Thermodynamics: Otto and Diesel Engine Cycles

This lecture covers the principles of thermodynamics as applied to internal combustion engines, focusing on the Otto and Diesel cycles. The instructor begins by introducing the Otto cycle, detailing its historical development and significance in automotive engineering. Key concepts such as the PV diagram, ideal gas behavior, and the assumptions of reversibility and no heat loss are discussed. The lecture progresses to the Diesel cycle, highlighting its differences from the Otto cycle, particularly in terms of compression ratios and combustion processes. The instructor explains the thermodynamic efficiency of both cycles, emphasizing the importance of compression ratios and the implications of auto-detonation in engine performance. The lecture also touches on the Stirling cycle, an external combustion cycle, and its applications in refrigeration and heat pumps. Throughout the session, the instructor illustrates the concepts with diagrams and examples, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these cycles operate and their relevance in modern engineering.