Norhayat B Marzuki

The

four stroke engine was first demonstrated by Nikolaus Otto in 18761, hence it is also known as the Otto cycle. The technically correct term is actually four stroke cycle. The four stroke engine is probably the most common engine type nowadays. It powers almost all cars and trucks.

 The

four strokes of the cycle are

intake, compression, power, and

exhaust.
Each

corresponds to one full stroke of the piston; therefore, the complete cycle requires two revolutions of the crankshaft to complete.

During the intake stroke, the piston moves downward, drawing a fresh charge of vaporized fuel/air mixture. The illustrated engine features a poppet intake valve which is drawn open by the vacuum produced by the intake stroke. Some early engines worked this way; however, most modern engines incorporate an extra cam/lifter arrangement as seen on the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve is held shut by a spring (not illustrated here). 0-180 Cycle

 As

the piston rises, the poppet valve is forced shut by the increased cylinder pressure. Flywheel momentum drives the piston upward, compressing the fuel/air mixture. Cycle

180-360

 At

the top of the compression stroke, the spark plug fires, igniting the compressed fuel. As the fuel burns it expands, driving the piston downward. Cycle

360-540

 At

the bottom of the power stroke, the exhaust valve is opened by the cam/lifter mechanism. The upward stroke of the piston drives the exhausted fuel out of the cylinder.

540-720

Cycle

The four strokes of the cycle are 1. intake, 2. compression, 3. power, and 4. exhaust.

 The

two stroke engine employs both the crankcase and the cylinder to achieve all the elements of the Otto cycle in only two strokes of the piston.

The fuel/air mixture is first drawn into the crankcase by the vacuum that is created during the upward stroke of the piston. The illustrated engine features a poppet intake valve; however, many engines use a rotary value incorporated into the crankshaft. 0-180 Cycle

 During

the downward stroke, the poppet valve is forced closed by the increased crankcase pressure. The fuel mixture is then compressed in the crankcase during the remainder of the stroke. Cycle

180-360

Brons two-stroke V8 Diesel engine driving a Heemafgenerator.

A two-stroke engine, in this case with a tuned expansion pipe illustrates the effect of a reflected pressure wave on the fuel charge. This feature is essential for maximum charge pressure (volumetric efficiency) and fuel efficiency. It is used on most high-performance engine designs.

 http://www.animatedengines.com/otto.shtm

l. 14 Nov 2010 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourstroke_engine. 14 Nov 2010