This spreadsheet provides a template for analysis of the Diesel (compression-ignition, internal combustion) Engine Cycle. The user fills in the state point data in the top grid. From that data, the cells in the second grid (processes) are updated.  The worksheet automatically generates Pressure-volume (P-v) and Temperature-entropy (T-s) diagrams. This workbook includes the capability of doing a sensitivity analysis.   Cells are color-coded to improve readability.

The Diesel cycle is commonly used in ships, trains, trucks and some cars, the latter especially in Europe.  When we study thermodynamic cycles in an introductory course, we usually don’t dwell much on the Heat Rejection process (indicated by the yellow arrow in the above P-v and T-s diagrams.   For modern Diesel railroad locomotives, waste heat rejection is a very big deal.

Similar Excel templates are available for the Otto (spark ignition) cycle, the Atkinson cycle, the Brayton (jet engine) cycle and the Rankine (steam) thermodynamic cycle.