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Get started with professional-grade engine simulation. Free during alpha for personal and commercial use.

Version 0.1.0-alpha • Released TBD • See what's new

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System RequirementsInstallationQuick StartTroubleshootingVersion Info

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum

Basic simulation capabilities

  • OS: Windows 10+, macOS 11+, or Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+)
  • CPU: Dual-core 2.0 GHz or faster
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Storage: 200 MB available space
  • Graphics: Any GPU supporting OpenGL 3.3+

Recommended

Optimal performance for complex simulations

  • OS: Windows 11, macOS 13+, or Linux (latest LTS)
  • CPU: Quad-core 3.0 GHz or faster
  • RAM: 8 GB or more
  • Storage: 500 MB+ (for simulation data)
  • Graphics: Dedicated GPU recommended for GUI (Phase 2+)

INSTALLATION GUIDE

Windows Installation

  1. Download piston-0.1.0-alpha-windows.exe
  2. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
  3. Choose installation directory (default: C:\Program Files\PISTON)
  4. Launch PISTON from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut
  5. On first run, allow Windows Firewall access if prompted

Note: Windows may show a SmartScreen warning for unrecognized apps during alpha. Click "More info" → "Run anyway" to proceed.

macOS Installation

  1. Download piston-0.1.0-alpha-macos.dmg
  2. Open the DMG file and drag PISTON to Applications folder
  3. Right-click PISTON in Applications and select "Open" (first launch only)
  4. Click "Open" in the security dialog to bypass Gatekeeper
  5. PISTON is now ready to use

Note: macOS will show "unidentified developer" warning during alpha. Use right-click → Open to bypass. Code signing coming in beta.

Linux Installation

  1. Download piston-0.1.0-alpha-linux.AppImage
  2. Make the file executable: chmod +x piston-*.AppImage
  3. Run the AppImage: ./piston-*.AppImage
  4. Optional: Install using AppImageLauncher for desktop integration

Requirements: FUSE 2.x required for AppImage. Install with sudo apt install fuse (Ubuntu/Debian) or equivalent.

YOUR FIRST SIMULATION

Get up and running in under 5 minutes with this quick tutorial

1Launch PISTON

Open the application from your platform's launcher. You'll see the main simulation interface (currently CLI in alpha).

2Load a Sample Engine

Start with a pre-configured engine from the parts database:

piston load --engine ls3_stock

This loads the GM LS3 configuration with factory specifications.

3Run Simulation

Execute the simulation across the RPM range:

piston simulate --rpm-range 1000:7000 --step 250

PISTON will calculate power, torque, and thermodynamic data across all RPM points.

4View Results

Check the output and export data:

piston results --show
piston export --format csv --output ls3_results.csv

Results include power curves, validation metrics, and thermodynamic analysis.

Next Steps

TROUBLESHOOTING

Application won't launch or crashes on startup

Solutions:

  • Verify your system meets minimum requirements
  • Update graphics drivers to latest version
  • Windows: Run as administrator and check Windows Defender exclusions
  • macOS: Check Console.app for error messages
  • Linux: Ensure FUSE is installed and you have execute permissions

Simulation results seem inaccurate

Check:

  • All engine parameters are entered correctly (displacement, compression ratio, etc.)
  • Parts compatibility warnings in the output
  • Environmental conditions match your testing scenario
  • Review the accuracy validation methodology
  • Remember: PISTON achieves <7% error on validated engines, custom configs may vary

Cannot export results to CSV

Solutions:

  • Ensure you have write permissions in the output directory
  • Check that no other program has the output file open
  • Verify the file path is valid and doesn't contain special characters
  • Try exporting to your user directory first

Still Need Help?

Check the Help Center for detailed guides

Report bugs on GitHub Issues

💬Join the Discord community for live support

📧Email support: support@pistonsim.com

VERSION INFORMATION

v0.1.0-alpha

Current Release • TBD

LATEST

🎉 Initial Alpha Release

  • Virtual dyno system with SAE J1349 correction
  • 50+ real parts from GM LS, Honda B/K, and Small Block Chevy families
  • Physics-based thermodynamic modeling
  • CSV export functionality
  • <7% validated accuracy on LS3, LSA platforms

📊 Validation Status

  • 222 tests passing
  • 19,071 assertions verified
  • 70%+ code coverage
  • Real dyno validation: LS3, LSA engines

⚠️ Known Limitations

  • CLI interface only (GUI coming in Phase 2)
  • Naturally aspirated engines only (forced induction in Phase 3)
  • Limited to gasoline 4-stroke engines
  • No custom part creation (coming in future release)

View full changelog and roadmap →

READY TO START SIMULATING?

Download PISTON now and join the alpha testing community. Free for personal and commercial use.

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