Pistons

Pistons are mechanical components that convert pressure into linear motion inside cylinders. In engines, they move up and down in a cylinder, connected to a crankshaft by a connecting rod; gas pressure from combustion or fluid pressure pushes the piston, producing rotational motion via the crankshaft. Pistons use rings to seal the combustion chamber and control oil; they are usually made from cast iron or aluminum alloys, designed to withstand high temperatures and stresses in automotive, aviation, and industrial machinery.

Design concepts include bore (cylinder diameter), stroke (piston travel), and crown shape (flat, dished, or domed) that influence compression and breathing. Pistons power automobiles, diesel and petrol engines, aircraft engines, reciprocating compressors, hydraulic pumps, and steam engines.

History: Pistons have been used in pumps since ancient times and became central to steam engines in the 18th century and to internal combustion engines in the 19th century, with developments by inventors such as Newcomen, Watt, and Otto contributing to modern designs.

Pistons (Detroit Pistons): The Detroit Pistons are a professional basketball team based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1948 as the Fort Wayne Pistons, they joined the NBA and moved to Detroit in 1957. They have won three NBA championships (1989, 1990, 2004) and play home games at Little Caesars Arena since 2017, after playing at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Team colors are blue, red, and white.