What constitutes an aircraft engine cycle?

An aircraft engine cycle is a series of thermodynamic processes that occur within the engine to produce thrust. The four main processes of an aircraft engine cycle are:

1. Intake: Air is drawn into the engine through the intake.

2. Compression: The air is compressed in the compressor.

3. Combustion: Fuel is injected into the compressed air and ignited, causing it to burn and expand rapidly.

4. Exhaust: The hot, expanding gases are exhausted from the engine through the nozzle.

These four processes are repeated continuously to produce thrust. The efficiency of an aircraft engine cycle is determined by the ratio of the work output (thrust) to the heat input (fuel consumption).