How Does a Diesel Engine Work?
2 Answers
The working principle of a diesel engine is: 1. Process: Kinetic energy is generated by burning diesel in the cylinder, which drives the crank connecting rod mechanism connected to the piston to perform reciprocating circular motion around the crankshaft, thereby outputting power. 2. Four-stroke diesel engine: A four-stroke diesel engine consists of four strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. During the intake stroke, the piston is driven by the crankshaft to move from the top dead center to the bottom dead center, while the intake valve opens and the exhaust valve closes. When the piston moves from the top dead center to the bottom dead center, the volume above the piston increases, the gas pressure in the cylinder decreases, creating a certain vacuum.
I've been driving diesel vehicles for many years, and their working principle feels quite special. Simply put, it relies on compression ignition. A diesel engine first draws in a large amount of air, then the piston compresses it fiercely in the cylinder, causing the temperature to skyrocket instantly to several thousand degrees. Next, the fuel injector sprays diesel into the cylinder, and the diesel ignites spontaneously upon contact with the extremely hot air—no need for spark plugs like in gasoline engines. The burned gases then push the piston to perform work, and finally, the exhaust is expelled. The whole process is like an automatic heat engine, delivering tremendous power, quick acceleration, and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for hauling cargo or long-distance driving. However, you need to pay attention to using higher-quality diesel to avoid clogging the fuel injectors. The engine noise is louder, but you get used to it, and it even feels quite exhilarating. The key is to regularly maintain and check the compression system to prevent air leaks.
