Otto cycle

noun Thermodynamics.

an idealization of the thermodynamic cycle of the internal combustion engine with air as the working substance: intake of air at atmospheric pressure, then adiabatic compression, then ignition with an increase of pressure and temperature at constant volume, then adiabatic expansion and performance of work, then a drop to atmospheric pressure at constant volume and a rejection of heat to the environment, then the exhaust of air at constant pressure.

Origin of Otto cycle

1885–90; named after Nikolaus August Otto, 1832–91, German engineer and inventor

Example sentences from the Web for otto cycle

British Dictionary definitions for otto cycle

Otto cycle

noun

an engine cycle used on four-stroke petrol engines (Otto engines) in which, ideally, combustion and rejection of heat both take place at constant volume Compare diesel cycle

Word Origin for Otto cycle

C19: named after Nikolaus August Otto (1832–91), German engineer