Rankine to Fahrenheit

Rankine

Definition

Rankine (R) is an absolute temperature scale primarily used in engineering and thermodynamic calculations. It is based on the Fahrenheit scale, with degrees of the same size as Fahrenheit but starting from absolute zero (0 R). The scale does not use a degree symbol (°) and is simply denoted as R.

History/Origin

The Rankine scale was introduced by William John Macquorn Rankine, a Scottish engineer and physicist, in the mid-19th century. The scale was designed to simplify thermodynamic calculations by aligning with the absolute temperature concept, while maintaining compatibility with the Fahrenheit system widely used in the United States.

Current Use

Rankine is primarily used in engineering, particularly in the United States, for thermodynamic studies, heat transfer, and energy calculations. It is commonly applied in industries such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, and power generation.

Fahrenheit

Definition

Fahrenheit (°F) is a temperature scale used mainly in the United States and its territories. Part of the Imperial measurement system, the Fahrenheit scale sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure.

History/Origin

Developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724, the scale was initially based on three reference points: the freezing point of a brine solution (0°F), the freezing point of pure water (32°F), and the average human body temperature (96°F, later revised to 98.6°F). It gained popularity in English-speaking countries before being replaced by Celsius in most parts of the world.

Current Use

Fahrenheit remains the primary temperature scale used in the United States for weather forecasts, household applications, and industrial processes. It is less common in scientific and medical contexts, where Celsius and Kelvin dominate.

Conversion Details

Conversion Formula and Factor

To convert Rankine (R) to Fahrenheit (°F), use the following formula:

[ \text{°F} = R - 459.67 ]