ICE report 1 complete

DELLEN MUTETHIA
ENB214-0077/2020
BSc.ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
EBT2302
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
FOUR-STROKE AND TWO-STROKE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OPERATIONS

INTRODUCTION
Internal combustion (IC) engines are widely used in various applications, from vehicles to
machinery, due to their high power-to-weight ratio and efficiency. This report provides a
detailed overview of the operation of four-stroke and two-stroke engines, two of the most
common types of IC engines. Both types operate by converting fuel into mechanical energy, but
they do so in different cycles, each with unique advantages and disadvantages.
FOUR-STROKE ENGINE CYCLE

The four-stroke engine operates in a series of four distinct stages: intake, compression, power,
and exhaust. This engine type is common in most modern automobiles and other vehicles due
to its efficiency and lower emissions.
1.Intake Stroke
During the intake stroke, the intake valve opens, allowing an air-fuel mixture to enter the
cylinder. The piston moves downward from the top dead center (TDC) to the bottom dead
center (BDC), creating a vacuum that draws the mixture in.
Purpose: The intake stroke fills the cylinder with the necessary fuel and air mixture required for
combustion.
2.Compression Stroke
The intake valve closes, and the piston moves back up toward the TDC. This movement
compresses the air-fuel mixture, increasing its pressure and temperature.
Purpose: Compression prepares the air-fuel mixture for a more powerful and efficient ignition,
which produces higher mechanical output.
3.Power Stroke
At the end of the compression stroke, the spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture.
The combustion generates a high-pressure force that pushes the piston down from the TDC to
the BDC.
Purpose: The power stroke is the phase where energy is produced to move the piston, providing
the necessary force to drive the crankshaft and output shaft, which ultimately powers the
vehicle.
4.Exhaust Stroke
The exhaust valve opens as the piston moves back up from the BDC to the TDC. This movement
expels the combustion gases from the cylinder, preparing it for the next intake stroke.
Purpose: The exhaust stroke removes waste gases produced during combustion, clearing the
cylinder for the next cycle.
Characteristics of Four-Stroke Engines:
Efficiency: Four-stroke engines are typically more fuel-efficient due to complete combustion
during the power stroke and better fuel economy.
Emission: The distinct exhaust stroke allows for better control of emissions, making it
environmentally friendlier than two-stroke engines.
Durability: With only one power stroke per two revolutions, four-stroke engines experience less
wear and tear on internal components, leading to a longer lifespan.
Applications: Used in automobiles, generators, and motorcycles.
TWO-STROKE ENGINE CYCLE

The two-stroke engine cycle is simpler than the four-stroke cycle, as it completes a power cycle
in just two piston movements: compression and power. Two-stroke engines are commonly
found in smaller vehicles, such as scooters and chainsaws, due to their compact size and power-
to-weight ratio.
1.Compression Stroke (Combines Intake and Compression)
As the piston moves upward from BDC to TDC, it compresses the air-fuel mixture in the
combustion chamber. Meanwhile, the intake port opens, allowing a fresh mixture to enter the
crankcase, and the exhaust gases begin to exit through the exhaust port.
Purpose: This stroke combines the intake and compression actions into one upward movement,
reducing the cycle duration.
2.Power Stroke (Combines Power and Exhaust)
Near the TDC, a spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture, generating high pressure
that forces the piston downwards. As the piston descends, it uncovers the exhaust port,
allowing the exhaust gases to escape, while the intake port opens to allow fresh fuel to enter
the chamber.
Purpose: This stroke combines power output with the exhaust of combustion gases, completing
the cycle.
Characteristics of Two-Stroke Engines:
Efficiency: Less fuel-efficient than four-stroke engines, primarily due to fuel loss during the
intake and exhaust phases, resulting in higher emissions.
Power: Since a power stroke occurs every revolution, two-stroke engines produce more power
relative to engine size.
Simplicity and Size: Two-stroke engines are simpler, smaller, and lighter due to the absence of
valves, making them suitable for compact and portable applications.
Applications: Commonly used in motorcycles, chainsaws, lawnmowers, and small outboard
motors.
COMPARISON BETWEEN A FOUR-STROKE AND TWO-STROKE ENGINE
FEATURE FOUR-STROKE ENGINE TWO-STROKE ENGINE

Cycle Strokes Four strokes per cycle Two strokes per cycle
Power Output Power stroke every two Power stroke every
revolutions revolution
Fuel Efficiency More fuel efficient Less fuel efficient
Emissions Lower emissions Higher emissions
Maintenance Less frequent, more durable Requires more frequent
components maintenance
Applications Cars, Trucks, Generators Chainsaws, Scooters and
Motorbikes, Outboard
motors
CONCLUSION
Both four-stroke and two-stroke engines play crucial roles in different applications. Four-stroke
engines are preferable for applications where fuel efficiency, emissions control, and durability
are prioritized, making them ideal for most automotive uses. Conversely, two-stroke engines are
advantageous in applications that demand compact design, higher power-to-weight ratio, and
simpler mechanics, such as in handheld equipment and small motorcycles. Future
advancements in engine design continue to seek improvements in efficiency, emissions, and
performance, further refining these established engine cycles.

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DELLEN MUTETHIA

BSc.ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

FOUR-STROKE AND TWO-STROKE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OPERATIONS

FOUR-STROKE ENGINE CYCLE

TWO-STROKE ENGINE CYCLE

COMPARISON BETWEEN A FOUR-STROKE AND TWO-STROKE ENGINE

FEATURE FOUR-STROKE ENGINE TWO-STROKE ENGINE

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