Automobile Engineering LAB (ME 4782)

Pre-work of Experiment 1(a)

September 8, 2024
Nifat Mouddit Nizhum
Student ID : 200011119
Program : Mechanical Engineering

Experiment name : Study of four-stroke and two-stroke automotive

petrol engines.

1. What is an IC engine and SI engine?

Ans:
IC Engine : An internal combustion engine, or IC engine, produces power by
burning fuel inside a combustion chamber. High-pressure gases produced by this
combustion drive pistons, transforming chemical energy into mechanical work.
IC engines are frequently found in power generators, industry, and automobiles.
These are of 2 types : SI and CI Engines.
SI Engine: An SI engine (Spark Ignition Engine) is a sort of internal com-
bustion engine wherein the air-fuel aggregate is ignited through a spark from a
spark plug. In these engines, the mixture of gas and air is ready before it en-
ters the combustion chamber, and the ignition takes place at the give up of the
compression stroke. Gasoline is typically used as gasoline in SI engines, making
them widely wide-spread in cars, bikes, and small equipment.

2. Explain the following: Swept volume, TDC, BDC, compression ratio, clearance vol-
ume.

Ans:
Swept Volume : The volume covered by the piston while moving horizontally
in the cylinder of an IC engine between the centers of the top die and bottom
die is called swept volume.
TDC : The highest position of the piston is called top dead point or TDC. He
reaches it with 2 strokes of the piston - entering with a power shot at the end.
 BDC : The lowest role of the piston is known as the lowest dead center or
BDC. It is likewise reached 2 times by way of the piston - at the cease of the
compression and exhaust strokes.
Compression Ratio : The ratio of the cylinder’s volume while the piston is in
BDC to the cylinder’s volume when the piston is in TDC is called the compression
ratio.
Clearance Volume : The remaining volume of the combustion chamber when
the piston is at TDC is called the clearance volume.

3. What is a stroke?

Ans:
A stroke in an engine refers to the movement of the piston inside the cylinder
from one end to the other. It is one phase of the engine’s operating cycle and
typically involves four stages in a four-stroke engine: intake, compression, power,
and exhaust. Each stroke plays a crucial role in drawing in air-fuel mixture,
compressing it, igniting it to produce power, and finally expelling the exhaust
gases.

4. How many valves are there in a 4-stroke petrol engine? Name them .

Ans:
A typical 4-stroke gasoline engine has two valves per cylinder:
1. Intake Valves
2. Exhaust Valves
The intake valve allows the air and fuel mixture to enter the combustion chamber
during the intake stroke. The exhaust valve opens during the exhaust stroke to
expel combustion gases. Some high-performance engines can have four valves per
cylinder (two intake and two exhaust), allowing more of the air-fuel mixture to
flow in and more exhaust gases to leave the cylinder. to improve air circulation
combustion efficiency and engine performance

Page 2
 Islamic University of Technology

Lab Report

Course Code: ME-4782

Course Title: Automotive Technology Lab

Experiment Number: 01(a)

Experiment Title: Study of four-stroke and two-stroke automotive petrol
engines.

Name: Nifat Mouddit Nizhum

Student ID: 200011119
Department MPE
Proggrame: ME

Date of Experiment: 18-09-2024

Date of Submission: 23-09-2024
Theory:
An engine is a device that changes chemical energy into mechanical energy.
Petrol has stored chemical energy that gets released when it burns, producing
heat. The heat makes the piston move, which then turns the crankshaft and
creates mechanical work. Engines can be categorised into two primary types:
internal combustion (IC) engines and external combustion (EC) engines. IC
engines can be split into two main types: compression ignition (CI) engines and
spark ignition (SI) engines. In SI engines, petrol is utilised, and the air-fuel
mixture is ignited by a spark after compression, resulting in combustion. The
gases expand in this process, which causes the piston to move during the power
stroke.
Piston engines work using either two-stroke or four-stroke cycles, and you’ll
find that four-stroke engines are pretty common in cars. Even though two-
stroke engines create twice as many power strokes at the same crankshaft speed
as four-stroke engines, it doesn’t mean they actually deliver double the power.
In two-stroke engines, the piston is responsible for managing the opening and
closing of exhaust and transfer ports. This can result in some exhaust gases
mixing with the incoming fuel-air mixture, which decreases the amount of fresh
mixture that enters the system. Gasoline engines come in different cylinder
configurations, including inline, V-type, and W-type.

