Explain how combustion occurs in a gas engine

1 answer

In a gas engine, combustion occurs through a series of events that are carefully controlled to produce the necessary energy to power the engine. The process of combustion in a gas engine involves the following steps:

1. Air intake: The engine takes in a mixture of air and fuel through the intake system. This mixture is typically around 14 parts air to 1 part fuel.

2. Compression: The intake valves close and the piston compresses the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This increases the pressure and temperature of the mixture.

3. Ignition: At the top of the compression stroke, a spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture. This causes a rapid combustion reaction, with the fuel burning and releasing energy.

4. Power stroke: The combustion gases expand rapidly, pushing the piston down in the cylinder. This movement creates mechanical energy that is transferred to the crankshaft through the connecting rod.

5. Exhaust: After the power stroke, the exhaust valves open, and the exhaust gases are expelled from the combustion chamber.

Overall, combustion in a gas engine is a controlled process that converts the chemical energy stored in the fuel into mechanical energy that drives the engine. It relies on precise timing and coordination of the intake, compression, ignition, power stroke, and exhaust processes.