and is a key factor in the irreversibility of many real-world processes. Mechanical irreversibility is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics and plays a significant role in the efficiency and performance of mechanical systems.
  • In any mechanical process, when work is done on or by the system, there are often losses due to friction, turbulence, inelastic deformations, and other dissipative effects. These losses manifest as heat and contribute to an increase in the internal energy of the system. For instance, when a machine operates, the friction between moving parts converts a portion of the mechanical work into heat, which is then absorbed by the machine components, raising their temperature.
  • This irreversible conversion of work into heat is a key feature of mechanical irreversibility. Unlike idealized processes in thermodynamics, where energy transformations are perfectly efficient and reversible, real-world processes invariably involve some degree of irreversibility due to these dissipative effects.

Examples of Mechanical Irreversibility:

  • Friction: When two surfaces slide against each other, frictional forces generate heat, which is absorbed by the surfaces, leading to an increase in their internal energy. This heat generation represents a loss of useful mechanical work and is a classic example of mechanical irreversibility.
  • Inelastic Deformations: When materials deform under stress and do not return to their original shape (such as in plastic deformation), the energy used to deform the material is not fully recoverable. The energy is dissipated as heat within the material, contributing to mechanical irreversibility.
  • Turbulence: In fluid dynamics, turbulence causes chaotic and irregular fluid motion, leading to the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy. This conversion results in a loss of mechanical energy and an increase in the internal energy of the fluid.
  • Viscous Drag: The resistance experienced by objects moving through a fluid (e.g., air or water) results in the generation of heat due to the viscous forces within the fluid. This heat represents a loss of mechanical work and contributes to the overall irreversibility of the process.

Applications: Mechanical irreversibility is a key consideration in various engineering applications, including:

  • Heat Engines: In heat engines, mechanical irreversibility affects the efficiency of converting thermal energy into mechanical work. Reducing frictional losses and optimizing engine components can improve overall efficiency.
  • Mechanical Systems: In mechanical systems such as gears, bearings, and pumps, minimizing friction and wear is essential to ensure efficient operation and longevity of the components.
  • Fluid Dynamics: In the design of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic systems, reducing turbulence and drag is critical to enhance performance and reduce energy losses.
Latest BHEL Engineer Trainee Updates

Last updated on Jul 8, 2025

-> The BHEL Cut Off 2025 has been uploaded on July 8, 2025 at the official website 

-> BHEL Engineer Trainee result has been released on July 8. 

-> BHEL Engineer Trainee answer key 2025 has been released at the official website. 

-> The BHEL Engineer Trainee Admit Card 2025 has been released on the official website.

->The BHEL Engineer Trainee Exam 2025 will be conducted on April 11th, 12th and 13th, 2025

-> BHEL Engineer Trainee 2025 Notification has been released on the official website.

-> A total of 150 Vacancies have been announced for various disciplines of Engineering like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.

-> Interested and eligible candidates can apply from 1st February 2025 to 28th February 2025.

-> The authorities has also released the BHEL Engineer Trainee Pattern 

-> The BHEL Engineer Trainee Selection Process is divided into two stages namely Written Test and Interview.

-> The selected candidates for the Engineer Trainee post will get a salary range between Rs. 60,000 - Rs. 1,80,000.

Get Free Access Now
Hot Links: teen patti master teen patti lotus teen patti master real cash teen patti 100 bonus happy teen patti