Internal Combustion Engines
An internal combustion engine is a machine that creates energy by burning fuel inside a cylinder. It converts the energy created through combustion into work. Internal combustion engines are the most commonly used form of engine and are found in a wide variety of vehicles, from cars and motorcycles to planes, trains, ships, and even some farms and factories.
Internal combustion engines have been around since the early 19th century, and were among the first to use steam technology as a means of propulsion. They remain the most popular engine type today due to their reliability, low cost and convenient design.
The most commonly used type of internal combustion engine is the four stroke engine. This type of engine includes four different stages of compression and combustion. The four stages are: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. Each of these stages requires a specific amount of fuel, air and a spark plug to ignite the mixture.
The first stage of the four-stroke engine is the intake. This occurs when the piston pulls away from its top dead center position and the intake valves open up as the piston begins to move down, allowing a mixture of fuel and air to enter the cylinder.
The next stage is the compression. As the piston travels toward its bottom dead center, the intake valves close and the air and fuel mixture is compressed. This highly pressurized mixture is then ignited by the spark plug.
The third stage is the power stroke. As the fuel and air mixture ignite, the expanding gasses push the piston back down the cylinder, creating mechanical energy; this is the power stroke.
The fourth stage is the exhaust. As the piston reaches its top dead center position, the exhaust valves open, allowing the hot burned gases to escape the cylinder.
Internal combustion engines are a very important technology, as they are responsible for powering much of the transportation we rely on today. In addition, they are also used to power a variety of other machines and devices, from generators to lawnmowers. While the internal combustion engine has not changed much over the years, it continues to be one of the most efficient and reliable forms of power available.
