How do engines work?

Engines are a crucial component in many machines we use every day, from cars to airplanes, boats to lawn mowers. At their core, engines convert fuel into mechanical energy, which can then be used to power these machines. There are many different types of engines, but one of the most common is the internal combustion engine.

An internal combustion engine works by burning fuel inside a small, confined space. This produces hot, high-pressure gases that push a piston, which in turn rotates a crankshaft to generate power. The four-stroke cycle is a popular type of internal combustion engine. In this cycle, the engine completes four strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust.

The intake stroke begins with the piston at the top of the cylinder, drawing air and fuel into the combustion chamber as the piston moves down. The compression stroke follows, where the piston moves up and compresses the air and fuel mixture into a small space, increasing the pressure and temperature. Next is the power stroke, where the spark plug ignites the fuel, causing a small explosion that pushes the piston back down with great force. Finally, the exhaust stroke sees the piston move back up and expel the waste gases produced by the combustion process.

Internal combustion engines are incredibly efficient, but they do have some downsides. For one, they produce harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Additionally, they rely on non-renewable fossil fuels, which are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. However, many researchers and engineers are working on developing alternative, more sustainable forms of engine technology.