DOWNLOAD PISTON
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
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
- Download
piston-0.1.0-alpha-windows.exe - Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
- Choose installation directory (default:
C:\Program Files\PISTON) - Launch PISTON from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut
- 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
- Download
piston-0.1.0-alpha-macos.dmg - Open the DMG file and drag PISTON to Applications folder
- Right-click PISTON in Applications and select "Open" (first launch only)
- Click "Open" in the security dialog to bypass Gatekeeper
- 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
- Download
piston-0.1.0-alpha-linux.AppImage - Make the file executable:
chmod +x piston-*.AppImage - Run the AppImage:
./piston-*.AppImage - 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_stockThis loads the GM LS3 configuration with factory specifications.
3Run Simulation
Execute the simulation across the RPM range:
piston simulate --rpm-range 1000:7000 --step 250PISTON 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.csvResults include power curves, validation metrics, and thermodynamic analysis.
Next Steps
- Explore the full documentation for advanced features
- Review case studies to see real-world examples
- Join the community on Discord for tips and support
- Check the changelog for latest updates
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: [email protected]
VERSION INFORMATION
v0.1.0-alpha
Current Release • TBD
🎉 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)
READY TO START SIMULATING?
Download PISTON now and join the alpha testing community. Free for personal and commercial use.