Internal Combustion Engine Introduction

Summary:

The text provides an introduction to Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and discusses various aspects related to them. It explains the difference between internal combustion and external combustion engines. The classification of ICE is discussed based on the thermodynamic cycle, fuel used, stroke number, cylinder number, and cylinder position.

The major components of an Internal Combustion Engine, such as the cylinder, piston, piston rings, connecting rod, crank, crankshaft, and others, are described along with their materials. Important terms like stroke, bore, top dead centre, bottom dead centre, clearance volume, swept volume, cylinder volume, compression ratio, mean piston speed, direct and indirect injection, and mean effective pressure are defined and explained.

The text further highlights the difference between two-stroke and four-stroke cycles in Internal Combustion Engines. It compares their operation, efficiency, cost, weight, noise, and specific power.

Lastly, it briefly introduces other terms related to Internal Combustion Engines, including scavenging, detonation, supercharging, and turbocharging.

Excerpt:

Internal Combustion Engine Introduction

WHAT IS AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE?

An engine converts heat into power through fluids (commonly fuel + air mixture). It is where the power stroke and heat addition happen at the same location; a known example is an automobile engine and a diesel powerplant. An external combustion engine, however is where the power stroke and heat addition process happen at different locations, a common example is a Steam Powerplant where heat addition takes place in the steam generator, and the power stroke happens in the steam turbine/engine.

There are ways to classify ICE:
I. Thermodynamic Cycle
1. Otto Cycle
2. Diesel Cycle
3. Dual Combustion Cycle

II. Fuel Used
1. Petrol (British English)/Gas (American English)
2. Diesel
3. Bi-fuel

III. Stroke Number
1. Four Stroke
2. Two Stroke

IV. Cylinder Number
1. Single Cylinder
2. Multi Cylinder

V. Cylinder Position
1. Horizontal
2. Vertical
3. V- Engine
4. In-line
5. Opposed Cylinder
6. Opposed Piston
7. Radial
8. H-Type
9. X-Type
10. W-Engine

Parts of an Internal Combustion Engine
Note: These parts are present in both Petrol and Diesel engines.
1. Cylinder – the pressure vessel of the air-fuel mixture; it contains the gas at a certain pressure and guides the piston. It’s commonly made out of cast iron or aluminium alloy.