What Is A Heat Engine?

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A heat engine is a machine, which converts heat energy into mechanical energy. The combustion of fuel such as coal, petrol, diesel generates heat. This heat is supplied to a working substance at high temperature. By the expansion of this substance in suitable machines, heat energy is converted into useful work. Heat engines can be further divided into two types: (i) External combustion and (ii) Internal combustion. In a steam engine the combustion of fuel takes place outside the engine and the steam thus formed is used to run the engine. Thus, it is known as external combustion engine. In the case of internal combustion engine, the combustion of fuel takes place inside the engine cylinder itself. The IC engine can be further classified as: (i) stationary …show more content…

The ignition of the mixture is caused by an electric spark and is known as spark ignition. Compression Ignition (Diesel Type) IC Engine In this only the liquid fuel is injected in the cylinder under high pressure. CONSTRUCTIONAL FEATURES OF IC ENGINE: The cross section of IC engine is shown in Fig. 1. A brief description of these parts is given below. Cylinder: The cylinder of an IC engine constitutes the basic and supporting portion of the engine power unit. Its major function is to provide space in which the piston can operate to draw in the fuel mixture or air (depending upon spark ignition or compression ignition), compress it, allow it to expand and thus generate power. The cylinder is usually made of high-grade cast iron. In some cases, to give greater strength and wear resistance with less weight, chromium, nickel and molybdenum are added to the cast iron. Chart 1. Types of Heat Engines AG ENGG. 243 Lecture 3 2 Piston: The piston of an engine is the first part to begin movement and to transmit power to

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