Thermodynamics
Carnot Efficiency Simulator
Investigate the maximum limits of heat engine performance. Adjust the hot and cold reservoir temperatures to analyze Carnot efficiency, temperature ratios, work output, and watch thermodynamic cycle animations.
Cycle Type
Carnot Cycle
Maximum theoretical limit
State Sample
51 points
Live sweep curves
Output
CSV
Export ready
Parameters
Engine preset
Animated cycle execution
Thermodynamic Model
Carnot Efficiency
η = 1 - (Tc / Th)
Heat Engine Work
W = Qh * η
The temperatures must be expressed in absolute Kelvin units.
Theoretical efficiency is currently 50.0%. Real engines achieve only 50-70% of this Carnot limit.
Interactive Heat Engine Cycle
Carnot Efficiency
50.00%
Temp Ratio (Tc/Th)
0.500
Work Output per 1kJ
0.50kJ
Thermodynamic State
Static
Efficiency vs. Hot Temp (Th)
Hot Temp Sweep Data
| Hot Temp Th (K) | Max Efficiency (%) |
|---|---|
| 310 K | 3.23% |
| 479 K | 37.37% |
| 648 K | 53.70% |
| 817 K | 63.28% |
| 986 K | 69.57% |
| 1155 K | 74.03% |
| 1324 K | 77.34% |
| 1493 K | 79.91% |
| 1662 K | 81.95% |
| 1831 K | 83.62% |
| 2000 K | 85.00% |