Internal Combustion (IC) Engine

Working and Principle of IC Engine

An Internal Combustion (IC) Engine is a heat engine where the combustion of fuel
occurs within a combustion chamber, producing high-temperature and high-
pressure gases that directly act on engine components (e.g., piston, turbine) to
produce mechanical work.

Principle

The IC engine operates on the principle of converting chemical energy stored in fuel
into thermal energy through combustion, which is then converted into mechanical
energy. The combustion process increases the pressure and temperature of gases,
forcing the piston to move in a reciprocating motion. This motion is transferred to a
crankshaft, converting it into rotational motion to drive machinery or vehicles.

Working

The working of an IC engine depends on its type (e.g., Spark Ignition or

Compression Ignition) and cycle (e.g., 2-stroke or 4-stroke). Below is a general
description of the working process for a reciprocating IC engine:

1. Intake: The piston moves downward, creating a vacuum that draws an air-fuel
mixture (in SI engines) or air (in CI engines) into the combustion chamber through
the intake valve.

2. Compression: The piston moves upward, compressing the air-fuel mixture or air,
increasing its pressure and temperature.

3. Combustion/Power:

- In SI engines, a spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture, causing

rapid combustion.

- In CI engines, fuel is injected into the hot, compressed air, igniting

spontaneously due to high temperature.

- The combustion produces high-pressure gases that push the piston downward,
generating power.
4. Exhaust: The piston moves upward again, expelling the burnt gases through the
exhaust valve.

This cycle repeats, producing continuous mechanical work. The crankshaft converts
the piston's linear motion into rotational motion to drive the vehicle's wheels or
other machinery.

Difference Between SI and CI Engines

Compression Ignition (CI)

Feature Spark Ignition (SI) Engine
Engine

Petrol, gasoline, or gaseous fuels

Fuel Used Diesel or heavier fuels
(CNG, LPG)

Spark plug ignites the air-fuel Fuel ignites spontaneously due to

Ignition Method
mixture high compression

Compression Ratio Lower (6:1 to 12:1) Higher (14:1 to 22:1)

Homogeneous air-fuel mixture Air compressed first, fuel injected

Air-Fuel Mixture
prepared before compression later

Lower due to lower compression Higher due to higher

Thermal Efficiency
ratio compression ratio

Operating
Lower, less thermal stress Higher, more thermal stress
Temperature

Fuel Economy Lower Higher

Noise and
Quieter and smoother Noisier and more vibration
Vibration
Heavy vehicles, trucks, buses,
Applications Cars, motorcycles, light vehicles
ships
May require glow plugs in cold
Starting Easier, even in cold conditions
conditions
More expensive due to robust
Cost Generally cheaper
construction
Difference between 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke Engines

Feature 2-Stroke Engine 4-Stroke Engine

Cycle One power stroke per crankshaft One power stroke per two
Completion revolution (2 strokes) crankshaft revolutions (4 strokes)
Strokes Compression and Power (Intake and Intake, Compression, Power,
Exhaust occur simultaneously) Exhaust
Power Output Higher power-to-weight ratio (more Lower power-to-weight ratio
frequent power strokes)
Efficiency Less efficient, more fuel consumption More efficient, better fuel
economy
Lubrication Oil mixed with fuel or separate oil Separate lubrication system (oil
injection sump)
Weight and Lighter and compact Heavier and larger
Size
Complexity Simpler design, fewer moving parts More complex, more moving parts
(valves, camshaft)
Noise and Noisier, higher emissions (incomplete Quieter, lower emissions
Emissions combustion)
Maintenance Less maintenance but shorter More maintenance but longer
lifespan lifespan
Applications Chainsaws, small motorcycles, Cars, trucks, large motorcycles,
outboard motors industrial engines

Types of IC Engines

IC engines can be classified based on various criteria, such as cycle, ignition

method, fuel used, cylinder arrangement, and application. Below are the major
classifications:

1. Based on Operating Cycle

- 2-Stroke Engine: Completes a power cycle in one crankshaft revolution (two

strokes).

- 4-Stroke Engine: Completes a power cycle in two crankshaft revolutions (four

strokes).

2. Based on Ignition Method

- Spark Ignition (SI) Engine: Uses a spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture (e.g.,
petrol engines).
- Compression Ignition (CI) Engine: Fuel ignites due to high compression
temperature (e.g., diesel engines).

3. Based on Fuel Used

- Petrol/Gasoline Engine: Runs on petrol or gasoline (SI engines).

