Fundamentals of Internal Combustion Engines

The internal combustion (IC) engine is a heat engine that converts chemical energy in a fuel into mechanical energy, usually made available on a rotating output shaft. Chemical energy of the fuel is first converted to thermal energy by means of combustion or oxidation with air inside the engine. This thermal energy raises the temperature and pressure of the gases within the engine, and the high-pressure gas then expands against the mechanical mechanisms of the engine. This expansion is converted by the mechanical linkages of the engine to a rotating crankshaft, which is the output of the engine.

The main focus of this course is on the application of the engineering sciences, especially the thermal sciences, to internal combustion engines. The goals of the course are to familiarize the student with engine nomenclature, describe how internal combustion engines work, and provide insight into how engine performance can be modeled and analyzed.

In this course, we discuss the engineering parameters that are used to characterize the overall performance of internal combustion engines. Major engine cycles are covered such as Otto, Diesel, Dual and Miller cycles. The following lectures will apply the principles of thermodynamics to determine temperatures and pressures throughout an engine cycle, in addition to important engine performance parameters such as: Indicated Thermal Efficiency and the Indicated Mean Effective Pressure. Also we investigate the dependence of engine performance on engine compression ratio and engine load.

An aspect upon which we have put considerable emphasis is the process of constructing idealized models to represent actual physical situations in an engine. Throughout the course, we will calculate the values of the various thermal and mechanical parameters that characterize internal combustion engine operation.

My goal in this course is to help students acquire a solid theoretical background of internal combustion engines. Solved numerical examples are used extensively in this course to help students understand how theory is applied to analyze practical applications.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand how a car engine work: four-stroke and two-stroke engines
Recognize engine geometry and related terminology: piston, tdc, bdc, bore, stroke, connecting rod, crankshaft arm, crank angle, intake and exhaust valves
Identify and calculate engine performance parameters: power, torque, efficiency, mean effective pressure, volumetric efficiency, specific fuel consumption
Perform engine kinematics calculations such as the instantaneous piston speed
Evaluate the performance of heat engine cycles for which the working fluid remains a gas throughout the entire cycle
Develop simplifying assumptions applicable to engines
Solve problems based on the otto, diesel, dual and miller cycles

Analyze cycles based on important parameters: efficiency vs compression ratio, imep vs compression ratio and engine load and more
Compare otto, diesel and miller cycles at various operating conditions
Learn how to draw p-v and t-s diagrams for each cycle
Perform a complete analysis for an ideal four stroke engine cycle
Model the intake and exhaust strokes and evaluate the effect of residual fraction on cycle efficiency
Show more
Show less

Understand how a car engine work: four-stroke and two-stroke engines
Recognize engine geometry and related terminology: piston, tdc, bdc, bore, stroke, connecting rod, crankshaft arm, crank angle, intake and exhaust valves
Identify and calculate engine performance parameters: power, torque, efficiency, mean effective pressure, volumetric efficiency, specific fuel consumption
Perform engine kinematics calculations such as the instantaneous piston speed
Evaluate the performance of heat engine cycles for which the working fluid remains a gas throughout the entire cycle
Develop simplifying assumptions applicable to engines
Solve problems based on the otto, diesel, dual and miller cycles
Analyze cycles based on important parameters: efficiency vs compression ratio, imep vs compression ratio and engine load and more
Compare otto, diesel and miller cycles at various operating conditions
Learn how to draw p-v and t-s diagrams for each cycle
Perform a complete analysis for an ideal four stroke engine cycle
Model the intake and exhaust strokes and evaluate the effect of residual fraction on cycle efficiency
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Mean Effective Pressure

Introduction

How Car Engine Works

Two-Stroke Cycle

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Applies engineering sciences, especially thermal sciences, to internal combustion engines, which is crucial for mechanical engineers

Familiarizes learners with engine nomenclature, which is essential for anyone working directly with engines

Covers major engine cycles such as Otto, Diesel, Dual, and Miller, providing a comprehensive overview of engine operation

Emphasizes constructing idealized models to represent actual physical situations in an engine, a valuable skill for engineering analysis

Requires learners to calculate thermal and mechanical parameters, which may require access to specialized software or computational tools

Relies on solved numerical examples to help students understand how theory is applied, which may require a strong foundation in mathematics

Reviews summary

Foundational theory of ic engines

According to learners, this course provides a solid theoretical foundation in the fundamentals of Internal Combustion Engines. Students frequently praise the clear explanations of key concepts and thermodynamic cycles like Otto, Diesel, and Dual, finding them particularly helpful for building fundamental understanding. The included worked examples are often mentioned as valuable aids for applying theory to problems. However, some students note that the course is heavily theoretical and would benefit from more practical applications or coverage of modern engine technologies.

Heavy on theory, light on practical application.

"While the theory is solid, I was hoping for more real-world examples or practical applications."

