Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines

Internal Combustion Piston Engines :

This term covers both the Spark Ignition Engine and the Compression Ignition Engine.
Spark Ignition Engine :
In the spark ignition engine an easily vaporized fuel, normally petrol is mixed with air
and is ignited by an electric spark at the end of the compression stroke. This is the basic
motor car engine or outboard motor.
Compression Ignition Engine :
In this engine a fuel of a much higher flash point is used, giving a much higher safety
factor. The fuel is ignited by the high temperature of the air at the end of the compression
stroke. When the air is compressed in the cylinder, by the piston, to several hundred
degrees, fuel is injected as a fine spray into the cylinder.
Diesel engines are used because they are economical, self contained and are more
efficient than petrol engines, generally cheaper to maintain, and their fuel is less
hazardous than petrol.

Main components of a basic piston engine

Engines may vary considerably but the majority incorporate the components listed
below.
1. Cylinder block and crankcase. The unit forms the principal part of the
engine. It may be cast as a single unit, or the cylinders may be detachable from
the crankcase.
2. Cylinder head. The head, usually detachable, is bolted to the cylinder block
and forms a gas tight and water tight lid on each cylinder.
3. Sump. This is a light casing fitted to the underside of the crankcase to
contain the lubricating oil.
4. Piston. The piston is a sliding fit in the cylinder bore. It is fitted with piston
rings to prevent gas leakage past the piston. The top of the piston is known as

the crown. The lower part, which acts as the guide is called the piston skirt.
5. Connecting rod. The connecting rod is attached to the piston at one end by a
gudgeon pin which is fitted to the piston. This is known as the Little End. The
bottom end of the connecting rod is attached to the crankshaft, at the Big End
Bearing.
6. Crankshaft. The crankshaft is carried in main bearings which are part of the
crankcase casting. It converts the reciprocating movement of the piston to
more useful rotary movement.
7. Flywheel. Most internal combustion piston engines have a heavy flywheel to
carry the engine over the non-power strokes, particularly in the four-stroke
engine where there is only one power stroke in four on each piston. The
flywheel is attached to the crankshaft, and is outside the crankcase.
8. Valves. The valves are usually fitted in the cylinder head, and are called
overhead valves. When open they allow the passage of Air, Fuel, and Exhaust
gas, when shut they seal the cylinder.
9. Camshaft. Each valve is lifted by a cam, which is pear shaped and machined
in an angular position on the camshaft so that it will lift the valve for the
correct period.
10. Rocker gear. Overhead valves are operated by rockers with one end of each
rocker bearing on the cam or push rod, and the other end on the valve stem.

Basic Engine Parts

Engine Cycles
The Four Stroke Cycle:
The four-stroke cycle is so called because there are four distinct parts to each
complete cycle. The cycle keeps the piston moving upwards and downwards and the
crankshaft revolving, and the sequence is as follows:

The Induction Stroke The piston is moving down the cylinder and sucking in clean
air through the air inlet filter, down through the inlet manifold and into the cylinder,
via the inlet valve. The inlet valve has opened for this specific operation and closes
when the piston is at the bottom and the cylinder is full of clean air.
The Compression Stroke The piston is now moving back up the cylinder, both the
inlet valve and the exhaust valve are shut and no air can escape. The air is now being
compressed (compression) and as this occurs it heats up. When the piston is at the top
of the stroke and the air is at its most compressed state, diesel fuel is injected into the
cylinder as a high-pressure spray.

Induction

Compression

The Power stroke The fuel and air mixture compressed within the cylinder, burn
rapidly and expand, driving and forcing the piston down, producing the power.
The Exhaust stroke The piston travels back up the cylinder pushing all spent gases
out of the opened exhaust valve, which closes when the piston reaches the top of its
travel. The inlet valve then opens as the cycle starts again.

Power

Exhaust

NOTE: THE CRANKSHAFT WILL ROTATE TWO REVOLUTIONS TO

COMPLETE ONE FULL CYCLE IN THE 4-STROKE CYCLE .

The Two Stroke Cycle:

The exhaust valve opens much earlier in the power stroke than in the case of the 4stroke cycle. With the piston still descending inlet ports cut into the base of the
cylinder walls are uncovered. Air enters the cylinder until the piston again covers the
inlet ports as it ascends. The exhaust valve has by this time closed so that a charge of
air is trapped in the cylinder. The piston continues to rise, compressing air until just
before the top of the stroke when the fuel is injected. The fuel is ignited by the heat of
compression and the burning gases drive the piston down in the power stroke.

NOTE: THE CRANKSHAFT WILL ROTATE ONE REVOLUTION TO

COMPLETE ONE FULL CYCLE IN THE 2-STROKE CYCLE .