- Diesel Engine: Runs on diesel (CI engines).

- Gas Engine: Runs on gaseous fuels like CNG, LPG, or biogas (SI engines).

- Biofuel Engine: Runs on biofuels like ethanol or biodiesel.

4. Based on Cylinder Arrangement

- Inline Engine: Cylinders arranged in a single row (e.g., Inline-4, Inline-6).

- V-Type Engine: Cylinders arranged in a V-shape (e.g., V6, V8).

- Opposed Cylinder (Boxer) Engine: Cylinders arranged horizontally opposite each

other.

- Radial Engine: Cylinders arranged in a circular pattern around the crankshaft

(used in aircraft).

- W-Type Engine: Cylinders arranged in a W-shape (e.g., W12, W16).

5. Based on Cooling System

- Air-Cooled Engine: Uses air to dissipate heat (e.g., motorcycles, small aircraft).

- Water-Cooled Engine: Uses a liquid coolant to manage heat (e.g., cars, trucks).

6. Based on Application

- Automotive Engine: Used in cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

- Marine Engine: Used in ships and boats.

- Aircraft Engine: Used in airplanes (often radial or jet engines).

- Stationary Engine: Used in generators, pumps, or industrial machinery.

7. Based on Motion

- Reciprocating Engine: Uses pistons moving in cylinders (most common).

- Rotary Engine (Wankel): Uses a rotor instead of pistons, offering smooth operation
but lower efficiency.

Key Components of an Internal Combustion (IC) Engine

An Internal Combustion (IC) Engine consists of several critical components that

work together to convert fuel's chemical energy into mechanical work. Below is a
detailed list of the key components, their functions, and their roles in the engine's
operation:

1. Cylinder Block

 Function: The main structural component that houses the cylinders and
other engine parts.

 Role: Provides a rigid framework for the engine, supports the cylinders, and
contains passages for coolant and oil flow.

 Material: Typically made of cast iron or aluminum for strength and heat
dissipation.

2. Cylinder

 Function: The chamber where the combustion of the air-fuel mixture occurs.

 Role: Houses the piston, allowing it to move up and down during the engine
cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust).

 Note: The number and arrangement of cylinders (e.g., inline, V-type) define
the engine's configuration.

3. Piston

 Function: A cylindrical component that moves up and down inside the

cylinder.

 Role: Compresses the air-fuel mixture, transmits the force of combustion to

the crankshaft, and expels exhaust gases.

 Material: Usually made of aluminum alloy for lightweight and heat

resistance.

 Features: Equipped with piston rings to seal the combustion chamber and
prevent leakage.
4. Piston Rings

 Function: Rings fitted around the piston to provide a tight seal between the
piston and cylinder wall.

 Role:

o Compression Rings: Seal the combustion chamber to prevent gas

leakage during compression and combustion.

o Oil Rings: Scrape excess oil from the cylinder walls to prevent oil from
entering the combustion chamber.

 Material: Made of cast iron or steel with a wear-resistant coating.

5. Crankshaft

 Function: Converts the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion to
drive the vehicle or machinery.

 Role: Receives force from the piston via the connecting rod and transfers it to
the flywheel and transmission.

 Material: Forged steel or cast iron for high strength and durability.

 Features: Includes counterweights to balance the engine and reduce

vibrations.

6. Connecting Rod

 Function: Connects the piston to the crankshaft.

 Role: Transfers the piston's reciprocating motion to the crankshaft,

converting it into rotational motion.

 Material: Made of forged steel or aluminum for strength and lightweight

properties.

7. Cylinder Head

 Function: Seals the top of the cylinder to form the combustion chamber.

 Role: Houses components like valves, spark plugs (in SI engines), fuel
injectors (in CI engines), and passages for air, fuel, and exhaust.

 Material: Cast iron or aluminum for heat resistance and durability.

8. Valves (Intake and Exhaust)

 Function: Control the flow of air-fuel mixture (intake) and exhaust gases
(exhaust) into and out of the cylinder.

 Role:

o Intake Valve: Opens to allow the air-fuel mixture or air into the
cylinder.

o Exhaust Valve: Opens to expel burnt gases after combustion.

 Material: Heat-resistant steel or alloys to withstand high temperatures.

9. Camshaft

 Function: Controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves.

 Role: Rotates in sync with the crankshaft (via a timing belt or chain) and
uses lobes (cams) to actuate the valves.

 Location: Can be located in the cylinder head (OHC - Overhead Camshaft) or

cylinder block (OHV - Overhead Valve).