Kitabı oku: «The Energy System of Matter: A Deduction from Terrestrial Energy Phenomena», sayfa 6

24. Transformations of the Moving Pendulum—

b. Frictional Transformation at the Bearing Surfaces

The motion of the pendulum, whether it be completely rotatory or merely vibratory in nature, invariably gives rise to heating at the bearings or supporting points. Since the heating effect is only evident when motion is taking place, and since the heat can only make its appearance as the result of some energy process, it would appear that this persistent heat phenomenon is the result of a transformation of the original energy of motion of the pendulum.

The general energy conditions of the apparatus already adverted to (§ 21) still hold, and the lubricating oil employed in the apparatus being assumed to have sufficient capillarity or adhesive power to separate the metallic surfaces of bearings and journals at all velocities, then every action of the spindle on the bearings must be transmitted through the lubricant. The latter is, therefore, strained or distorted against the internal cohesive or viscous forces of its material. The general effect of the rotatory motion of the spindle will be to produce a motion of the material of the lubricant in the field of these incepting forces. To this motion the heat transformation is primarily due. Other conditions being the same, the extent of the transformation taking place, in any given case, is dependent on the physical properties of the lubricant, such as its viscosity, its cohesive or capillary power, always provided that the metallic surfaces are separated, so that the action is really carried out in the lines or field of the internal cohesive forces of the lubricant. In itself, this transformation is not a reversible process; no mechanism appears by which this heat energy evolved at the bearing surfaces could be returned once more to its original form of energy of motion. It may be, in fact, communicated by conduction to the metallic masses of the bearings, and thence, by conduction and radiation, to the air masses surrounding the apparatus. Its action in these masses is dealt with below (§ 29). The operation of bearing friction, though in itself not a reversible process, really forms one link of a complete chain (§ 9) of secondary operations (transmissions and transformations) which together form a comprehensive and complete cyclical energy process (§ 32).

When no lubricant is used in the apparatus, so that the metallic surfaces of bearings and journals are in contact, the heat process is of a precisely similar nature to that described above (see also § 16). Distortion of the metals in contact takes place in the surface regions, so that the material is strained against its internal cohesive forces. The transformation will thus depend on the physical properties of these metals, and will be limited by these properties. Different metallic or other combinations will consequently give rise to quite different results with respect to the amounts of heat energy evolved.

25. Stability of Energy Systems

The ratio of the maximum or limiting energy for reversibility to the total energy of the system may vary in value. If the pendulum vibrates only through a very small arc, then, neglecting the minor processes (§§ 24, 29), practically the whole energy of the system operates in the reversible transformation. This condition is maintained as the length of the arc of vibration increases, until the pendulum is just performing complete revolutions about the central axis. After this, the ratio will alter in value, because the greater part of any further increment of energy does not enter into the reversible cyclical process, but merely goes to increase the velocity of rotation and the total energy of the system. The small amount of energy which thus enters the reversible cycle as the velocity increases, does so in virtue of the increasing length of the pendulum arm in distortion. To produce even a slight distortion of the arm, a large amount of energy will require to be applied to and stored in the system, and thus, at high velocities of rotation, the energy which operates in the reversible cycle, even at its limiting value, may form only a very small proportion of the total energy of the system. At low velocities or low values of the total energy, say when the pendulum is not performing complete rotations, practically the whole energy of the system is working in the reversible cycle; but, in these circumstances, it is clear that the total energy of the system, which, in this case, is all working in the reversible process, is much less than the maximum or limiting amount of energy which might so work in that process. Under these conditions, when the total energy of the system is less than the limiting value for reversibility, so that this total energy in its entirety is free to take part in the reversible process, then the energy system may be termed stable with respect to that process. Stability, in an energy system, thus implies that the operation considered is not being, as it were, carried out at full energy capacity, but within certain reversible energy limits.

We have emphasised this point in order to draw attention to the fact that the great reversible processes which are presented to our notice in natural phenomena are all eminently stable in character. Perhaps the most striking example of a natural reversible process is found in the working of the terrestrial atmospheric machine (§§ 10, 38). The energy in this case is limited by the mass, but in actual operation its amount is well within the maximum limiting value. The machine, in fact, is stable in nature. Other natural operations, such as the orbital movements of planetary masses, (§ 8) illustrate the same conditions. Nature, although apparently prodigal of energy in its totality, yet rigidly defines the bounding limits of her active operations.

26. The Pendulum as a Conservative System

Under certain conditions the reversible energy cycle produces an important effect on the rotatory motion of the pendulum. For the purpose of illustration, let it be assumed that the pendulum is an isolated and conservative system endowed with a definite amount of rotatory energy. In its circular movement, the upward motion of the pendulum mass is accompanied by a gain in its energy of position. This gain is, in the given circumstances, obtained solely at the expense of its inherent rotatory energy, which, accordingly, suffers a corresponding decrease. The manifestation of this decrease will be simply a retardation of the pendulum's rotatory motion. Its angular velocity will, therefore, decrease until the highest altitude E (Fig. 2) is attained. After this, on the downward path, the process will be reversed. Acceleration will take place from the highest to the lowest point of flight, and the energy stored as energy of position will be completely returned in its original form of energy of motion. The effect of the working of the reversible cycle, then, on the rotatory system, under the given conditions, is simply to produce alternately a retardation and a corresponding acceleration. Now, it is to be particularly noted that these changes in the velocity of the system are produced, not by any abstraction from or return of energy to the system, which is itself conservative, but simply in consequence of the transformation and re-transformation of a certain portion of its inherent rotatory energy in the working of a reversible process embodied in the system. The same features may be observed in other systems where the conditions are somewhat similar.

