See also two stroke cycle, four stroke cycle, diesel cycle, rotary engine, [Otto cycle]?, [Miller cycle]?, and Gas Laws |
See also two stroke cycle, four stroke cycle, diesel cycle, rotary engine (Wankel), [Otto cycle]?, [Miller cycle]?, and Gas Laws |
In a gasoline engine, a mixture of gasoline and air is sprayed into a cylinder. This is compressed by a piston and at optimal compression, a spark plug sends an electrical spark that ignites the fuel. The combustion of the fuel results in the generation of heat, and the hot gases that are in the cylinder are then at a higher pressure than the fuel-air mixture and so drive the piston back down. These combustion gases are vented and the fuel-air mixture reintroduced to run a second stroke. The outward linear motion of the piston is ordinarily harnessed by a crank shaft to produce circular motion. Valves control the intake of air-fuel mixture and allow exhaust gasses to exit at the appropriate times.
See also two stroke cycle, four stroke cycle, diesel cycle, rotary engine (Wankel), [Otto cycle]?, [Miller cycle]?, and Gas Laws