Explore the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle
Watch intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes with valves, spark and a pressure-volume diagram. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle?
Watch intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes with valves, spark and a pressure-volume diagram. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Cars, motorbikes, lawnmowers and generators use four-stroke engines.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Four strokes make one cycle: intake, compression, power, exhaust.
The crankshaft turns twice for each cycle.
Only the power stroke makes work.
Step through the strokes one at a time.
Drag the crank wheel by hand.
Watch when the valves open and the spark fires.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Engineering learners
Engineering and technology students, makers, robotics clubs and teachers of design and technology.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Drag the crank wheel by hand. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What are the four strokes?
Intake, compression, power and exhaust.
Why does the crankshaft turn twice per cycle?
Each stroke is one up or down motion of the piston, half a turn, and there are four strokes.
Is the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle free to use?
Yes. The 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Engineering group of AZRS simulations.
Does the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 11 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle?
1. In the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle, use the controls to change Engine, Cylinders, Engine speed, Compression ratio, Throttle (fuel and air), and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle, pick an option such as Petrol (spark), Diesel (compression), 1, 4 in a row to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle, press "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Step through the strokes one at a time. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Four strokes make one cycle: intake, compression, power, exhaust.
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Try the 4-Stroke Engine & Otto Cycle now
Watch intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes with valves, spark and a. Free to use.
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