Technical Jargon Explained...
Here are some terms you might wonder about throughout these web pages.
The picture helps one visualize what the engine looks like and the explanation gives a basic layout of what job each piece has.
Definitions for this page were obtained on Dictionary.com
Kenai Halvorson
University of Alaska Fairbanks
March 24, 2005
Physics 212x
with David Newman
Spark Plug:
a device inserted in the head of an internal-combustion engine cylinder that ignites the fuel mixture by means of an electric spark.
Exhaust Valve:
a valve through which burned gases from a cylinder escape into the exhaust manifold.
Intake Valve:
a valve that controls the flow of fluid through an intake.
Piston:
a solid cylinder or disk that fits snugly into a larger cylinder and moves under fluid pressure.
Piston rod:
a connecting rod that transmits power to or is powered by a piston.
Crankshaft:
a rotating shaft driven by (or driving) a crank.
Cylinder:
the chamber in which a piston of a reciprocating engine moves.
Rings:
seal consisting of a split metal ring that seals the gap between a piston and the cylinder wall.
The four-stroke engine consists of four steps; intake, compression, ignition and exhaust.
