Content of this page
  1. What is an engine
  2. What is a heat engine
  3. Classification of heat engine
  4. Types of engines
  5. Difference between the external and internal combustion engine
  6. Various components of internal combustion engine
Here on this page, we will discuss about internal combustion engine.



Before we learn about the classification of heat engines we have to know the meaning of engine so the question is what do you mean by the engine? Here is the definition of an engine


Now as we have known the definition of an engine it's time to progress to a heat engine. The proper definition of a heat engine has given just below:
Schematic diagram of a heat engine

Let's discuss more about the heat engine


The above-given pictures it is shown how the heat engine works.

Now you will discuss a little regarding the types of heat engines

Here I am giving one table of applications of engines. You can simply read this information



Now we will discuss about the types of engines.

You may have a basic idea regarding the internal and external combustion engines from the below-given pictures

You can also check some differences between external and internal combustion engines from the table given below:

You can also check some of the parts related to these engines:


Now we will discuss briefly about the various parts of these engines:


                                                                













You may prepare your notes accordingly. More information shall be updated later on......

An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of heat engine that converts the energy of fuel combustion into mechanical work. It is used in a variety of applications, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, and power generators.

Basic Concepts:

  • ICEs convert the chemical energy of fuel into mechanical work.
  • Fuel is mixed with air and ignited in a combustion chamber to create a high-pressure and high-temperature gas.
  • The gas expands and drives a piston, which is connected to a crankshaft that converts the linear motion into rotary motion.
  • ICEs require a continuous supply of fuel and air to function.

Classification:

ICEs are classified into two main types: spark-ignition engines (SI) and compression-ignition engines (CI).

  • SI engines, also called gasoline engines, use a spark plug to ignite a fuel-air mixture. They are typically used in cars and light-duty vehicles.
  • CI engines, also called diesel engines, use compression to ignite a fuel-air mixture. They are used in heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, as well as in some cars and power generators.

Application: ICEs are used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Transportation: cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, boats, and trains.
  • Power generation: ICEs can be used to generate electricity in stationary applications, such as backup generators or in remote areas.
  • Industrial applications: ICEs are used in agriculture, construction, and mining, among other industries.

Definition: An internal combustion engine is a type of heat engine that converts the energy of fuel combustion into mechanical work. It uses a continuous cycle of fuel intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust to produce power.

Heat Engine:

A heat engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical work. Heat engines are used in a wide variety of applications, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes. They operate on the principle of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that heat energy naturally flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature.

In a heat engine, heat is added to a working fluid (such as water, air, or a gas) to increase its temperature and pressure. The high-pressure fluid is then used to perform mechanical work, such as turning a turbine or a piston. The working fluid is then cooled and returned to its original state, completing the cycle.

Heat engines can be classified into two main types: internal combustion engines and external combustion engines. Internal combustion engines (such as gasoline and diesel engines) use the combustion of fuel inside the engine cylinder to create high-pressure gas that drives a piston. External combustion engines (such as steam engines and Stirling engines) use an external heat source (such as a fire or a heated fluid) to heat the working fluid and create high-pressure gas that drives a piston or a turbine.

Heat engines are an essential part of modern technology and are used in many applications, including cars, airplanes, power plants, and industrial processes. Their efficiency and environmental impact are important considerations in their design and use.

 

Internal Combustion Engine vs. External Combustion Engine: An internal combustion engine is a type of heat engine in which the combustion of fuel and air takes place inside the engine cylinder, while an external combustion engine is a type of heat engine in which the combustion of fuel and air takes place outside the engine cylinder. Examples of external combustion engines include steam engines and Stirling engines.

Here are some key differences between internal combustion engines (ICEs) and external combustion engines (ECEs):

Internal Combustion Engine:

  • Combustion of fuel and air occurs inside the engine cylinder.
  • Fuel and air mixture is ignited by a spark (SI engine) or by compression (CI engine).
  • The high-pressure gas created by combustion drives a piston that is connected to a crankshaft.
  • ICEs are typically smaller, lighter, and more compact than ECEs.
  • ICEs can be more efficient than ECEs because they can operate at higher temperatures and pressures.

