What is the Best Material for Spark Plugs?

[EllianaRose]

Spark plugs made of platinum and iridium are considered the best materials. Components of a Spark Plug: A spark plug mainly consists of a terminal nut, insulator, terminal stud, center electrode, side electrode, and shell. Types of Spark Plugs: The main types of spark plugs include: standard spark plugs, projected insulator spark plugs, electrode-type spark plugs, seat-type spark plugs, pole-type spark plugs, and surface-gap spark plugs. Working Principle of Spark Plugs: Under high voltage, the air between the center electrode and side electrode of the spark plug rapidly ionizes, forming positively charged ions and negatively charged free electrons. When the voltage between the electrodes reaches a certain level, the number of ions and electrons in the gas increases like an avalanche, causing the air to lose its insulating properties and forming a discharge channel in the gap, resulting in a "breakdown" phenomenon. At this point, the gas becomes a luminous body, known as a "spark." Along with thermal expansion, a "crackling" sound is also produced. The temperature of this electric spark can reach as high as 2000-3000°C, which is sufficient to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's combustion chamber.