The Otto Cycle
can be used to describe how an internal combustion engine works, which allows
your car to run by just filling it up with gas. Each
of the numbers shown in the figure (1 through 6) represent one stage of
the Otto cycle, or one step of the internal combustion process. The common
automobile engine is called a “4 Stroke Engine” because it has 4 strokes, which
are the Intake Stroke, Exhaust Stroke, Compression Stroke, and Power Stroke.
The “Combustion Process” shown in the Otto Cycle in the figure occurs between
Strokes 3 and 4, and the “Heat Rejection” shown in the figurea occurs between
Strokes 3 and 4.