Four Stroke Petrol Engine

A four-stroke petrol engine operates on the Otto cycle, with four distinct strokes:
intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The crankshaft rotates twice (720°)
every cycle, and the piston moves up and down twice.

Components:
• Spark Plug: Ignites the air-fuel combination, which initiates combustion.

• Valves: control the intake and exhaust gases from the combustion cham-
ber.

• Piston: A piston is a cylindrical component that converts combustion

pressure into mechanical energy.

• Piston Rings: Maximise efficiency by reducing compression loss. There

are three sorts of rings: oil control, compression, and intermediate.

• Crankshaft: The crankshaft converts the piston’s vertical velocity into

rotating motion.

• Sump: Surrounds the crankshaft and stores oil for lubrication.

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Operation Cycle:
Intake Stroke
By moving down from top dead centre (TDC) to bottom dead centre (BDC),
the piston lets an air-fuel mixture pass via the intake valve into the combustion
chamber.

Compression Stroke
The mixture compresses and the intake valve shuts as the piston rises from BDC
to TDC. For petrol engines, the compression ratio—usually between 6:1 and
10:1—very influences performance.

Power Stroke
The piston lowers from TDC to BDC driven by an air-fuel combination igniting
action.

Exhaust Stroke
Exhaust gases are expelled when the piston moves from BDC to TDC opening
the exhaust valve.

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Two Stroke Engine
A two-stroke engine completes a power cycle in only two piston strokes (one
crankshaft rotation), allowing for more frequent power strokes than four-stroke
engines. While two-stroke engines have better power-to-weight ratios, they are
often less fuel-efficient and emit more pollutants because some unburned fuel
escapes throughout the combustion cycle.

Components
1. Crankshaft: Rotates to actuate the piston through the connecting rod.

2. Connecting Rod:Joines the piston to the crankshaft.

3. Piston: Travels vertically within the cylinder, setting the air-fuel combi-
nation ablaze at the peak of the stroke when ignited by the spark plug.

Operation Cycle
A 2-stroke engine performs all the steps of a 4-stroke engine, but in just two
piston strokes. They are:

Intake/Compression Stroke
As it rises from bottom dead centre (BDC), the piston compresses an air-fuel
combination it has drawn in.

Power/Exhaust Stroke
When the ignited mixture is compressed, it presses down on the piston. Exhaust
apertures allow the gases to escape as it lowers.

3
Discussion
We looked at the internal workings and different parts of petrol and diesel engines
in this experiment. Our lab teacher assigned us the task of repairing a petrol
engine using VVTI (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) technology, and we
worked in three groups. By taking it apart, we were able to better understand
how the engine worked and identify its individual parts. We learnt more about
how engines work after taking one apart and putting it back together. Although
the most difficult part was putting everything back together, which took us half
an hour over than class time, we managed to get it done. We were also able
to see the combustion chamber, piston, and valves in action thanks to a mock
two-stroke gasoline engine’s cross-section. Both the experimental goals and the
practical experience gained were very beneficial.

4
 Assignment Questions

(1) In order for a 4-stroke gasoline engine to perform well, a full combustion
cycle is required, which consists of four separate strokes: intake, compression,
power, and exhaust. A detailed explanation of each stroke follows:

• Intake: When the piston travels from TDC to BDC, it creates a vacuum
within the cylinder. As a result, the intake valve opens, letting a precisely
calibrated combination of air and fuel (injectors or carburettor) into the
cylinder for ignition.

• Compression:The intake valve shuts as soon as the piston approaches

bottom dead centre. After that, the piston moves up from bottom dead
centre to top dead centre, reducing the amount of the air-fuel combination.
Compressing the mixture raises its temperature and pressure, making ig-
nition simpler and guaranteeing a stronger explosion in the subsequent
stroke.

• Power: When the piston is almost at top dead centre, the compressed
air-fuel combination is ignited by the spark plug. As a consequence of the
quick expansion of the high-pressure gases, the piston is pushed down from
TDC to BDC. The crankshaft is turned by this motion, which transforms
the energy from combustion into mechanical power. This power is then
used to drive the vehicle or machine.

