Internal Combustion Engine Terminology

Flashcards based on key concepts related to internal combustion engines, including engine types, components, and functioning principles.

Engine

A mechanical device used to convert the heat energy of fuel produced by combustion into mechanical energy.

External Combustion Engine (ECE)

An engine where fuel is ignited and burned outside the cylinder, using an intermediate medium, like water vapor, to apply heat to the piston.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)

An engine where fuel is ignited and burned inside the cylinder, causing rapid combustion and directly applying pressure to the piston.

Piston

Receives and transmits pressure forces in the combustion chamber to the rotating crankshaft.

Compression Ratio (CR)

The ratio of total cylinder volume to clearance volume.

Bore (d)

Diameter of the engine cylinder.

Stroke (L)

The distance that the piston travels from bottom-dead center (BDC) to top-dead center (TDC).

Crankshaft

Converts the rectilinear motion of the piston into rotation.

Fuel Injector

A pressurized nozzle that sprays fuel into the incoming air on SI engines or directly into the cylinder on CI engines.

Catalytic Converter

A device that contains catalytic material and promotes the reduction of emissions by chemical reaction.

Throttle

A butterfly valve that controls the amount of air flow into an SI engine.

Cooling Fins

Metal fins on the outside surfaces of cylinders and the head of an air-cooled engine.

Combustion Chamber

The space at the end of the cylinder between the head and piston face where combustion occurs.

Spark Plug

An electrical device used to initiate combustion in an SI engine.

Valve System

Components that open and close ports leading into or out of combustion chambers.

Piston Rings

Circles that retain compression while reducing cylinder wall contact and friction losses.

Crankcase

Supports the shaft and mounts the cylinder, housing running parts and forming a reservoir for lubricating oil.

Air Filter

Filters air entering the engine for combustion.

Radiator

A heat exchanger used to remove heat from the engine coolant.

Fuel Pump

A pump that supplies fuel from the fuel tank to the engine.

Fuel Combustion

The chemical reaction that occurs when fuel reacts with oxygen to produce heat and byproducts.

Turbocharger

A device that increases an engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.

Supercharger

A mechanically driven compressor that forces more air into the engine to improve power output.

Exhaust System

The system that directs exhaust gases away from the engine and reduces emissions.

Alternator

A device that converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy to charge the battery.

Starter Motor

A motor that initiates the engine's operation by turning the engine's flywheel.

Intake Manifold

A part that distributes the air-fuel mixture to the intake ports of the engine's cylinders.

Fuel System

The components that deliver fuel to an engine, including the tank, pump, and injectors.

Cooling System

The system that regulates the engine's temperature by circulating coolant to absorb and dissipate heat.

Camshaft

A shaft with a series of lobes that controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves.

Throttle Body

A device that regulates the amount of air entering the engine based on driver input.

Brake System

The system responsible for slowing or stopping the vehicle, including the brake pads, discs, and fluid.

Transmission

The mechanism that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing for different speed and torque.

Drivetrain

The group of components that transfer power from the transmission to the wheels, including driveshafts, axles, and differentials.

Suspension System

The system of components that supports the vehicle's weight, absorbs shock, and maintains tire contact with the road.