How Diesel Engines Work

Diesel engine is one of the two important kinds of internal-combustion engines used today. First invented by Rudolf Diesel, the engine uses compression ignition for fuel combustion. Available in 2 and 4 stroke models, it was first used as a more efficient substitute for stationary steam engines. The diesel engine was first used in submarines and ships in 1910. It was followed by using them in trains, big trucks and electric generating plants. Here we take a look at how these engines work.

Operation Of A Diesel Engine

Each piston of a diesel engine initiates the technique of packing air into a cylinder. As fuel enters the engine, with high pressure, as a spray, an explosive mixture occurs, which burns suddenly under pressure. When the fuel burns, the chemical energy in the fuel, is converted into thermal (heat) energy. Now the temperature in every cylinder goes as high as 2,480°C, causing pressure of around 100 kgs/square centimeter.

The pressure is caused by the burning and the output of thermal energy, exerts pressure on the piston tops. This forces the pistons, attached by a rod or other connecting device, to a crankshaft that they rotate to the other side of the cylinders. When the crankshaft turns, rotary power is provided to the car/machine, which then begins operating. To boost the power of diesel engines, try supercharging, in which the air under pressure is forced into the cylinders.

Additional Information

If the packed air has to burn the fuel within the cylinders of a diesel engine, the temperature should be at a specific degree. The increase in air temperature depends on the efficiency of the piston in packing the air. This efficiency in turn is decided by the ratio of the quantity of uncompressed air and the quantity of compressed air. In big cylinders, the compression ratio is 13:1, while it can be as high as 20:1 in small ones. The average ratio is 14.5:1.

By: John Dim

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