How IC Engine Works?

The internal combustion (IC) engine is one of the most widely used power sources in modern transportation and machinery. The four-stroke IC engine is the most common type of engine used in cars, motorcycles, and many other types of vehicles. In this article, we will explain the basic working principle of a four-stroke IC engine and its different parts.

 

What is a Four-Stroke IC Engine?

A four-stroke IC engine is a type of engine that converts the energy generated from burning fuel into mechanical energy that can be used to power a vehicle or machine. It is called a four-stroke engine because it completes four distinct phases in its operation.

 

The four phases of a four-stroke IC engine are:

Intake Stroke: In this phase, the engine piston moves downward, creating a vacuum in the combustion chamber, and allowing the fuel-air mixture to enter the chamber.

Compression Stroke: In this phase, the piston moves back up, compressing the fuel-air mixture into a smaller space. This compression increases the temperature and pressure of the mixture, preparing it for combustion.

Power Stroke: In this phase, the spark plug ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture, causing it to explode and create a powerful force that pushes the piston down.

Exhaust Stroke: In this phase, the piston moves back up, pushing the exhaust gases out of the combustion chamber and preparing for the next intake stroke.

 

The Four Components of a Four-Stroke IC Engine A four-stroke IC engine consists of four main components: the piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and camshaft.

Piston: The piston is a cylindrical component that moves up and down inside the engine cylinder. It is connected to the crankshaft by a connecting rod and converts the force from the combustion of fuel-air mixture into mechanical energy.

Cylinder: The cylinder is a cylindrical component where the fuel-air mixture is ignited and the piston moves up and down. The cylinder is sealed at the top by the cylinder head and at the bottom by the engine block.

Crankshaft: The crankshaft is a long, rotating component that converts the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion. It is connected to the piston via the connecting rod and is responsible for transmitting the engine's power to the transmission system.

Camshaft: The camshaft is a rotating shaft that controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. It is connected to the crankshaft via a timing belt or chain and is responsible for ensuring that the engine operates smoothly and efficiently.

 

 Engine Block

 

Conclusion

The four-stroke IC engine is a widely used type of engine that powers many vehicles and machines. By understanding its basic working principle and different components, we can appreciate the complexity of this powerful technology. As the demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly engines continues to grow, the four-stroke IC engine is likely to undergo further development and improvements.