"It's very academic. Could use some labs or demonstrations of actual engines."

"The focus is almost entirely on the thermodynamic cycles and equations, not on engine design or operation."

"Needs more content on modern engine technologies or practical maintenance."

Relevant content for engineering students.

"This course is excellent for students studying mechanical or automotive engineering."

"It's a great supplement to university lectures on thermodynamics or engines."

"Helped me prepare for my college courses focusing on heat engines."

"Perfect for refreshing fundamentals if you are already in the field."

Concepts are explained well with useful examples.

"The instructor explains complex ideas very clearly and makes them easy to understand."

"I really appreciated the worked examples; they helped solidify the theoretical concepts."

"The breakdown of each cycle with calculations was straightforward and easy to follow."

"The examples were very helpful in learning how to apply the formulas presented."

Provides a solid base in IC engine theory.

"This course gives a really strong theoretical background in the principles of IC engines."

"The thermodynamics and cycle analysis covered were very thorough and well explained."

"I feel I have a much better grasp of the fundamentals after taking this course."

"It's foundational knowledge that every engineer should have before moving to practical applications."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Internal Combustion Engines - IC Engines with these activities:

Review Thermodynamics Fundamentals

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of thermodynamics principles, which are essential for grasping the concepts of engine cycles and efficiency calculations.

Browse courses on Thermodynamics

Show steps

Review the laws of thermodynamics.
Practice solving problems related to heat transfer and energy conversion.
Study examples of thermodynamic cycles.

Explore 'Engineering Thermodynamics' by Moran and Shapiro

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of thermodynamics with a classic textbook that covers the fundamental principles and their applications.

View Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics,... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Study the examples related to thermodynamic cycles.
Relate the concepts to the operation of IC engines.

Read 'Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals' by John B. Heywood

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of IC engines with a comprehensive textbook that covers both theoretical and practical aspects.

View Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals 2E on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters related to engine cycles and performance parameters.
Work through the example problems in the book.
Compare the book's explanations with the course material.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Calculate Engine Performance Parameters

Show steps

Sharpen your skills in calculating key engine performance parameters like power, torque, and efficiency through repetitive exercises.

Show steps

Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Solve problems for different engine types and operating conditions.
Check your answers and review the solutions.

Create a Presentation on Engine Cycles

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of Otto, Diesel, and Dual cycles by creating a presentation that explains their principles and differences.

Show steps

Research the Otto, Diesel, and Dual cycles.
Create slides with diagrams and explanations.
Practice presenting the material to others.

Follow Online Tutorials on Engine Simulation Software

Show steps

Learn how to use engine simulation software to model and analyze IC engine performance, enhancing your practical skills.

Show steps

Find tutorials on software like GT-Power or Ricardo WAVE.
Follow the tutorials to create a simple engine model.
Run simulations and analyze the results.

Model an Ideal Four-Stroke Engine Cycle

Show steps

Apply your knowledge to develop a model of an ideal four-stroke engine cycle, calculating temperatures, pressures, and efficiencies at various stages.

Show steps

Choose an engine type and operating conditions.
Develop a mathematical model of the cycle.
Calculate the thermodynamic parameters at each stage.
Analyze the results and draw conclusions.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Internal Combustion Engines - IC Engines will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Engine Calibration Engineer

An Engine Calibration Engineer optimizes the performance and efficiency of internal combustion engines. This involves fine-tuning various engine parameters to meet emissions standards, improve fuel economy, and enhance overall drivability. This course provides an understanding of engine cycles, thermodynamics, and performance parameters, which are fundamental to the calibration process. Understanding how to model and analyze engine performance, as emphasized in the course, is directly applicable to improving engine calibration strategies. Furthermore, this course's coverage of engine performance dependence on compression ratio and engine load may be crucial to the work of an Engine Calibration Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engine Calibration Engineer

Powertrain Engineer

A Powertrain Engineer designs, develops, and tests the entire powertrain system of a vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and driveline. This role requires a deep understanding of engine operation, performance characteristics, and integration with other vehicle systems. This course's emphasis on applying engineering sciences to internal combustion engines is excellent preparation. The course's focus on modeling and analyzing engine performance provides a very useful basis for a Powertrain Engineer. The detailed thermodynamic analysis of engine cycles may also be useful in the work of a Powertrain Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Powertrain Engineer

Engine Design Engineer

An Engine Design Engineer is responsible for the conception, design, and development of new internal combustion engines or improvements to existing engine designs. A strong foundation in thermodynamics, combustion processes, and engine performance is essential. This course's coverage of engine nomenclature, operation, and performance modeling is directly relevant to the responsibilities of an Engine Design Engineer. The course's focus on constructing idealized models to represent actual physical situations in an engine helps to develop the analytical skills required for engine design. The analysis of Otto, Diesel, Dual and Miller cycles may also be helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engine Design Engineer

