Forbrændingsmotor

Forbrændingsmotor is the Danish term for an internal combustion engine. This type of engine converts chemical energy stored in fuel into mechanical energy through a combustion process that occurs within a combustion chamber. The heat and pressure generated by the burning fuel are used to drive a piston or rotor, which in turn produces rotational motion.

The most common types of internal combustion engines are the Otto cycle (gasoline) engine and the Diesel cycle (diesel) engine. In a gasoline engine, a mixture of fuel and air is ignited by a spark plug. In a diesel engine, fuel is injected into highly compressed hot air, causing it to ignite spontaneously. Both engines operate through a series of strokes or cycles, typically intake, compression, power, and exhaust, although variations exist.

Internal combustion engines are widely used in transportation, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft, as well as in many industrial applications such as generators and lawnmowers. Their efficiency, power output, and relatively compact size have made them a dominant power source for over a century. However, they also produce emissions, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which have environmental implications. Ongoing research and development focus on improving efficiency and reducing harmful emissions.