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For Engineers · Otto Cycle

Otto Cycle for a piston

Built for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed. Simulate a piston live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Otto Cycle (Engine)Live

gasoline engine efficiency

Controls

Presets

Compression ratio

Heat capacity ratio γ

The Otto cycle idealizes a gasoline engine: adiabatic compression, constant-volume combustion, adiabatic expansion (the power stroke), and exhaust. Its efficiency, η = 1 − 1/r^(γ−1), depends only on the compression ratio. Higher compression means more efficiency — until the fuel pre-ignites and knocks, which is why octane rating matters.

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Data Inspector

Efficiency58.5%

Compression ratio9:1

γ1.40

Governing equation

η = 1 - \frac{1}{r ^{γ - 1}} = 1 - \frac{1}{9 ^{1.40 - 1}} = 58.5%

Reading this result: Efficiency (58%) depends only on the 9:1 compression ratio and γ, not on how much fuel you burn — adding heat gives more power at the same efficiency ceiling.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for engineers?: Yes — this version of "Otto Cycle for a piston" is framed for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.