• Exhaust: To return to TDC after the power stroke, the piston must as-
cend once again from BDC. As the piston rises, the exhaust valve opens,
releasing the combustible gases from the engine.

(2) By completing the power cycle via four strokes (intake, compression, power,
and exhaust) over the course of two crankshaft rotations, a 4-stroke engine im-
proves fuel economy, power delivery, and emissions. The 2-stroke engine, on the
other hand, may produce more power since its cycle only requires two strokes,
each of which requires just one movement of the crankshaft. Nevertheless, there
are downsides to this enhanced power, such as increased pollutants, fuel con-
sumption, and cylinder wear.

(3) Due to the fact that a 2-stroke engine doubles the frequency of power
strokes compared to a 4-stroke engine, which fires once per two revolutions, it
is able to create more power than an identical 4-stroke engine. The trade-offs

5
include increased pollutants, fuel consumption, and engine damage due to the
higher power output.

(4) Instead of valves, ports control the intake and exhaust of gases and the
air-fuel mixture in a 2-stroke engine. Ports are holes in the cylinder walls that
are controlled by the piston’s motion.

(5) There are three types of piston rings:

1. Compression Rings

2. Oil Control Rings

3. Intermediate Rings

What we call ”piston clearance” is the space that exists between the piston
and the side of the cylinder. By forming a tight seal and preventing gas leakage,
piston rings are vital in optimising this clearance. They also aid in controlling
the piston’s thermal expansion, which is crucial for keeping the engine safe by
preventing the piston from expanding too much and touching the cylinder wall.

(6) One thermodynamic cycle that characterises the operation of a standard

petrol engine is the Otto cycle. It is comprised of four separate steps:

• Intake (Isentropic Compression): When the piston depresses, gasoline

and air are forced into the cylinder.

• Compression (Adiabatic Compression): As the air-fuel combination

is compressed by the piston, its pressure and temperature are increased.

• Combustion (Constant Volume Heat Addition): The compressed

mixture is ignited by a spark plug, leading to an explosion that quickly
raises pressure while the volume stays the same.

• Exhaust (Isentropic Expansion): The expansion of the high-pressure

gases causes the piston to descend, which in turn generates work. The next
step is the exhaust stroke, when the gases are released.

This process is fundamental to petrol engines because it is a continuous cycle

that transforms the chemical energy in fuel into mechanical work. When trying
to understand how petrol engines work, the Otto cycle is essential.

(7) In petrol and diesel engines, knocking occurs when the combustion cham-
ber’s air-fuel combination ignites too quickly or unevenly, resulting in abnor-
mal combustion. The engine could become damaged and make a loud, metallic
”pinging” or ”knocking” noise as a consequence. If the air-fuel mixture is over-
compressed and starts to self-ignite before the spark plug fires in a petrol engine,
the engine may knock. Another cause of knocking in diesel engines is an injection
delay or a too rapid ignition of the fuel.

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(8) In order to make them more efficient and less polluting, modern 2-stroke
petrol engines have been heavily upgraded. The fuel is injected straight into the
combustion chamber at precisely the correct time rather of being mixed with air
before entering the cylinder. This improves fuel economy and decreases emis-
sions by minimising the loss of unburned fuel into the exhaust. In addition,
contemporary engines have independent lubrication systems rather than com-
bining gasoline and oil, which reduces the quantity of oil burnt and results in
less pollution from combustion.

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 Automobile Engineering LAB (ME 4782)
Pre-work of Experiment 1(b)
September 23, 2024
Nifat Mouddit Nizhum
Student ID : 200011119
Program : Mechanical Engineering

Experiment name : Study of a four-stroke diesel engine

1. What are cams and crankshafts?

Ans:
Camshaft : A camshaft is vital engine part that regulates the opening and
closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. It opens and closes the valves
at exact intervals during the engine’s working cycle thanks to a set of cam lobes
that press on the valve lifters. The crankshaft turns the camshaft, which in turn
opens and closes the valves in time with the pistons’ motions to maximise the
engine’s efficiency and performance.
Crankshaft: The crankshaft is an essential part of the engine that transforms
the linear action of the pistons into rotating motion. During the power strokes of
an engine, it spins in response to the up and down motion of the pistons, which
it is connected to by connecting rods.