External Combustion Engine:

  • Combustion of fuel and air occurs outside the engine cylinder, typically in a separate combustion chamber.
  • Heat from the combustion is transferred to a working fluid, such as water or air, which then drives a piston or turbine.
  • ECEs are typically larger and heavier than ICEs.
  • ECEs are typically less efficient than ICEs because they have lower operating temperatures and pressures.
  • Examples of ECEs include steam engines and Stirling engines.

Overall, the main difference between ICEs and ECEs is the location of the combustion process. ICEs have combustion occur inside the engine cylinder, while ECEs have combustion occur outside the engine cylinder and transfer heat to a working fluid.

 

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

External Combustion Engine (ECE)

Combustion of fuel and air occurs inside the engine cylinder.

Combustion of fuel and air occurs outside the engine cylinder, typically in a separate combustion chamber.

Fuel and air mixture is ignited by a spark (SI engine) or by compression (CI engine).

Heat from the combustion is transferred to a working fluid, such as water or air, which then drives a piston or turbine.

The high-pressure gas created by combustion drives a piston that is connected to a crankshaft.

ECEs use a working fluid to transfer heat to a piston or turbine, which then drives a crankshaft.

ICEs are typically smaller, lighter, and more compact than ECEs.

ECEs are typically larger and heavier than ICEs.

ICEs can be more efficient than ECEs because they can operate at higher temperatures and pressures.

ECEs are typically less efficient than ICEs because they have lower operating temperatures and pressures.

Examples of ICEs include gasoline and diesel engines used in cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

Examples of ECEs include steam engines and Stirling engines used in power generation and other applications.

 

I hope this table helps to clarify the differences between ICEs and ECEs.

 

Multiple choice questions with answers:

1.    What is a heat engine?

A.   A device that converts mechanical work into heat energy. B. A device that converts heat energy into mechanical work. C. A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical work. D. A device that converts mechanical work into electrical energy.

 

Answer: B

2.    What is the main principle that heat engines operate on?

A.   The first law of thermodynamics. B. The second law of thermodynamics. C. The law of conservation of energy. D. The law of conservation of momentum.

 

Answer: B

3.    What is an internal combustion engine?

A.   An engine that burns fuel outside the engine cylinder. B. An engine that uses steam to drive a piston. C. An engine that burns fuel inside the engine cylinder. D. An engine that uses an external heat source to drive a turbine.

 

Answer: C

4.    What is an external combustion engine?

A.   An engine that burns fuel outside the engine cylinder. B. An engine that uses steam to drive a piston. C. An engine that burns fuel inside the engine cylinder. D. An engine that uses an external heat source to drive a turbine.

 

 Answer: D

5.    Which type of engine is typically smaller and lighter?

 A. Internal combustion engine. B. External combustion engine. Answer: A

6.    Which type of engine is typically less efficient? A. Internal combustion engine. B. External combustion engine.

Answer: B

7.    What is the most common type of internal combustion engine used in cars? A. Gasoline engine. B. Diesel engine. C. Steam engine. D. Stirling engine. Answer: A

8.    What is the most common type of internal combustion engine used in trucks?

A. Gasoline engine. B. Diesel engine. C. Steam engine. D. Stirling engine. Answer: B

9.    What is the most common type of external combustion engine used in power generation?

A. Gasoline engine. B. Diesel engine. C. Steam engine. D. Stirling engine. Answer: C

10. What is the working fluid used in a steam engine?

A.   Air. B. Gasoline. C. Diesel. D. Water.

 

Answer: D

11. What is the working fluid used in a Stirling engine?

A.   Air. B. Gasoline. C. Diesel. D. Water.

 

Answer: A

12. Which type of engine uses an external heat source to heat the working fluid?

A.   Internal combustion engine. B. External combustion engine.

 

Answer: B

13. Which type of engine uses an internal combustion process to create high-pressure gas that drives a piston?

A.   Internal combustion engine. B. External combustion engine.

 

Answer: A

14. What is the main function of a heat engine?

A.   To convert mechanical work into heat energy. B. To convert heat energy into electrical energy. C. To convert heat energy into mechanical work. D. To convert electrical energy into mechanical work.

 

Answer: C

15. Which law of thermodynamics states that heat energy naturally flows from a higher temperature to a lower temperature?

A.   The first law of thermodynamics. B. The second law of thermodynamics. C. The law of conservation of energy. D. The law of conservation of momentum.

 

Answer: B

I hope these multiple choice questions and answers help to test your understanding of the concepts related to internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, and heat engines in general.