Otto cycle

noun

Thermodynamics.

1. 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.

Otto cycle

noun

1. 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 History and Origins

Origin of Otto cycle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Otto cycle¹

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