What type of engine cycle do jet engines primarily operate on?

Jet engines primarily operate on the Brayton cycle, which is a thermodynamic cycle that describes the operation of gas turbine engines. This cycle is characterized by a continuous flow of air through the engine, where it is compressed, mixed with fuel, and then ignited. The combustion of the fuel generates high-temperature, high-pressure gases, which expand through a turbine, producing work and subsequently propelling the aircraft.

The Brayton cycle consists of four key processes: isentropic compression, constant pressure combustion, isentropic expansion, and constant pressure heat rejection. This cycle effectively utilizes the properties of gases and allows for efficient energy extraction and thrust production in jet engines.

The other cycles mentioned, such as the Otto cycle, are more relevant to internal combustion engines where the fuel-air mixture is combusted in discrete cycles, as opposed to the continuous flow found in jet engines. The Carnot cycle represents an idealized thermodynamic cycle and does not apply directly to practical engine operations like those found in jet engines. The Stirling cycle, while used in certain types of engines and for specific applications, also does not pertain to the operational principles of jet engines.

Understanding the Brayton cycle is essential for recognizing how jet engines achieve their high efficiency and performance in