Entropy generation rate analysis in pendulum cart system undergoing damped oscillation

A mechanical system consisting of a cart with slender rod is considered in this work for entropy generation rate investigation via a thermodynamic analysis. The dynamic model of the system is formulated using Lagrange’s equation. Entropy generation rate is then introduced as the time derivative of the net-work potential of the system. Entropy generation rate is simulated for different initial conditions and a parametric study is performed to examine the effect of different parameters such as damping and stiffness on the entropy production. It is found that, entropy generation rate follows a pattern of three peaks being repeated with time. The stiffness and initial conditions have direct effect on the entropy generation rate. In this case, increasing either property increases entropy generation rate. The maximum EGR is found to be 0.332 × 10^–4 and 0.600 × 10^–4 W/K for nonlinear and linearised system respectively.