Thermodynamics
Brayton Cycle Simulator
Investigate the thermodynamic performance of an ideal air-standard Brayton cycle. Control compressor inlet temperature, peak turbine inlet temperature, and pressure ratios to optimize gas turbine thermal efficiency and net power outputs.
Cycle
Brayton (Gas Turbine)
Ideal air-standard
Mesh
57 samples
Live sweep
Output
CSV
Export ready
Parameters
Working Fluid
Animated pressure sweep
Governing Thermodynamics Equations
Isentropic Exit Temp (T2)
T2 = T1 * rp^((γ-1)/γ)
Turbine Exit Temp (T4)
T4 = T3 / rp^((γ-1)/γ)
Thermal Efficiency (η)
η = 1 - 1 / rp^((γ-1)/γ)
Net Work Output (Wnet)
Wnet = Cp * (T3 - T4) - Cp * (T2 - T1)
With Standard Air, the heat capacity ratio γ is 1.40 and Cp is 1.005 kJ/kg·K.
Compressor exit temperature (T2) is computed as 543.4 K under active pressure ratio.
Note that while thermal efficiency increases continuously with higher pressure ratios, net work output peaks at an intermediate pressure ratio and eventually declines.
Gas Turbine Cycle Layout Diagram
Thermal Efficiency
44.8%
Net Work Output
340.6kJ/kg
Back Work Ratio
0.418
Turbine Exit Temp (T4)
718K
Thermal Efficiency & Net Work Curves
Brayton Cycle Sweep Table
| Pressure Ratio (rp) | Efficiency (%) | Net Work Output (kJ/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | 18.0% | 168.7 kJ/kg |
| 4.0 | 32.7% | 280.8 kJ/kg |
| 6.0 | 40.1% | 321.9 kJ/kg |
| 8.0 | 44.8% | 340.6 kJ/kg |
| 10.0 | 48.2% | 349.2 kJ/kg |
| 12.0 | 50.8% | 352.4 kJ/kg |
| 14.0 | 53.0% | 352.5 kJ/kg |
| 16.0 | 54.7% | 350.6 kJ/kg |
| 18.0 | 56.2% | 347.4 kJ/kg |
| 20.0 | 57.5% | 343.3 kJ/kg |
| 22.0 | 58.6% | 338.6 kJ/kg |
| 24.0 | 59.7% | 333.5 kJ/kg |
| 26.0 | 60.6% | 328.1 kJ/kg |
| 28.0 | 61.4% | 322.6 kJ/kg |
| 30.0 | 62.2% | 316.9 kJ/kg |