An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of heat engine where the combustion of fuel occours within the engine itself.
This process generates high-pressure gasses that drive the engine's moving parts,typically pistons, to produce mechanical work.
IC engines have revolutionozed transportation and countless industrial machinery.
An internal combustion engine consists of several key components working together to convert fuel into mechanical energy. The cylinder is the primary chamber where fuel combustion occurs, housing the piston that moves up and down to transfer force. The crankshaft, connected to the piston via a connecting rod, converts this linear motion into rotational motion. The intake and exhaust valves regulate the flow of air-fuel mixture into the cylinder and expel exhaust gases. The spark plug (in gasoline engines) or fuel injector (in diesel engines) initiates combustion. The camshaft controls the timing of valve operation, while the timing belt or chain synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft. The cooling system, including the radiator and coolant passages, prevents overheating, and the lubrication system ensures smooth operation by reducing friction between moving parts. Together, these components enable efficient energy conversion in an internal combustion engine.