Förbränningsmotorns

Förbränningsmotorn is the Swedish term for the internal combustion engine. This type of engine converts chemical energy, typically from fuel, into mechanical energy through a combustion process that occurs within a confined space. The most common types of internal combustion engines are the gasoline engine and the diesel engine, both of which power a vast majority of road vehicles, as well as many other applications such as power generation and aviation.

The fundamental principle behind most internal combustion engines is the operation of a cycle, most notably the Otto cycle for gasoline engines and the Diesel cycle for diesel engines. These cycles involve a series of distinct strokes or phases: intake, compression, combustion (or power), and exhaust. During the intake stroke, a mixture of fuel and air enters the engine cylinder. This mixture is then compressed in the compression stroke. In the combustion stroke, the compressed mixture is ignited, either by a spark plug in gasoline engines or by self-ignition due to high compression in diesel engines, resulting in a rapid expansion of gases that pushes a piston. Finally, in the exhaust stroke, the burnt gases are expelled from the cylinder.

The reciprocating motion of the pistons is converted into rotational motion by a crankshaft, which can then be used to drive wheels, propellers, or other machinery. While highly effective and widely used, internal combustion engines also have drawbacks, including the production of exhaust emissions, which contribute to air pollution and climate change. Ongoing research and development continue to focus on improving efficiency and reducing emissions in these engines, as well as exploring alternative power sources.