A 4 Stroke Engine in Cars
Introduction
A 4-stroke engine is a type of internal combustion engine that operates in four distinct strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. These strokes are repeated in a continuous cycle, providing power to the vehicle.
The Intake Stroke
The intake stroke begins with the piston at the top of the cylinder. The intake valve opens, allowing air and fuel to be drawn into the cylinder. As the piston moves down the cylinder, it creates a vacuum that helps draw in the air and fuel mixture.
The Compression Stroke
Once the piston reaches the bottom of the cylinder, the intake valve closes and the piston begins to move up the cylinder. This compresses the air and fuel mixture, increasing its pressure and temperature.
The Power Stroke
At the top of the compression stroke, the spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture. This causes the mixture to burn, rapidly expanding and pushing the piston down the cylinder. This is the power stroke, which provides power to the vehicle.
The Exhaust Stroke
After the power stroke, the exhaust valve opens and the piston moves up the cylinder. This forces the exhaust gases out of the cylinder and through the exhaust manifold. As the piston reaches the top of the cylinder, the exhaust valve closes and the cycle begins again.
Advantages of a 4-Stroke Engine
- Efficiency: 4-stroke engines are more efficient than 2-stroke engines because they burn the air and fuel mixture more completely.
- Power: 4-stroke engines produce more power than 2-stroke engines because they have a longer power stroke.
- Emissions: 4-stroke engines produce fewer emissions than 2-stroke engines because they burn the air and fuel mixture more completely.
Disadvantages of a 4-Stroke Engine
- Complexity: 4-stroke engines are more complex than 2-stroke engines because they have more moving parts.
- Cost: 4-stroke engines are more expensive to manufacture than 2-stroke engines.
- Size: 4-stroke engines are larger than 2-stroke engines because they have more moving parts.
Conclusion
4-stroke engines are the most common type of engine used in cars today. They are efficient, powerful, and relatively clean-running. However, they are also more complex and expensive than 2-stroke engines.
