What are the Key Components of an Internal Combustion Engine and How Do They Work? (2024)

Internal combustion engines, the mechanical marvels propelling our vehicles, motorcycles, and more, have long captured our fascination. These ingenious powerhouses operate through the controlled combustion of fuel, converting it into mechanical energy.

Image Credit:uyu liu/Shutterstock.com

In this article, we embark on an exhilarating journey through the intricate components of these engines, delving into their inner workings to unravel the secrets that make them tick.

Cylinders and Pistons

At the heart of an internal combustion engine lies a series of cylinders, cylindrical chambers that house the fiery combustion process. These cylinders, arranged in various configurations such as inline, V-shaped, or flat, serve as the primary stage where the magic unfolds. Within each cylinder, a piston, a cylindrical component, performs regular movements, oscillating upwards and downwards.

The piston's role is crucial. As it descends, it compresses the air-fuel mixture within the cylinder, readying it for ignition. Once the spark ignites the mixture, an explosion ensues, generating intense pressure. This force pushes the piston downward, initiating the transfer of linear motion to rotational energy, thanks to the interplay between the piston and the next vital component, the crankshaft.

The Crankshaft

The crankshaft is an instrumental shaft that possesses the power to transform the piston's reciprocating motion into a mesmerizing rotation. The crankshaft's synergy with the piston is facilitated by the connecting rod, harmonizing their efforts. As the piston moves up and down, the connecting rod connects the piston to the crankshaft, allowing the magic to unfold.

The crankshaft's rotary motion fuels the very essence of an engine's purpose, propelling vehicles forward and energizing mechanical systems. Through a series of intricate mechanisms, the rotary motion converts the oscillations of the pistons into the continuous, circular movement harnessed to drive the wheels of our automobiles or facilitate other mechanical operations.

The Combustion Chamber and the Movement of Valves

In the combustion chamber, a mixture of air and fuel commences. The air-fuel mixture, composed of precisely calibrated amounts of gasoline or diesel and air, awaits its ignition cue. In gasoline engines, the spark plug dutifully delivers a spark to ignite the mixture, while in diesel engines, compression ignites the blend.

A duo of valves, the intake and exhaust valves, control the passage of the air-fuel mixture and the expulsion of exhaust gases. The intake valve orchestrates the entry of the mixture during the intake stroke, allowing the cylinder to be filled, while the exhaust valve orchestrates the expulsion of the burned gases during the exhaust stroke, enabling the cycle to continue.

The Camshaft

A hidden part lies within the engine, coordinating the movements of the valves. Known as the camshaft, this rotating shaft possesses eccentric lobes or cams, controlling the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. As the crankshaft turns, it breathes life into the camshaft through a timing belt or chain, allowing the valves to move in a way that facilitates the engine's rhythm.

Fuel and Ignition Systems

The four components of the fuel system include the fuel tank, fuel pump, and injectors. The fuel tank stores the fuel, the fuel pump delivers the fuel to the injectors, and the injectors inject the fuel into the combustion chamber. The amount of fuel injected is carefully controlled to ensure efficient combustion.

Alongside the fuel system is the ignition system. The ignition system consists of the spark plugs, ignition coil, and distributor. The spark plugs serve to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The ignition coil creates the spark, and the distributor distributes the spark to the spark plugs.

Lubrication and Cooling Systems

The lubrication and cooling systems are essential for keeping the internal combustion engine running smoothly. The lubrication system uses oil to reduce friction between the engine's moving parts; meanwhile, the cooling system uses coolant to remove heat from the engine. Without these systems, the engine would overheat and eventually stop functioning properly.

The lubrication system is made of an oil pan, oil filter, and oil pump. The oil pan stores the oil, while the oil filter removes impurities from the oil, and the oil pump makes oil circulate throughout the engine. The oil is used to reduce friction and wear between the engine's moving parts, which helps to extend the engine's life.

The cooling system, on the other hand, consists of a water pump, coolant, thermostat, and radiator. The water pump circulates the coolant through the engine, absorbing heat in the process, while the thermostat controls the flow of coolant. The radiator then dissipates the heat absorbed by the coolant, which helps to keep the engine at a safe operating temperature.

Conclusion

Internal combustion engines are machines that use explosions to create power used to move vehicles. They have a lot of different parts, including cylinders, pistons, crankshafts, and camshafts. These parts work together to create a controlled explosion that turns the wheels of vehicles.

Though internal combustion engines are still the most common type of engine in use today, they do have some drawbacks. They can be inefficient and produce emissions that are harmful to the environment. This is why there is a growing interest in alternative power sources, such as electric and hybrid vehicles.

Researchers are working on developing new internal combustion engines that are more efficient and produce fewer emissions. These new engines could help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and make transportation more environmentally friendly.

More from AZoM: How Ford Otosan is Investing in Vehicle Electrification

References and Further Reading

Automotriz, I.Y.M., 2019. IC engine: components and their functions, types and terminology. [Online]. ingenieriaymecanicaautomotriz.com. URL https://www.ingenieriaymecanicaautomotriz.com/ic-engine-components-and-their-functions-types-and-terminology/ (accessed 6.2.23).

Davies, B., 2022. Determining Higher-Efficiency Approaches to Preexisting Hydrogen IC Engine Concepts [Online]. Azom.com. URL https://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=58600 (accessed 6.2.23).

Nelson, B., 2022. How Does an Engine Work? Combustion & Components [Online]. amsoil.com. URL https://blog.amsoil.com/how-does-an-engine-work-combustion-components/ (accessed 6.2.23).

Vehicle Technologies Office, 2013. Internal Combustion Engine Basics [Online]. Energy.gov. URL https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/articles/internal-combustion-engine-basics (accessed 6.2.23).

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.