2. Explain the concept of the compression ratio in a diesel engine and its impact on
performance.

Ans:
In a diesel engine, the compression ratio is the ratio of the entire volume of the
cylinder at the bottom of the stroke to the volume at the top. Pressures and tem-
peratures rise when the compression ratio rises because more air is compressed.
Impact on Performance:
Efficiency: Higher compression improves fuel efficiency and power output.
Power: Increases engine power and torque.
Emissions: Enhances combustion, potentially reducing emissions.
3. Compare Diesel fuel to Petrol (gasoline).

Ans:
Diesel Fuel: Diesel engines run on diesel fuel, which is made from crude oil.
Better fuel efficiency is the result of its greater energy density compared to petrol.
This implies that it gives more energy per volume. Compression is necessary for
the ignition of diesel fuel because of its greater ignition temperature and den-
sity.Diesel engines are great for long-distance travel and heavy-duty tasks since
they are more efficient and provide greater torque. Nevertheless, current engines
equipped with sophisticated pollution control systems may reduce the amount of
nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter emitted by diesel engines. Diesel
fuel is more expensive than petrol, but it lasts longer and uses less petrol.
Petrol (Gasoline): A refined fuel produced from crude oil, petrol (also known
as petrol) is a popular choice for spark-ignition engines. Its fuel efficiency and
range are less than diesel’s because of its lower energy density. A spark plug in an
engine may ignite petrol because of its lower ignition temperature.The smooth
functioning and higher RPM capabilities of petrol engines are well-known for
providing faster acceleration and a more responsive driving experience. Their ni-
trogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter emissions are usually lower than diesel
engines’, but their carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon emissions might be
greater. Using petrol instead of diesel may save money on gasoline and engine
maintenance.

Page 2
 Islamic University of Technology

Lab Report

Course Code: ME-4782

Course Title: Automotive Technology Lab

Experiment Number: 01(b)

Experiment Title: Study of a four-stroke diesel engine

Name: Nifat Mouddit Nizhum

Student ID: 200011119
Department: MPE
Proggrame: ME

Date of Experiment: 18-09-2024

Date of Submission: 23-09-2024
Theory:
Common uses for diesel engines, which generate electricity by compression igni-
tion, include ships and boats, construction equipment like excavators and loaders,
vehicles like trucks, buses, and trains, and agricultural machinery like tractors
and harvesters. Heterogeneous combustion occurs in diesel engines when air and
fuel are not combined prior to ignition. The longer expansion strokes and greater
fuel ratio made possible by this design increase the torque output of diesel en-
gines. Diesel engines accomplish ignition by compression, which leads to better
fuel combustion and improved thermal efficiency, as opposed to gasoline engines
that utilise spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel combination. Thermal efficiency
of diesel engines may reach 30–40 percent, or even more, according on design
and operating circumstances. Diesel fuel has a larger energy content, which
means that they can get more work done with each unit that they use, leading
to improved fuel economy.

Components:
• Cylinder Block: The engine’s cylinders are located inside.

• Pistons:Pump power to the engine’s crankshaft as you turn the pistons

within the cylinders.

• Fuel Injectors: To ignite the combustion chamber, spray diesel fuel into
it.

• Turbocharger: Boosts engine performance by compressing intake air.

• Cooling System: Keeps the engine from becoming too hot by regulating
its temperature.

Operation Cycle:
One of two stroke or four stroke cycles is used by diesel engines. The procedure
is quite similar to that of a petrol engine, with the exception that fuel injection
is used to ignite the fuel in a four-stroke diesel engine rather than a spark. The
cycle consists of four steps:

1. Intake Stroke: The air is let into the combustion chamber by the open
intake valve as the piston descends the cylinder.

2. Compression Stroke: The air in the chamber is compressed and heated

to a higher pressure when the intake valve shuts and the piston rises.

3. Power Stroke: Injecting fuel into the combination of very compressed

hot air ignites it and presses the piston down, generating power.

4. Exhaust Stroke: The cylinder’s burned gases are forced out of the engine
via the open exhaust valve as the piston rises once again.

