The inlet and exhaust flow processes are not included in the analysis of the Otto cycle. How do these processes affect the Otto cycle performance?

Suction and exhaust processes do not affect the performance of Otto cycle.

Explanation:

Step1

Inlet and exhaust flow processes are not including in the Otto cycle because the effect and nature of both the process are same in opposite direction.

Step2

Inlet process or the suction process is the process of suction of working fluid inside the cylinder. The suction process is the constant pressure process. The exhaust process is the process of exhaust out at constant pressure.

Step3

The suction and exhaust process have same work and heat in opposite direction. So, net effect of suction and exhaust processes cancels out. The suction and exhaust processes are shown below in P-V diagram of Otto cycle:

Process 0-1 is suction process and process 1-0 is exhaust process.