Rankine to Delisle Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert degrees Rankine to degrees Delisle with our free online temperature converter.
Rankine to Delisle Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Rankine).
- The converted value in Delisle will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Temperature category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Rankine to Delisle
Temperature conversions like Rankine to Delisle use specific non-linear formulas.
Formula:
First convert °R to °C: °C = (°R - 491.67) × 5/9. Then convert °C to °De: °De = (100 - °C) × 3/2Example Calculation:
Convert 10°R:
1. °C = (10 - 491.67) × 5/9 = -267.59°C
2. °De = (100 - -267.59) × 3/2 = 551.4°De
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Rankine and a Delisle?
The Rankine scale (°R or °Ra) is an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale named after the Scottish engineer and physicist William John Macquorn Rankine. Similar to the Kelvin scale, its zero point is absolute zero, but the degree size is the same as that of the Fahrenheit scale.
The Delisle scale (°De) is a historical temperature scale where the boiling point of water is set at 0 degrees and the freezing point at 150 degrees. The scale decreases as thermal energy increases.
Note: The Rankine is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Delisle belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Rankine and Delisle
The scale was proposed by William Rankine in 1859, shortly after the Kelvin scale was developed. It was created to provide an absolute temperature scale that directly corresponded with the Fahrenheit degrees used widely in engineering at the time.
Invented by the French astronomer Joseph-Nicolas Delisle in 1732 for use in Russia. He defined his scale with the boiling point of water as 0 °De and the freezing point as 150 °De. It was used primarily in Russia for about a century.
Common Uses for degrees Rankine and degrees Delisle
Explore the typical applications for both Rankine (imperial/US) and Delisle (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for degrees Rankine
- Engineering (Thermodynamics): Used in some engineering fields, particularly in the United States, where calculations often involve Fahrenheit. It simplifies thermodynamic calculations (like the ideal gas law) when using Imperial units.
- Historical Context: Found in older engineering texts and data.
Common Uses for degrees Delisle
- Historical Significance: Of interest in the history of thermometry, particularly in Russia.
- Not used in modern scientific or general applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Rankine (°R)
What is absolute zero on the Rankine scale?
Absolute zero is 0 °R, which is equivalent to -459.67 °F or -273.15 °C.
How does Rankine relate to Fahrenheit?
A change of 1 °R is equal to a change of 1 °F. The formula is °R = °F + 459.67.
How does Rankine relate to Kelvin?
The Rankine scale uses Fahrenheit degrees, while Kelvin uses Celsius degrees. Both start at absolute zero. The formula is °R = K × 9/5.
About Delisle (°De)
What are the freezing and boiling points of water in Delisle?
Water boils at 0 °De and freezes at 150 °De. Note that the scale is inverted compared to Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Why does the Delisle scale decrease with increasing temperature?
Delisle set the boiling point of water as his zero reference and measured the contraction of mercury as it cooled, leading to higher numbers for colder temperatures.
How does Delisle relate to Celsius?
The relationship is °De = (100 - °C) × 3/2.