Academy · Course

The Piston Engine

Built on the illustrated piston-engine course: the cycle as a pressure–volume story, Otto and Diesel’s bargains, the two-stroke shortcut, and why some engines shake while others purr. Study the linked articles and demos, then check yourself after each step.

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Course quiz → optional

Part 1 · The cycle

01 · up nextThe cycle on paperThe PV diagram: pressure × volume swept = work out.also: Work from pressure: the PV diagram →also: Watch the PV loop drawn live →Open lesson →self-check · optional

02Otto and the compression ratioWhy squeezing harder pays — and what stops you squeezing forever.also: Push compression until knock →Open lesson →self-check · optional

Part 2 · Real engines

03Diesel and the two-strokeDelete the spark; or fire every revolution.also: Two-strokes: ports & scavenging →also: Otto vs Diesel vs Two-Stroke, live →Open lesson →self-check · optional

04The moving parts, and balanceWhy an inline-six purrs and a four needs tricks.also: Inertia forces & engine balance →also: Watch the shaking forces, live →Open lesson →self-check · optional

Part 3 · What you get

05Measuring the outputMEP, the honest yardstick — and what the cam trades for it.also: Grind a cam and pay for it, live →Open lesson →self-check · optional