IC Engines and Power Plant Lab Lab

LAB 01

Introduction to IC Engines

Lab Supervisor: Engr. Usman Ghani

Submitted by
Name Abdul Qadir
CMSID 369921
Session ME 13
Section C
Semester 8th

National University of Sciences and technology

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME)

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Objectives:
• To discuss about various types of engines and their classification
• To discuss major parts of engine
• Examination of a dissected conventional vehicle model

Introduction:
The study of engines is fundamental to understanding the principles of mechanical engineering and their
application in modern transportation. The main part of this lab report is to provide different kinds of engines
and their category, as well as the most important parts that make them up. By examining a dissected
conventional vehicle engine, we can see, how well each of these components functions and acts to change fuel
into mechanical energy. In this way, we will not only acquire practical knowledge of the subject but also
increase our intake as far as the functioning of transport is concerned.

Theoretical Background:

Classification of IC Engines:
Engines can be classified in various ways based on their design, operation, and application.

1. Types of Ignition:
o Spark Ignition (SI): These engines use a spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the
combustion chamber. Most gasoline engines fall into this category.
o Compression Ignition (CI): In these engines, the air-fuel mixture ignites due to the high
temperature caused by compression. Diesel engines are a common example.

2. Engine Cycle:
o Four-Stroke Cycle: These engines complete four piston movements (intake, compression,
power, and exhaust) over two engine revolutions for each cycle. They are widely used in cars
and trucks.
o Two-Stroke Cycle: These engines complete the cycle in just two piston movements (one
revolution), making them simpler and lighter. They are often found in small applications like
chainsaws and motorcycles.

3. Valve Location:
o Overhead Valve (I-Head): The valves are located in the cylinder head, which is common
in modern engines.
o Flat Head (L-Head): The valves are in the engine block, which was common in older
engines.
o F-Head: A mix of both, with one valve in the head and one in the block, though this design is
rare.

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4. Basic Design:
o Reciprocating Engines: These have pistons that move back and forth in cylinders,
converting linear motion into rotational motion via a crankshaft.
o Rotary Engines: These use a rotor instead of pistons, with combustion occurring in a
chamber within the rotor. The Wankel engine is a well-known example.

5. Position and Number of Cylinders:

o Single Cylinder: Simple engines with one cylinder, often used in small machines like
lawnmowers.
o In-Line: Cylinders are arranged in a straight line, common in cars (e.g., 4-cylinder engines).
o V Engine: Cylinders are arranged in two banks at an angle (e.g., V6, V8), commonly used in
performance and luxury vehicles.

o Opposed Cylinder: Cylinders are placed opposite each other, often used in small aircraft
and some cars (e.g., flat-four engines).
o W Engine: A more complex design with three banks of cylinders, used in some high-
performance cars.
o Opposed Piston: Two pistons in one cylinder, with combustion in the middle, used in some
large industrial engines.
o Radial Engine: Cylinders are arranged in a circle around a central crankshaft, commonly
used in older aircraft.

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 6. Air Intake Process:
o Naturally Aspirated: Air is drawn into the engine without any pressure boost.
o Supercharged: A compressor driven by the engine increases the air pressure.
o Turbocharged: A turbine driven by exhaust gases compresses the intake air.
o Crankcase Compressed: Used in two-stroke engines, where the crankcase acts as an air
compressor.

7. Method of Fuel Input for SI Engines:

o Carbureted: Fuel is mixed with air in a carburetor before entering the engine.
o Multipoint Port Fuel Injection: Fuel is injected at each cylinder’s intake port.
o Throttle Body Fuel Injection: Fuel is injected into the intake manifold.

8. Fuel Used:
o Engines can run on various fuels, including gasoline, diesel, natural gas, LPG, alcohol, or a
combination of fuels like gasohol (90% gasoline, 10% alcohol).

9. Application:
o Engines are used in a wide range of applications, from cars, trucks, and buses to locomotives,
ships, aircraft, and even small portable devices like chainsaws.

10. Type of Cooling:

o Air-Cooled: The engine is cooled by air flowing over it, common in motorcycles and small
engines.
o Liquid-Cooled: The engine is cooled by a liquid (usually water), which is more efficient and
used in most modern cars.

Major Parts of IC Engines:

An internal combustion (IC) engine is a complex machine that converts fuel into mechanical energy through
combustion. It consists of several major parts, each playing a critical role in the engine's operation.

