What is the other name for the thermodynamic cycle for the spark ignition engine?

The thermodynamic cycle for the spark ignition engine is known as the Otto cycle. This cycle is characterized by its method of operating a combustion engine, where the fuel-air mixture is ignited by a spark plug, leading to the expansion and power generation in the engine.

In the Otto cycle, the process includes isentropic compression, isochoric heat addition, isentropic expansion, and isochoric heat rejection. The Otto cycle is designed to maximize efficiency and power output by optimizing these stages, specifically for engines that rely on spark ignition. One of the crucial features of the Otto cycle is that it relies on a constant volume for heat addition, which is distinctly different from other thermodynamic cycles.

Understanding the Otto cycle is essential for power engineers, particularly when working with gasoline engines, as it directly impacts engine design, fuel efficiency, and combustion performance. This knowledge is applicable to a wide range of scenarios in power engineering and is foundational for understanding engine operation and characteristics.