Polttomoottoriin

Polttomoottoriin, often referred to as an internal combustion engine in English, is a type of heat engine where the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer (usually air) in a combustion chamber that is an integral part of the working fluid flow circuit. The expansion of the superheated gases produced by combustion applies direct force to some component of the engine, such as a piston, turbine blade, or nozzle. This force moves the component over a distance, converting chemical energy into useful mechanical energy.

The most common types of internal combustion engines are the spark-ignited gasoline engine and the compression-ignited diesel engine. Gasoline engines typically use a spark plug to ignite a mixture of gasoline and air, while diesel engines rely on the heat generated by compressing air to ignite the injected diesel fuel. Both operate on thermodynamic cycles, most commonly the Otto cycle for gasoline engines and the Diesel cycle for diesel engines.

Internal combustion engines are widely used in transportation, powering cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, trains, and aircraft. They are also used in many industrial applications, such as generators, pumps, and lawnmowers. The efficiency and power output of these engines have steadily improved over time due to advancements in materials, design, and fuel injection technology. However, they also produce exhaust emissions, which are a significant environmental concern, leading to ongoing research into cleaner combustion technologies and alternative power sources.