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1. Cylinder Block
• The cylinder block is the main structure of the engine, housing the cylinders and other major
components. It is typically made of cast iron or aluminum and provides the foundation for the
engine's operation.
• The block contains the cylinders, where the pistons move up and down to convert fuel energy into
mechanical motion.

2. Cylinder Head
• The cylinder head sits on top of the cylinder block and seals the combustion chamber. It contains
the valves, spark plugs (in SI engines), and fuel injectors (in CI engines).
• The cylinder head also has passages for air, fuel, and exhaust gases to flow in and out of the
combustion chamber.

3. Piston
• The piston is a cylindrical component that moves up and down inside the cylinder. It is connected to
the crankshaft via the connecting rod and plays a key role in converting the pressure from
combustion into linear motion.
• Pistons are typically made of aluminum alloy for strength and lightweight properties.

4. Connecting Rod
• The connecting rod connects the piston to the crankshaft. It transfers the linear motion of the piston
into rotational motion of the crankshaft.
• Connecting rods are usually made of forged steel or aluminum for durability.

5. Crankshaft
• The crankshaft is a rotating shaft that converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational
motion, which is then used to drive the vehicle's wheels or other machinery.
• It is one of the most critical and heavily stressed parts of the engine, typically made of high-strength
steel.

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6. Valves
• Intake Valves: Allow the air-fuel mixture (in SI engines) or air (in CI engines) to enter the
combustion chamber.
• Exhaust Valves: Allow the exhaust gases to exit the combustion chamber after combustion.
• Valves are operated by the camshaft and are crucial for controlling the flow of gases in and out of
the engine.

7. Camshaft
• The camshaft is a rotating shaft with lobes (cams) that control the opening and closing of the valves.
It is synchronized with the crankshaft to ensure proper timing of valve operation.
• In modern engines, the camshaft is often located in the cylinder head (overhead camshaft design).

8. Spark Plug (SI Engines)

• The spark plug is used in spark ignition (SI) engines to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion
chamber. It generates a high-voltage spark that initiates combustion.
• Spark plugs are essential for the proper functioning of gasoline engines.

9. Fuel Injector (CI Engines)

• In compression ignition (CI) engines, the fuel injector sprays diesel fuel into the combustion
chamber at high pressure. The fuel ignites due to the high temperature of the compressed air.
• In modern SI engines, fuel injectors are also used to deliver gasoline directly into the combustion
chamber or intake manifold.

10. Combustion Chamber

• The combustion chamber is the space where the air-fuel mixture is compressed and ignited. It is
located between the cylinder head and the piston when the piston is at the top of its stroke (top dead
center).
• The design of the combustion chamber affects engine efficiency, performance, and emissions.

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11. Crankcase
• The crankcase is the lower part of the engine that houses the crankshaft and connecting rods. It also
serves as an oil reservoir for lubricating the engine components.

12. Oil Pump and Lubrication System

• The oil pump circulates engine oil to lubricate moving parts, reduce friction, and dissipate heat.
Proper lubrication is essential for the longevity and efficiency of the engine.
• The lubrication system includes oil passages, filters, and sumps.

13. Cooling System

• Engines generate a lot of heat during operation, and the cooling system prevents overheating. There
are two main types:
o Air Cooling: Uses fins on the engine block to dissipate heat (common in small engines and
motorcycles).
o Liquid Cooling: Uses a coolant (usually water mixed with antifreeze) circulated through
passages in the engine block and cylinder head, then cooled in a radiator.

14. Flywheel
• The flywheel is a heavy wheel attached to the crankshaft that stores rotational energy. It helps
smooth out the engine's power delivery and maintains consistent engine speed during the power
strokes.
• The flywheel also assists in starting the engine and connects to the transmission in vehicles.

15. Timing Belt/Chain

• The timing belt or chain synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring that the
valves open and close at the correct times during the engine cycle.
• A broken timing belt or chain can cause severe engine damage, so regular maintenance is crucial.

16. Manifolds
• Intake Manifold: Distributes the air-fuel mixture (in SI engines) or air (in CI engines) to the
cylinders.

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 • Exhaust Manifold: Collects exhaust gases from the cylinders and directs them to the exhaust
system.

Equipment Discussed:
1. Dissected Car-Engine Model

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Safety Precautions:
• Wear proper PPE, including safety goggles, gloves, and hearing protection.
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
• Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from moving engine parts.
• Store and handle fuel safely, avoiding spills and ignition sources.
• Use an exhaust extraction system to direct emissions away.
• Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know emergency shutdown procedures.