Running Head: FOUR STROKE DIESEL ENGINE

Four Stroke Diesel Engine

Definition, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications
John Paul B. Untalan
Southern Luzon State University

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ABSTRACT

The aim of this report is to introduce the fundamentals of Four Stroke Diesel Engine. The
information traces the mechanism of the four stroke process. It also involves the advantages and
disadvantages of this type of diesel engine, as well as its different applications. Whenever
possible, the report explores and refers to current research and future developments in this field.
Key Words: engine, diesel engine, four stroke diesel engine.

FOUR STROKE DIESEL ENGINE

Four Stroke Diesel Engine

Definition, Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications
Four-stroke engine (also known as four-cycle engine) is a diesel engine in which the
generation process is divided into four parts. Each part is recognized as piston stroke. In diesel
engine, stroke is denoted to be the measure of the maximum distance through which the piston
moves between each end of its travel. It can be noticed that it is essential to move over two
complete strokes, up and down, during each revolution of the engine. During the four-stroke
engine process, the piston move two times up and down while the crankshaft move two complete
revolutions to accomplish the four piston cycle. Substantially, the four types of strokes involved
in this process are the suction or intake stroke, compression stroke, power stroke, and the exhaust
stroke. (Wharton,A.J. (1991). Diesel Engines. Oxford, United Kingdom: ButterworthHeinemann Ltd.) During the suction or intake stroke, a vacuum pressure is created in the
cylinder due to the downward movement of the piston, causing a fuel and air mixture to be
drawn from the intake port to the combustion chamber. The intake valve closes automatically as
the piston goes downward; beginning from the top until such period that it reaches the bottom
dead center. After the piston passes from the bottom of the cylinder, the compression stroke takes
place. Both intake and exhaust valves are closed during this process and it is where the piston
moves upward. The movement itself compresses the air into a small space between the top of the
piston and the cylinder head, which results to the compression of air. (Rajput, R.K. (2007).
Internal Combustion Engines. New Delhi: Laxmi Publications) Next is the start of the second
revolution cycle through expansion or power stroke. While the piston is at the top, the
compressed air is then ignited by the diesel engine generated heat. The consequential pressure
from the combustion of the compressed fuel-air mixture forces the piston to goes back down to

FOUR STROKE DIESEL ENGINE

the bottom dead center. Lastly, the exhaust stroke transpires to complete the four-stroke process.
It is when the piston once again moves upward while the exhaust valve is open and pushes the
compressed air through the exhaust port. As the piston reaches the top dead center, ending the
exhaust stroke, the intake valve opens to begin the suction or intake stroke for the next cycle, and
so on and so forth. (Ganesan, V. (2008). Internal Combustion Engines. 7 West Patel Nagar, New
Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.) The four-stroke diesel engine is commonly
used because of its numerous advantages compared with the other types. One reason is because it
will took longer for the fuel to exchange process resulting to a purer trapped charge. Another
thing is that the thermal loading associated with these engines is lower, and it makes the cylinder
heads and liners to be exposed to the most severe pressures and temperatures associated with
each combustion. It also has easier lubricant conditions for pistons, rings, and liners due to
absent of ports. All factors mentioned make the four-stroke diesel engine positive to achieve
more efficient output levels. (Baranescu, R., & Challen, B. (1999). Diesel Engine Reference
Book. Oxford, United Kingdom: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.) This type of engine is commonly
applied and used to power freight trucks, large tractors, locomotives, and marine vessels. There
are also limited number of automobiles also are diesel-powered, some are also used in electricpower generator sets. (Armstrong, L.V.H., & Proctor, C.L. (2008, October 6). Diesel Engine.
Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/technology/diesel-engine)

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References

Armstrong, L.V.H., & Proctor, C.L. (2008, October 6). Diesel Engine. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/technology/diesel-engine
Baranescu, R., & Challen, B. (1999). Diesel Engine Reference Book. Oxford, United Kingdom:
Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.
Ganesan, V. (2008). Internal Combustion Engines. 7 West Patel Nagar, New Delhi:
Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Ltd.
Rajput, R.K. (2007). Internal Combustion Engines. New Delhi: Laxmi Publications
Wharton, A.J. (1991). Diesel Engines. Oxford, United Kingdom: Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd.

FOUR STROKE DIESEL ENGINE

FOUR STROKE DIESEL ENGINE

FOUR STROKE DIESEL ENGINE

FOUR STROKE DIESEL ENGINE