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 Assignment Questions

(1) Fuel economy is usually lower in petrol engines, but the power delivery
is smoother because of the lower compression ratio and spark ignition. Lighter
cars often employ them since they release more hydrocarbons. Diesel engines are
well-suited for demanding tasks due to their increased torque and fuel economy,
which are brought about by compression ignition and higher compression ratios.
Despite their greater power, diesel engines are known to emit more nitrogen ox-
ides and particles into the air. While gasoline engines are often quieter and need
less maintenance, diesel engines provide superior performance and fuel economy
for larger cars.

(2) The diesel engine ignites the gasoline via compression ignition. The com-
pression stroke causes a dramatic rise in air temperature and pressure due to
the intense compression of the air. The petrol is injected into the combustion
chamber at precisely the correct time, allowing it to ignite on its own.

(3) The chamber that ignites the mixture of air and fuel is located in the
cylinder head, which also contains the fuel injectors, intake and exhaust valves,
and the combustion process. The crankshaft transforms the motion of the pistons
into rotational energy, and the cylinder block holds both the crankshaft and the
cylinders where the pistons travel up and down.

(4) Diesel fuel, which is kept in a separate tank, is what distinguishes a diesel
engine from its counterparts. Diesel engines, in contrast to carburetor-based
engines, use a fuel injection system, which may cause them to emit a deeper tint
to their exhaust. They are built to withstand greater pressure and often have
bigger cooling systems, turbochargers, and sturdy frames.

(5) An essential thermodynamic cycle that characterises the functioning of a

diesel engine is the Diesel cycle. Its high torque production and efficient energy
conversion are made possible by four critical processes. These procedures include
isentropic compression, isentropic expansion, constant pressure heat addition,
and constant volume heat rejection.
Isentropic compression starts the cycle by forcing air upwards in the cylinder
as the piston rises. Despite the dramatic rise in air pressure and temperature,
no heat is transferred to or from the environment during this compression. Prior
to the introduction of fuel, the engine is prepared by the high-pressure, high-
temperature air.

2
 The cylinder is filled with diesel fuel as soon as the piston reaches the peak
of the compression stroke. During this step, which is called continuous pressure
heat addition, the fuel ignites on its own because the compressed air is so hot.
While the volume within the cylinder remains relatively constant, the pressure
inside the cylinder increases rapidly due to combustion. In order to create the
high-pressure gases that power the engine, this step is essential.
As a result of isentropic expansion, the high-pressure gases force the piston
downward after combustion. At the very bottom of the stroke, as the piston is
expanding, the engine is able to do mechanical work. Combustion releases heat
and pressure into the surrounding air, which, when combined with the engine’s
expansion, turns that heat and pressure into mechanical energy.
Constant volume heat rejection is the last step of the Diesel cycle. When the
power stroke is complete, the piston returns to its upward position, expelling the
cylinder’s exhaust gases. This part of the cycle involves removing heat from the
system and getting the engine back to where it started.
Diesel engines are more fuel efficient than petrol engines because of the Diesel
cycle’s high compression ratio. Trucks, buses, and industrial machines are ideal
candidates for diesel engines due to their great efficiency and torque production
capabilities. Diesel engines are unique among internal combustion engines in that
they are able to strike a balance between power production and fuel efficiency
because to the design of the cycle.

(6) Problems abound when diesel fuel is used in petrol engines. Combustion
and ignition are hindered due to insufficient compression. Injectors, pumps, and
other parts of the fuel system are susceptible to wear and clogging caused by
diesel’s increased viscosity. Excessive smoke and toxic fumes may be released
during incomplete combustion, which can further worsen engine damage.

(7) Diesel engines produce banging and erratic combustion because fuel ignites
too soon in the presence of diesel’s high compression ratios. The fuel pump and
injectors wear out faster since it doesn’t have diesel’s lubricating properties.
Using petrol ultimately increases the risk of catastrophic engine failure and the
associated costs of maintenance.

(8) Diesel fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber of an engine using fuel
injectors. This usually takes place at or near the cylinder’s top, just before the
piston completes its compression stroke.

(9) Diesel engines allow outside air to enter the cylinder during the intake
stroke.