Internal Combustion Engine

In 1867, one of the most useful inventions for the transportation industry was invented by German engineer Nikolaus August Otto: the internal combustion engine. Since its creation, it has become an essential tool in transportation technology. Currently, it is widely used in automobiles, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, and locomotives.

Internal combustion engines have four different components that define internal combustion: intake, compression, power and exhaust.

While the latter two are self explanatory, the first two are what really give an internal combustion engine its kick. The intake of the engine occurs when the intake valve permits the correct amount of fuel and air to enter the engine. This technology hasn't changed much since Otto's original design of the engine almost 140 years ago!

Once intake has occurred, fuel and air mixtures go through the cycle of the engine via pistons that pump the mixture throughout the machine. Compression occurs at the lowest end of the cycle. As the pistons start to pump back upwards, the intake and exhaust valves seal, creating a perfect cylinder, and the fuel mixed with air is compressed in the cylindrical chambers of the internal combustion engine.

The compression creates a raise in temperature of the fuel and air mixture as well as compressing the volume of the mixture to one tenth its original size. The role of compression is basically to increase the pressure. When the pistons reach their peak, the power stroke provides the actual energy to move the vehicle. Without compression, the adequate amount of power necessary to move a vehicle could not occur.

The principles for internal combustion remain the same for gasoline and diesel powered internal combustion engines. A four stroke engine begins its internal combustion with the intake, followed by compression, which leads to the power. Finally, the waste is let go in the exhaust.

It is impressive that technology invented 140 years ago is still so prevalent in today's society. Since its invention, there have been improvements to the original design of the internal combustion engine, but essentially it has remained the same. New improvements and approaches will most likely continue to be applied to this essential engine.

Sources:

"Back to the Basics." SIU Automotives and ATO Club. 22 Feb. 2001. 29 Nov. 2006 <. http://www.siu.edu/~autoclub/frange.html>.
"How Engines Work." HowStuffWorksInc. 2006. 29 Nov. 2006 .