What is the working principle of an engine?
2 Answers
Engine working principle is the conversion of internal energy into mechanical energy, which is a machine capable of transforming other forms of energy into mechanical energy. Engines include: internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, steam engines, jet engines, and electric motors. The original meaning of an engine refers to a mechanical device that generates power. Engines are suitable for both power generation devices and can include the entire machine of the power unit. An internal combustion engine, specifically a reciprocating piston engine, differs most from external combustion engines in that the fuel is inside it. Common internal combustion engines are gasoline and diesel engines. The engine block forms the skeleton of the engine and serves as the installation base for various mechanisms and systems, housing all major components and accessories of the engine both internally and externally. The engine block must have sufficient strength.
The working principle of an engine is like the heart of a car pumping. I'm the kind of person who loves to figure out how cars run, and I find the four-stroke process particularly fascinating: first, the intake stroke, where the piston moves down, drawing a mixture of air and fuel into the cylinder; second, the compression stroke, where the piston moves up, compressing the mixture into a high-pressure state; third, the power stroke, where the spark plug ignites a small spark, causing an explosion that pushes the piston down, generating power and turning the connecting rod and crankshaft to move the wheels; finally, the exhaust stroke, where the piston moves up to expel the burned exhaust gases. This cycle repeats dozens of times per second, ensuring the car runs smoothly. Don't underestimate the spark plug—its timing must be precise; if it's too late or too early, the engine won't perform well. You should also pay attention to preventing carbon buildup from clogging it, otherwise, the engine will shake annoyingly at idle. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil to lubricate the piston rings, can significantly reduce wear and extend the engine's lifespan. When you accelerate on the highway or climb a hill, the engine exerts the most force during the power stroke, and that push-back sensation you feel is the result of this principle. Once you understand it, diagnosing simple faults becomes easier.