In the natural world, we find processes of the same general nature in constant operation. When any mass of material is elevated from the surface of a rotating planetary body against the gravitative attraction, it thereby gains energy of position (§ 20). This energy, on the body's return to the surface in the course of its cycle, reappears in the form of energy of motion. Now the material mass, in rising from the planetary surface, is not, in reality, separated from the planet. The atmosphere of the planet forms an integral portion of its material, partakes of its rotatory motion, and is bound to the solid core by the mutual gravitative forces. Any mass, then, on the solid surface of a planet is, in reality, in the planetary interior, and the rising of such a mass from that surface does not imply any actual separative process, but simply the radial movement, or displacement of a portion of the planetary material from the central axis. If the energy expended in the upraisal of the mass is derived at the expense of the inherent rotatory energy of the planet, as it would be if the latter were a strictly conservative energy system, then the raising of this portion of planetary material from the surface would have a retarding effect on the planetary motion of rotation. But if, on the other hand, the energy of such a mass as it fell towards the planetary surface were converted once more into its original form of energy of axial motion, exactly equivalent in amount to its energy of position, it is evident that the process would be productive of an accelerating effect on the planetary motion of rotation, which would in magnitude exactly balance the previous retardation. In such a process it is evident that energy neither enters nor leaves the planet. It simply works in an energy machine embodied in planetary material. This point will be more fully illustrated later. The reader will readily see the resemblance of a system of this nature to that which has already been illustrated by the rotating pendulum.

In the meantime, it may be pointed out that matter displaced from the planetary surface need not necessarily be matter in the solid form. All the operations mentioned above could be quite readily—in fact, more readily—carried out by the movements of gaseous material, which is admirably adapted for every kind of rising, falling, or flowing motion relative to the planetary surface (§ 13).

27. Some Phenomena of Transmission Processes—Transmission of Heat Energy by Solid Material

The pendulum machine described above furnishes certain outstanding examples of the operation of energy transformation. It will be noted, however, that it also portrays certain processes of energy transmission. In this respect it is not peculiar. Most of the material machines in which energy operates will furnish examples of both energy transmissions and energy transformations. In some instances, the predominant operation seems to be transformation, in others, transmission; and the machines may be classified accordingly. It is, however, largely a matter of terminology, since both operations are usually found closely associated in one and the same machine. The apparatus now to be considered is designed primarily to illustrate the operative features of certain energy transmissions, but the description of the machines with their allied phenomena will show that energy transformations also play a very important part in their constitution and working.

A cylindrical metallic bar about twelve inches long, say, and one inch in diameter, is placed with its ends immersed in water in two separate vessels, A and B, somewhat as shown.

Fig. 3

By the application of heat energy, the temperature of the water in the vessel A is raised to a point say 100° F. above that of B, and steadily maintained at that point. It is assumed that B is also kept at the constant lower temperature. In these circumstances, a transmission of heat energy takes place from A to B through the metallic bar. When the steady temperature condition is reached, the transmission will be continuous and uniform; the rate at which it is carried out will be determined by the length of the bar, by the material of which it is composed, and by the temperature difference maintained between its ends. Now what has really happened is that by a combination of phenomena the bar has been converted into a machine for the transmission of heat energy. A full description of these phenomena is, in reality, the description of this machine, and vice versa. Let us, therefore, now try to outline some of these phenomena.

The first feature of note is the gradient of temperature which exists between the ends of the bar. Further research is necessary regarding the real nature of this gradient—it appears to differ greatly in different materials—but the existence of such a gradient is one of the main features of the energy machine, one of the essential conditions of the transmission process.

Another feature is that of the expansive motion of the bar itself. The expansion of the bar due to the heating varies in value along its length, from a maximum at the hot end to a minimum at the cool end. The expansion, also, is the evidence of a transformation of energy. The bar has been constrained into its new form against the action of the internal molecular or cohesive forces of its material (§ 16). The energy employed and transformed in producing the expansion is a part of the original heat energy applied to the bar, and before any transmission of this heat energy takes place between its extreme ends, a definite modicum of the applied energy has to be completely transformed for the sole purpose of producing this distortive movement or expansion against cohesion. This preliminary straining of the bar is, in fact, a part of the process of building up or constituting the energy transmission machine, and must be completely carried out before any transmission can take place. It is clear, then, that concurrent with the gradient of temperature, there also exists, along the bar, what might be termed a gradient of energy stored against cohesion, and that both are characteristic and essential features of this particular energy machine. A point of some importance to note is the permanency of these features. Once the machine has been constituted with a constant temperature difference, the transmission of energy will take place continuously and at a uniform rate. But no further transformation against cohesion takes place; no further expenditure of energy against the internal forces of the material is necessary. Neglecting certain losses due to possible external conditions, the whole energy applied to the machine at the one end is transmitted in its entirety to the other, without influencing in any way either the temperature or the energy gradient.

