Verbrennungsmaschine

Verbrennungsmaschine is the German term for an internal combustion engine. It 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 hot combustion gases produces useful work by moving a piston or rotor.

There are several types of verbrennungsmaschinen, with the most common being the reciprocating piston engine. This engine uses pistons that move back and forth within cylinders. The combustion process can be initiated by a spark (Otto cycle, common in gasoline engines) or by compression ignition (Diesel cycle, common in diesel engines). Another significant type is the rotary engine, such as the Wankel engine, which uses a rotor instead of pistons.

Verbrennungsmaschinen are widely used in transportation, powering cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, trains, and airplanes. They are also found in many other applications, including generators, lawnmowers, and industrial machinery. The efficiency and emissions of verbrennungsmaschinen have been a significant area of research and development, leading to various technological advancements aimed at improving performance and reducing environmental impact.