What is a Diesel Engine?

Oftentimes, diesel engines are associated with large trucks used to transport goods; however, even small cars utilize the inventions of a diesel engine. The reasoning lies with the efficiency of a diesel engine as opposed to other forms of a power supply for a vehicle.

History

In 1892, Rudolph Diesel who was a German engineer, crafted a hot bulb engine, which became the basis of the start more modern versions of the engine. The prototype became an invention on February 23, 1893 when the patent for the engine first was received. Rather than using strictly diesel fuel, Rudolph designed the first version of the diesel engine to work off of various fuels, such as peanut oil. By 1897, tractors and trains were using the diesel engine for power. It was not until 1924 that trucks started to use Rudolph's diesel engine.

How it Works

The diesel engine uses a combustion chamber where fuel ignites to begin the process. This internal combustion engine injects the fuel into the combustion chamber. In the combustion chamber, the fuel reacts to the temperature. The reaction leads to the power behind a diesel engine. The air is pushed into the cylinder, which the pistons compress to spark. Typically, the heat in a diesel engine reaches anywhere between 1300 and 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. The combustion results in the expansion of the cylinder, which leads to the piston shifting downward. The motion causes the motion in the crankshaft, leading to the power in the vehicle.