Such is the general constitution of this machine for energy transmission. Its material foundation is, indeed, the metallic bar, but the temperature and energy gradients may be termed the true determining factors of its operation. As already indicated, the magnitude of the transformation is dependent on the temperature difference between the ends of the bar. But this applies only within certain limits. With respect to the cool end, the temperature may be as low as we please—so far as we know, the limit is absolute zero of temperature; but with the hot end, the case is entirely different, because here the limit is very strictly imposed by the melting-point of the material of the bar. When this melting temperature is attained, the melting of the bar indicates, simply, that the heat energy stored or transformed against the cohesive forces of the material has reached its limiting value; change of state of the material is taking place, and the machine is thereby being destroyed.

It is evident, then, that the energy which is actually being transmitted has itself no effect whatever in restricting the action or scope of the transmission machine. It is, in reality, the residual energy stored against the cohesive forces which imposes the limits on the working. It is the maximum energy which can be transformed in the field of the cohesive forces of the material which determines the power of that material as a transmitting agent. This maximum will, of course, be different for different materials according to their physical constitution. It is attained in this machine in each case when melting of the bar takes place.

28. Some Phenomena of Transmission Processes—Transmission by Flexible Band or Cord

This method is often adopted when energy of motion, or mechanical energy, is required to be transmitted from one point to another. For illustration, consider the case of two parallel spindles or shafts, A and B (Fig. 4), each having a pulley securely keyed upon it. Spindle A is connected to a source of of mechanical energy, and it is desired to transmit this energy across the intervening space to spindle B.

Fig. 4

This, of course, might be accomplished in various ways, but one of the most simple, and, at the same time, one of the most efficient, is the direct drive by means of a flexible band or cord. The band is placed tightly round, and adheres closely to both pulleys; the coefficient of friction between band and pulleys may, in the first instance, be assumed to be sufficiently great to prevent slipping of the band up to the highest stress which it is capable of sustaining in normal working. Connected in this fashion, the spindles will rotate in unison, and mechanical energy, if applied at A, may be directly transmitted to B. The material operator in the transmission is the connecting flexible band, and associated with this material are certain energy processes which are also essential features of the energy machine. When transmission of energy is taking place, a definite tension or stress exists in the connecting band, and neglecting certain inevitable losses due to bearing friction (§ 24) and windage (§ 29), practically the whole of the mechanical or work energy communicated to the one spindle is transmitted to the other. Now the true method of studying this or any energy process is simply to describe the constitution and principal features of the machine by which it is carried out. These are found in the phenomena of transmission. One of the most important is the peculiar state of strain or tension existing in the connecting band. This, as already indicated, is an absolutely essential condition of the whole operation. No transmission is possible without some stress or pull in the band. This pull is exerted against the cohesive forces of the material of the band, so that before transmission takes place it is distorted and a definite amount of the originally applied work energy is expended in straining it against these forces. This energy is accordingly stored in the form of strain energy or energy of separation (§ 22), and, if the velocity is uniform, the magnitude of the transmission is proportional to this pull in the band, or to the quantity of energy thus stored against the internal forces of its material. But, in every case, a limit to this amount of energy is clearly imposed by the strength of the band. The latter must not be strained beyond its limiting elastic stress. So long as energy is being transmitted, a certain transformation and return of energy of strain or separation is taking place in virtue of the differing values of the tensions in the two sides of the band; and if the latter were stressed beyond the elastic limit, permanent distortion or disruption of the material would take place. Under such conditions, the reversible energy process, involving storage and restoration of strain energy as the band passes round the pulleys, would be impossible, and the energy transmission machine would be completely disorganised. The magnitude of the energy operation is thus limited by the physical properties of the connecting band.

Another important feature of this energy transmission machine is the velocity, or rather the kinetic energy, of the band. The magnitude of the transmission process is directly proportional to this velocity, and is, therefore, also a function of the kinetic energy. At any given rate of transmission, this kinetic energy, like the energy stored against the cohesive influence, will be constant in amount, and like that energy also, will have been obtained at the expense of the originally applied energy. This kinetic energy is an important feature in the constitution of the transmission machine. As in the case of the strain energy, its maximum value is strictly limited, and thus imposes a limit on the general operation of the machine. For, at very high velocities, owing to the action of centrifugal force, it is not possible to keep the band in close contact with the surface of the pulleys. When the speed rises above a certain limit, although the energy actually being transmitted may not have attained the maximum value possible at lower speeds with greater tension in the band, the latter will, in virtue of the strain imposed by centrifugal action, be forced radially outwards from the pulley. The coefficient of friction will be thereby reduced; slipping will ensue, and the transmission may cease either in whole or in part. In this way the velocity or kinetic energy limit is imposed. The machine for energy transmission may thus be limited in its operation by two different factors. The precise way in which the limit will be applied in any given case will, of course, depend on the circumstances of working.