Combustion Research Engineer

A Combustion Research Engineer studies the fundamental principles of combustion and develops new technologies to improve combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and explore alternative fuels. This career path often requires an advanced degree. This course introduces the core concepts of internal combustion engines, laying the groundwork for further study and research in combustion. The course's exploration of engine cycles and performance parameters provides a very useful context for understanding combustion phenomena. The detailed analysis of thermodynamic cycles may also be helpful to someone wishing to become a Combustion Research Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Combustion Research Engineer

Test Engineer

A Test Engineer plans, executes, and analyzes tests on engines and engine components to validate their performance, durability, and compliance with regulatory standards. This role requires a solid understanding of engine operation and data analysis techniques. This course's coverage of engine performance parameters and modeling techniques is directly applicable to engine testing. The ability to calculate thermal and mechanical parameters, as emphasized in the course, enables the Test Engineer to effectively evaluate test results. The insight into how engine performance can be modeled and analyzed is helpful for a Test Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer

Automotive Engineer

An Automotive Engineer works on the design, development, and manufacturing of vehicles and their components. A strong understanding of various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and thermal engineering, is essential. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of internal combustion engines, which is a core component of many vehicles. The course's coverage of engine cycles, performance parameters, and modeling techniques is directly relevant to the Automotive Engineer's role. The course presents different engine parameters that help an Automotive Engineer to characterize the overall performance of internal combustion engines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer

Performance Engineer

A Performance Engineer focuses on optimizing the performance of engines or vehicles for specific applications, such as racing or high-performance vehicles. This includes tuning engine parameters, analyzing performance data, and developing strategies to maximize power and efficiency. This course provides an understanding of engine cycles, thermodynamics, and performance parameters, which are essential for the Performance Engineer. The course's focus on modeling and analyzing engine performance is directly applicable to optimizing engine performance. The Performance Engineer may find the calculation of thermal and mechanical parameters an advantage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Performance Engineer

Application Engineer

An Application Engineer works with customers to understand their needs and recommend appropriate engine solutions for their specific applications. This role requires a strong understanding of engine technology and the ability to communicate technical information effectively. This course's coverage of engine nomenclature, operation, and performance modeling enables the Application Engineer to effectively explain engine capabilities to customers. The ability to analyze engine performance based on various parameters may provide an advantage. This course may be useful for an aspiring Application Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Engineer

Simulation Engineer

A Simulation Engineer develops and uses computer models to simulate the behavior of engines and engine components under various operating conditions. This role requires a strong understanding of engine physics and numerical modeling techniques. This course introduces the fundamental principles of engine operation and performance, providing a basis for developing accurate simulation models. The course's emphasis on constructing idealized models to represent actual physical situations in an engine helps to develop the modeling skills required for this role. This course may be useful for a Simulation Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Engineer

Service Engineer

A Service Engineer is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of engines and engine-related systems. This role requires a practical understanding of engine operation and diagnostic techniques. This course provides a foundation in the principles of internal combustion engines, enabling the Service Engineer to effectively diagnose and repair engine problems. Understanding how engines work can help a Service Engineer. This course may be helpful to one who wishes to become a Service Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Service Engineer

Product Manager

A Product Manager guides the development and launch of new engine products or technologies. This role requires a blend of technical knowledge, market understanding, and business acumen. This course provides an understanding of the technical aspects of internal combustion engines, enabling the Product Manager to make informed decisions about product development. The course's coverage of engine performance parameters and modeling techniques may provide valuable insights into product capabilities and market potential. This course may be useful for a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Technical Sales Engineer

A Technical Sales Engineer sells complex technical products or services, such as engines or engine components, to customers. This role requires a strong understanding of the product's technical features and benefits, as well as excellent communication and sales skills. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of internal combustion engines, enabling the Technical Sales Engineer to effectively communicate the product's technical advantages to potential customers. This course may prove to be useful in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Sales Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer optimizes manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality. This role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing principles and engineering techniques. This course provides an understanding of the design and operation of internal combustion engines, which can be helpful in optimizing the manufacturing processes for engine components. This course may be useful for a Manufacturing Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Project Engineer

A Project Engineer manages engineering projects related to the design, development, or manufacturing of engines or engine components. This role requires strong organizational, communication, and technical skills. This course provides a foundation in the principles of internal combustion engines, which can be helpful in managing engine-related projects. This course may be useful for a Project Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Engineer

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates technical documentation, such as user manuals, service manuals, and training materials, for engines and engine-related products. This role requires a strong understanding of technical concepts and the ability to communicate them clearly and concisely. This course provides a foundation in the principles of internal combustion engines, enabling the Technical Writer to effectively explain complex technical information. This course may be helpful for a Technical Writer

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Fundamentals of Internal Combustion Engines - IC Engines

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational theory of ic engines

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses