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internal-combustion engine science definition
An engine whose fuel is burned inside the engine itself rather than in an outside furnace or burner. Gasoline and diesel engines are internal-combustion engines, as are gas turbine engines such as turbojets. Compare steam engine.
internal-combustion engine
cycles of a four-stroke gasoline-fueled engine:
A. intake stroke: the piston moves down, drawing air and fuel into the cylinder;
B. compression stroke: the piston moves up, compressing and heating the air and fuel mixture;
C. power stroke: the hot air and fuel mixture ignites, forcing the piston down;
D. exhaust stroke: the piston moves up, forcing the exhaust gases out of the cylinder
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