Põlemissüklit

Põlemissüklit, often translated as combustion cycle, refers to the repeating series of thermodynamic processes that convert heat energy into mechanical work within an engine. The most common type is the internal combustion engine, where fuel is burned inside the engine cylinders. These cycles are typically characterized by distinct phases: intake, compression, combustion (or power), and exhaust.

During the intake stroke, a mixture of fuel and air enters the cylinder. The compression stroke then reduces the volume of this mixture, increasing its temperature and pressure. The combustion stroke is where the fuel-air mixture is ignited, typically by a spark plug or compression heat, rapidly expanding gases and pushing a piston. Finally, the exhaust stroke expels the burnt gases from the cylinder, preparing it for the next cycle.

Different engine designs employ variations of these fundamental strokes. For example, the Otto cycle describes the operation of most gasoline engines, while the Diesel cycle is characteristic of diesel engines. The efficiency and performance of an engine are directly related to how effectively it completes these cycles and converts the heat of combustion into useful work. Understanding the põlemissüklit is crucial for engine design, diagnostics, and optimization.