Internal combustion engine

Internal combustion engine

The Internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of heat engine where the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer (usually air) in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high-pressure gases, which are produced by the combustion, directly applies force to a movable component of the engine, such as the pistons or turbine blades and by moving it over a distance, generate mechanical work.

History

The concept of the internal combustion engine was first proposed by Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir in 1859. However, it was Nikolaus Otto who successfully developed the first practical four-stroke internal combustion engine in 1876, which is why he is often credited as the inventor of the modern internal combustion engine.

Types of Internal Combustion Engines

Internal combustion engines can be classified in several different ways:

• Reciprocating engine: In this type of engine, the combustion process takes place in a cylinder with a piston and cylinder head. The most common types of reciprocating internal combustion engines are the petrol engine and the diesel engine.

• Rotary engine: This type of engine has a rotor instead of a piston. The most well-known example of a rotary engine is the Wankel engine.

• Two-stroke engine and Four-stroke engine: These terms refer to the number of strokes (or movements) that the piston makes during each complete cycle of the engine.

Operation

The operation of an internal combustion engine is typically divided into four stages or "strokes": intake, compression, combustion (or power), and exhaust. This is known as the Otto cycle, after Nikolaus Otto.

Applications

Internal combustion engines have many applications, including:

• Automobiles: Most cars, trucks, and motorcycles use internal combustion engines.

• Aircraft': Many small planes use piston engines, a type of internal combustion engine.

• Marine vessels: Many boats and ships use internal combustion engines for propulsion.

• Power generation: Internal combustion engines can be used to generate electricity.

Environmental Impact

Internal combustion engines have a significant environmental impact due to the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Efforts to reduce these emissions include the development of hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and the use of alternative fuels.

See Also

• Heat engine
• External combustion engine
• Electric motor