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Petrol engine

technology Maturity 7-9 Next article →

A petrol engine makes power for many machines. It is a type of internal combustion engine. This means it burns fuel inside itself to work. In America and Canada, people call this a gasoline engine.

American Motors AMC modern era inline six on stand at Rambler Ranch
American Motors AMC modern era inline six on stand at Rambler Ranch

These engines can run on petrol or ethanol blends. Some can even use liquefied petroleum gas. They can also use petrol with a high octane rating. This helps them run well in different ways.

Most engines use a way of working called the Otto cycle. This can happen in four steps or two steps.

4StrokeEngine Ortho 3D Small
4StrokeEngine Ortho 3D Small

Some engines use the Miller cycle or the Atkinson cycle. To make power, they use spark ignition. This is different from diesel engines. Diesel engines use compression ignition instead. Petrol engines also have a lower compression ratio. This is a key difference between the two types.

People have worked on these engines for a long time. Étienne Lenoir made an attempt in 1860. Siegfried Marcus tried in 1864. George Brayton also made an attempt in 1873. The first practical petrol engine was built in 1876.

4StrokeEngine Ortho 3D Small
4StrokeEngine Ortho 3D Small

Nicolaus August Otto and Eugen Langen built it in Germany. This was a huge step for science. Their work changed how machines move.

Engine shapes can look very different. Many are straight engines or V engines.

American Motors AMC modern era inline six on stand at Rambler Ranch
American Motors AMC modern era inline six on stand at Rambler Ranch

Some are flat or W engines. A Wankel engine is known by its rotors. To start, an ignition coil or magneto provides a spark. Modern cars use an Engine Control Unit to time this. This unit is a computer that manages the engine. It can even act as a rev limiter. This prevents parts like connecting rods from failing.

You see petrol engines in many places every day. They power automobiles and motorcycles. They also move aircraft and motorboats.

American Motors AMC modern era inline six on stand at Rambler Ranch
American Motors AMC modern era inline six on stand at Rambler Ranch

You might find them in lawn mowers or chainsaws. They even power portable generators. Some engines use a primer to help start. This is helpful in cold weather. A primer turns fuel into vapor so it can burn. This makes a hard job much easier.

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