Introduction to Internal Combustion Engines
Book Author Richard Stone
DescriptionThe reciprocating internal combustion engine must be by far the mostrncommon form of engine or prime mover. As with most engines, the usualrnaim is to achieve a high work output with a high efficiency; the means tornthese ends arc developed throughout this book. The term 'internal comhustionrnengine' should also include open circuit gas turbine plant wherernfuel is burnt in a combustion chamber. However, it is normal practice tornomit the prefix 'reciprocating'; none the less this is the key principle thatrnapplies to both engines o[ different types and those utilising differentrnoperating principles. The divisions between engine types and betweenrnoperating principles can be explaincu more cicarly if stratified charge anurnWankel-type engines arc ignored initially; hence these are not discussedrnuntil section 1.4.rnThe two main types o[ internal combustion engine arc: spark ignitionrn(SI) engines, where the fuel is ignited by a spark; and compression ignitionrn(el) engines, where the rise in temperature and pressure during compressionrnis sufficient to cause spontaneous ignition o[ the fuel. The sparkrnignition engine is also referred to as the petrol, gasoline or gas engine [romrnits typical fuels, and the Otto engine, after the inventor. The compressionrnignition engine is also referred to as the Diesel or oil engine; the [uel is alsornnamed after the inventor.rnDuring each crankshaft revolution there arc two strokes of the piston,rnand both types of engine can be designed to operate in either [our strokesrnor two strokes o[ the piston. The four-stroke operating c