Otto cycle

The Otto cycle is a process used in gasoline engines to convert fuel into useful work. It involves four main steps: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. First, the engine draws in a fuel-air mixture. Then, it compresses this mixture to increase its pressure and temperature. Spark ignites the compressed mixture, causing an explosion that pushes the piston down—creating power. Finally, exhaust gases are expelled. This cycle repeats rapidly, turning the combustion energy into mechanical motion that powers the vehicle. It’s fundamental to most traditional gasoline engines.