Name the cycle that describes the operation of a gas turbine engine.

The Brayton cycle accurately describes the operation of a gas turbine engine. This cycle involves the continuous flow of air as it is compressed, mixed with fuel, and then ignited, leading to an expansion process that produces power. In the Brayton cycle, atmospheric air enters the compressor where it is compressed to a high pressure, subsequently heated by combustion with fuel in the combustion chamber, and then permitted to expand through the turbine. This expansion results in mechanical work, which subsequently powers the engine or produces thrust in the case of aircraft engines.

Essentially, the cycle consists of isentropic compression followed by isobaric combustion, and then isentropic expansion, effectively illustrating the thermodynamic processes involved in a gas turbine. This cycle is distinct from others like the Otto or Diesel cycles, which are oriented towards reciprocating engines and involve different operational principles based largely on variable volume processes rather than the continuous flow principle used in gas turbines. The Rankine cycle pertains to steam engines, further distinguishing it from the Brayton cycle's application in gas turbine technology.