Fixing a State on a P-v/T-v Diagram

It can be a daunting task to fix the phases/states of a substance on a state diagram,

such as a P-v or a T-v diagram. However, the state diagram can many times offer insight
into the physics of a process as well as establish the phase of a substance as it undergoes
a process. Therefore, the time it takes to learn how to create state diagrams is well spent.
As with plotting anything, you need 2 coordinates to plot a point. Interestingly
enough, it also takes 2 properties to fix a state (state principle). So, lets start with the P-v
and T-v coordinate axis with the vapor dome drawn in. Next, draw a representative
constant temperature line on the P-v axis, and a constant pressure line on the T-v axis.
These are show in Figures 1a) and 1b). Note that in the 2 phase region, both the
temperature and pressure are constant. Now, you are generally going to know 2 of the
following: temperature, pressure, or mass referenced properties (volume, internal energy,
enthalpy, entropy, etc.) and have property tables available. Lets look at each particular
situation in turn.

liquid

liquid
p=const
vapor

vapor

2 phase

2 phase

v
Figure 1a. General T-v Diagram

T=const

Figure 1b. General P-v Diagram

Temperature Mass Specific Property Known

If you know the substance temperature and a mass specific property, such as specific
volume, specific internal energy, etc., fixing a state is relatively simple, especially on a Tv diagram. On the T-v diagram, draw a constant temperature line, shown as red in Figure
2a. Then, look at the saturation table for the substance you are using (water, refrigerant,
etc.) and note the yf and yg values for the mass specific property you know (y represents
your known property specific volume, specific internal energy, specific enthalpy, etc.).
The green lines in Figure 2a illustrate these values. If your property value is larger than
the saturated vapor value (yg), then your substance is a super-heated vapor as shown by
the blue square in the figure. If your property value is less than the saturated liquid value
(yf), then your substance is a compressed liquid, shown by the orange circle. If your
property value lies between the saturated liquid and saturated vapor value, then your
substance is undergoing a phase change, illustrated by the purple triangle.

Gary L. Solbrekken

ME3324, Fall 2002

9/27/02

vf

vg

Figure 2. T-v Diagram for a Known Temperature and Mass Specific Property
Pressure Mass Specific Property Known
The case where the pressure and a mass specific property are known is the same as
the known temperature case, except it is easiest to use a P-v diagram and initially draw a
line of constant pressure. Locating the state then uses the same process of using the
saturation tables of the substance.
Temperature Pressure Known
The process to find the state when the temperature and pressure are known is a little
more difficult. Either a T-v or a P-v diagram can be used, although a P-v diagram is
many times better to use since the area under the curve illustrating the process has the
physical meaning of the work done during the process. So, start by drawing a constant
temperature line on a P-v diagram (red line of Figure 3). Assume this line to be the
known temperature of your substance, Ta. Next, use the saturation tables to determine the
saturation pressure at Ta. This is shown in the Figure as Psat. Now, compare the known
pressure of your substance, Pa, to the saturation pressure. If Pa > Psat, then the line for Pa
is drawn in above the Psat line, as shown by the dotted orange line in the Figure. The
intersection of the Pa pressure line and the Ta temperature line fixes the state, shown by
the orange dot. In this case the phase is a compressed liquid.
If the known pressure is less than the saturation pressure, the line for P a is drawn in
below the Psat line, as shown by the dotted blue line. The intersection of the pressure and
temperature lines at the blue square suggests that the substance phase is a super-heated
vapor. Finally, if the known pressure is equal to the saturation pressure, then the
substance is undergoing a phase chance, and more information is needed to fix the state.
This is shown by the black dotted line in the figure. The process to fix the state on a T-v
diagram is exactly the same, except a constant pressure line is drawn in initially, and the
saturation temperature at that pressure is looked up in the saturation tables.

Gary L. Solbrekken

ME3324, Fall 2002

9/27/02

Ta=const
P

Pa > Psat
Pa = Psat

Psat
Pa > Psat

v
Figure 3. Fixing the State on a P-v Diagram when the Temperature and Pressure are
Known.

Gary L. Solbrekken

ME3324, Fall 2002

9/27/02