The Internal Combustion Engine Lives On: But Why?
They are actively talking about electric cars around, but the internal combustion engine (ICE) does not disappear anywhere. Why? The principle of operation and design of internal combustion engines, the pros and cons of internal combustion engines – in our material.
What is ICE?
Internal combustion engine (ICE) is one of the most popular types of engines. This is a heat engine in which the fuel burns directly inside itself – in the inner chamber. No additional external media required. Most of these engine’s prototypes are originally designed using High strength 3D printing service. Once the 3d print is ready, the product is then checked and finally designed with the steel.
The internal combustion engine works due to the physical effect of thermal expansion of gases. The combustible mixture at the moment of ignition of the mixture increases in volume, and energy is released.
Internal combustion engine device
With a variety of design solutions, the device is similar for all internal combustion engines. The internal combustion engine is made up of the following components:
Cylinder block
Cylinder blocks are solid parts. Moreover, they form a single whole with the crankcase (hollow part). It is on the crankcase that the crankshaft is placed). The design of the engine block must clearly take into account all the nuances from mechanical losses to heat balance.
Gas distribution mechanism (GRM)
It is present in four-stroke engines (what it is, will be explained in the block dedicated to the principle of operation of the internal combustion engine). It depends on the timing how much the entire system works in sync with the crankshaft revolutions, how the injection of the fuel mixture is organized directly into the chamber, and whether the exit of combustion products from it is controlled.
The main material for the production of timing is cord or cord fabric rubber. Modern production is constantly striving to improve the composition of raw materials to optimize performance and increase the durability of the mechanism. The most reputable timing manufacturers on the market are Bosch, Lemforder, Contitech (all from Germany), Gates (Belgium) and Dayco (USA).
The timing belt is replaced every 60,000 – 90,000 km. It all depends on the specific car model (and the regulations for it) and the features of the car’s operation.
The gas distribution drive needs systematic monitoring and maintenance. If such procedures are neglected, the internal combustion engine can quickly fail.
Power system
In this unit, the fuel-air mixture is prepared: fuel storage, purification, supply to the engine.
Lubrication system
The main components of the system are pipes, oil receiver, pressure reducing valve, oil pan and filter. To monitor the system, modern solutions are also equipped with oil pressure gauge sensors and an emergency pressure warning light sensor. The main function of the system is to cool the unit, reduce the friction force between moving parts. In addition, the lubrication system performs a cleaning function, frees the engine from carbon deposits, products formed during engine wear.
Cooling system
It is very important for optimizing the operating temperature and includes cooling jacket, heat exchanger (cooling radiator), water pump, thermostat and heating medium.
Exhaust system
It basically serves to remove combustion products from the engine.
