How does a combustion engine work?

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A combustion engine, also known as an internal combustion engine, operates by burning a mixture of fuel and air within a confined space. Here's a simplified overview of how it works:

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Air Intake

The engine draws in air through an intake valve. Air is necessary for combustion because it provides oxygen.

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Compression

The engine’s pistons move upwards in the compression stroke, compressing the air-fuel mixture within the cylinder.

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Stroke

The explosion generates a high-pressure, rapidly expanding gas that forces the piston down within the cylinder. This downward motion is what ultimately drives the vehicle’s wheels through a connected crankshaft.

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Repeat

The engine cycles through these processes many times per second, generating continuous power to propel the vehicle.

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Injection

A precise amount of fuel is injected into the air intake, creating a combustible air-fuel mixture. In gasoline engines, this is typically done via fuel injectors, while diesel engines use direct injection.

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Ignition

When the air-fuel mixture is compressed, a spark plug (in gasoline engines) or the heat of compression (in diesel engines) ignites it, causing a controlled explosion.

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