SME Assignment – 1

Internal Combustion Engines

Name: Shantanu Yograj Khope

MIS: 612410087
Branch: Mechanical Engineering
Batch: B2
Classification of Engines
Based on combustion:
 Internal Combustion Engine
 External Combustion Engine

Based on Stroke Cycle:

 Two Stroke Engine
 Four Stroke Engine

Based on Ignition:
 Spark Ignition Engine
 Compression Ignition Engine

Based on Fuel Type:

 Gasoline (Petrol) Engine
 Diesel Engine
Internal Combustion Engines
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of heat engine where the
combustion of a fuel-air mixture occurs within the engine itself, generating
power. In an ICE, fuel (like gasoline or diesel) is ignited in a combustion
chamber, producing high-pressure gases that push pistons, which convert the
thermal energy into mechanical work to drive a vehicle's wheels or machinery.
The engine works in cycles, most commonly the four-stroke cycle: intake,
compression, power, and exhaust. During the intake stroke, the piston moves
down, drawing a mixture of air and fuel into the cylinder. In the compression
stroke, the piston moves up, compressing the mixture. In the power stroke, a
spark plug ignites the mixture (for gasoline engines), causing an explosion that
forces the piston down, generating power. Finally, in the exhaust stroke, the
piston pushes the exhaust gases out of the cylinder.
Internal combustion engines are widely used in cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and
even power generators due to their efficiency and ability to provide high power
output in a relatively small size. However, they also contribute to environmental
pollution due to emissions of CO2 and other pollutants, which is why there's
increasing interest in electric and alternative-fuel engines.
External Combustion Engine
An external combustion engine (ECE) burns fuel outside the engine to generate
heat, which is then used to produce mechanical work. The most common
example is a steam engine, where fuel heats water in a boiler, creating steam
that drives pistons or turbines. While ECEs are generally less efficient and
bulkier than internal combustion engines, they can use a variety of fuels and
produce less pollution. They are still used in power plants (like steam turbines in
coal or nuclear plants) and in some specialized applications, such as Stirling
engines.
Two Stroke Engines
A two-stroke engine is a type of internal combustion engine that completes a
power cycle in just two strokes (up and down movements) of the piston,
compared to four strokes in a traditional engine. This makes two-stroke engines
simpler and more compact.
In a two-stroke engine, the intake and exhaust processes are combined into two
main strokes:
1. Compression stroke: As the piston moves up, it compresses the air-fuel
mixture in the combustion chamber. At the same time, a fresh mixture is
drawn into the crankcase.
2. Power stroke: After the air-fuel mixture is compressed, a spark plug
ignites it, causing an explosion that forces the piston downward. The
exhaust gases are expelled, and fresh fuel is drawn into the cylinder for
the next cycle.
Two-stroke engines are lighter, produce more power for their size, and have a
simpler design, making them popular in motorcycles, chainsaws, and small
machinery. However, they are less fuel-efficient and produce more emissions
compared to four-stroke engines.

Figure: Working of Two Stroke Engine

 Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
1. Simpler Design: Fewer moving parts make two-stroke engines lighter
and easier to maintain.
2. Higher Power-to-Weight Ratio: They produce more power for their size
and weight since they fire once every revolution of the crankshaft.
3. Cost-Effective: Due to the simpler design, two-stroke engines are
generally cheaper to manufacture.
4. Compact and Lightweight: Ideal for small vehicles like motorcycles,
chainsaws, and lawn equipment.
Disadvantages:
1. Less Fuel Efficient: They consume more fuel because of the overlap
between intake and exhaust processes.
2. Higher Emissions: Unburned fuel can escape, leading to higher
pollution.
3. Shorter Lifespan: Increased wear due to the lack of dedicated lubrication
(they rely on oil mixed with fuel).
4. Less Control over Engine Timing: This results in less precision and
lower efficiency compared to four-stroke engines.
 Four Stroke Engines
A four-stroke engine is a type of internal combustion engine that completes a
power cycle through four distinct piston strokes: intake, compression, power,
and exhaust. These strokes allow the engine to operate more efficiently and
cleanly compared to two-stroke engines.
1. Intake stroke: The piston moves down, drawing in a mixture of air and
fuel into the combustion chamber.
2. Compression stroke: The piston moves up, compressing the air-fuel
mixture, making it more explosive.
3. Power stroke: The spark plug ignites the compressed mixture, causing an
explosion that pushes the piston down and generates power.
4. Exhaust stroke: The piston moves up again, pushing out the exhaust
gases through the exhaust valve.
Four-stroke engines are commonly used in cars, trucks, and larger machinery
because of their higher fuel efficiency, smoother operation, and lower emissions
compared to two-stroke engines. While they are more complex and heavier, they
offer greater longevity and reliability.
Parts of a Four Stroke Engine
A four-stroke engine has the following key parts:
1. Cylinder: Where the piston moves, and combustion occurs.
2. Piston: Moves up and down, converting combustion energy into
mechanical energy.
3. Crankshaft: Transforms the piston's linear motion into rotational energy.
4. Connecting Rod: Links the piston to the crankshaft.
5. Valves (Intake and Exhaust): Intake valves allow the air-fuel mixture in,
and exhaust valves release gases.
6. Camshaft: Opens and closes the valves at the correct times.
7. Spark Plug: Ignites the air-fuel mixture to create combustion.
8. Flywheel: Helps smooth out power delivery by maintaining rotational
momentum.
9. Piston Rings: Provide a seal between the piston and cylinder to maintain
compression and prevent oil leaks.
10.Oil Pan: Stores oil for lubrication of moving parts.
These parts work together through the intake, compression, power, and exhaust
strokes, enabling efficient engine operation.
Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:
1. More Fuel-Efficient: They use fuel more efficiently due to the separate
intake and exhaust strokes.
2. Lower Emissions: Four-stroke engines burn fuel more completely,
reducing emissions.
3. Longer Lifespan: Since they have better lubrication (using separate oil),
they tend to last longer.
4. Smoother Operation: The power delivery is more consistent because of
the additional strokes.

Disadvantages:
1. Heavier and More Complex: The added parts like valves and camshafts
make the engine heavier and more complicated.
2. More Expensive to Manufacture: The complexity of the design
increases production costs.
3. Lower Power-to-Weight Ratio: Since they fire once every two
revolutions of the crankshaft, they produce less power relative to their
size.
4. Maintenance Costs: More components mean more potential parts that
could fail and require more regular maintenance.
Difference between Spark and
Compression Ignition Engines
1. Spark Ignition (SI) Engines:
• Fuel Used: Typically, gasoline (petrol).
• Ignition Process: In an SI engine, the air-fuel mixture is compressed and
then ignited by a spark plug.
• Compression Ratio: SI engines generally have a lower compression
ratio (typically around 8:1 to 12:1).
• Efficiency: SI engines tend to be less efficient than CI engines, as they
require the fuel to ignite at a controlled time.
• Application: Used in most cars, motorcycles, and smaller vehicles.
2. Compression Ignition (CI) Engines:
• Fuel Used: Typically, diesel.
• Ignition Process: In a CI engine, the air is compressed to a high pressure
and temperature, causing the injected fuel to self-ignite due to the heat of
compression. No spark plug is needed.
• Compression Ratio: CI engines have a higher compression ratio
(usually around 14:1 to 22:1), which leads to better efficiency.
• Efficiency: CI engines are generally more efficient because the high
compression allows for better energy conversion from fuel.
• Application: Commonly used in trucks, buses, and heavy machinery due
to their durability and fuel efficiency

Figure: (a) Spark Ignition (b) Compression Ignition