sisepõlemismootori

A sisepõlemismootor, or internal combustion engine in English, is a type of engine where the combustion of fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber that is an integral part of the working fluid flow circuit. The expansion of the high-temperature and high-pressure gas products of combustion applies direct force to some component of the engine, such as pistons or turbine blades, resulting in useful work. This is in contrast to external combustion engines, such as steam engines, where the heat is transferred to a working fluid which then expands and acts on the engine's mechanical parts.

The first practical internal combustion engine was invented in 1860. The most common types of internal combustion engines are the gasoline engine and the diesel engine, used in automobiles, motorcycles, and many other vehicles. Other types include gas turbines, used in aircraft and power generation, and rocket engines, used for space propulsion. The fundamental principle involves a controlled explosion or rapid burning of a fuel-air mixture within a confined space. This combustion creates a rapid increase in pressure, which then drives a mechanical component, converting chemical energy into mechanical energy. The process typically involves intake, compression, combustion (power), and exhaust strokes in reciprocating engines. Efficiency and emissions are key areas of ongoing development for internal combustion engines.