Internal Combustion Engine

Internal combustion engine more popularly known as I.C. engine, is a heat engine which converts the heat energy released by the combustion of the fuel inside the engine cylinder, into mechanical work. Its versatile advantages such as high efficiency light weight, compactness, easy starting, adaptability, comparatively lower cost has made its use as a prime mover universal.

Internal combustion engines are quite different from external combustion engines, such as steam or Stirling engines, in which the energy is delivered to a working fluid which not consisting of, mixed with, or contaminated by the combustion products. Working fluids can be air, water, or even liquid sodium, heated in a boiler. ICEs are usually powered by energy-dense fuels such as gasoline or diesel, liquids derived from fossil fuels. While there are many stationary applications, most ICEs are used in mobile applications and are the dominant power supply for vehicles such as cars, aircraft, and boats.