Thermodynamic Cycle

PV diagram explorer — Carnot, Otto, Diesel cycles with live efficiency

Efficiency: η = 0.00 W_net = 0 J Q_in = 0 J

T_hot (K): 800 T_cold (K): 300

PV diagrams map thermodynamic cycles: enclosed area = net work output. Carnot achieves maximum possible efficiency η=1−T_c/T_h; real cycles (Otto, Diesel) are limited by irreversibilities and finite heat exchange.