Mäntämoottoreissa

Mäntämoottoreissa, commonly known as piston engines, are a type of internal combustion engine where the expanding gas from combustion pushes a piston within a cylinder. This linear motion of the piston is then converted into rotational motion by a crankshaft, which is the primary output of the engine.

The basic operation of a four-stroke piston engine involves four distinct phases: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. During the intake stroke, the piston moves down, drawing a mixture of fuel and air into the cylinder. In the compression stroke, the piston moves up, compressing this mixture. The power stroke occurs when the compressed mixture is ignited by a spark plug, causing an explosion that forces the piston down. Finally, during the exhaust stroke, the piston moves up again, expelling the burnt gases from the cylinder.

Two-stroke piston engines complete these four phases in just two piston strokes, combining intake and compression, and power and exhaust. This design is simpler and lighter but often less fuel-efficient and produces more emissions than four-stroke engines.

Piston engines are widely used in various applications, including automobiles, motorcycles, aircraft, boats, and stationary power generation. Their versatility, power output, and relatively established technology make them a dominant force in many sectors. However, concerns about fuel efficiency and environmental impact have led to increased research and development in alternative engine designs and powertrain technologies.