Educational Mechanics
Engines & Combustion
Overview
Engine and combustion systems are responsible for generating power by converting fuel and air into controlled mechanical motion.
This power is then passed to the drivetrain to move the vehicle.
This page provides a system-level overview of how engines operate and links to focused explanations of individual engine components and processes.
What This System Does
The engine’s primary role is to:
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Convert chemical energy in fuel into mechanical energy
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Deliver controlled power across a wide range of speeds and loads
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Operate efficiently, reliably, and within emissions limits
To achieve this, engine systems carefully manage air intake, fuel delivery, ignition, and exhaust flow.
How the System Is Structured
Most internal combustion engines follow a similar high-level structure:
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Air supply
Fresh air is drawn into the engine in controlled amounts. -
Fuel delivery
Fuel is introduced and mixed with air in precise proportions. -
Combustion and power generation
The air–fuel mixture is ignited, producing force that drives the engine’s moving parts. -
Exhaust and emissions control
Spent gases are expelled and treated before leaving the vehicle.
The exact layout varies depending on engine type, fuel used, and vehicle application.
Key Topics in This System
Engine Operation
How engines generate power through controlled combustion.
Ignition and Timing
How combustion is initiated and controlled.
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Ignition systems explained
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Engine timing basics
Exhaust and Emissions
How exhaust gases are managed after combustion.
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Exhaust systems explained
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Emissions control basics
Common Points of Confusion
Engine systems are often discussed as individual components, but in practice they operate as an integrated whole. Changes to air, fuel, or ignition all influence combustion behaviour and engine output.
Understanding the system as a whole helps clarify how individual components interact.
Where to Go Next
Continue learning by:
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Exploring another vehicle system
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Exploring a specific engine topic
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Browsing all video-supported explanations
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Looking up unfamiliar terms in the glossary