forbrændningsmotor

Forbrændingsmotor is the Danish term for an internal combustion engine. This type of engine converts chemical energy stored in fuel into mechanical energy through a combustion process that occurs within a confined space called a combustion chamber. The most common types of internal combustion engines are the Otto cycle engine, typically found in gasoline-powered vehicles, and the Diesel cycle engine, used in diesel-powered vehicles and heavy machinery.

In an Otto cycle engine, a mixture of fuel and air is compressed and then ignited by a spark plug. This rapid combustion creates high pressure that pushes a piston, which in turn rotates a crankshaft, generating mechanical power. This process occurs in a cycle of four strokes: intake, compression, power (combustion), and exhaust.

The Diesel cycle engine operates on a similar principle but without a spark plug. Here, air is compressed to a much higher pressure and temperature, and then fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. The heat generated by the compression ignites the fuel spontaneously. Like the Otto cycle, the Diesel cycle also involves intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes.

Internal combustion engines are widely used in transportation, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft, as well as in generators, industrial machinery, and some marine applications. Their widespread adoption is due to their relatively high power output for their size and weight, and the availability of combustible fuels. However, they also produce emissions, which has led to increasing efforts to improve their efficiency and reduce their environmental impact through technologies like catalytic converters and exhaust gas recirculation.