2.3. DIESEL ENGINE
A diesel engine is an internal combustion, oilburning engine using
compression ignition. Such an engine gets its power from the burning of a
charge of fuel within a confined space called a cylinder. Ignition occurs
when the fuel is ignited solely by the heat of compression, caused by
injecting the fuel into the highly compressed, and thereby highly heated,
air in the cylinder. A typical diesel engine designed for use in a diesel
electric locomotive is shown in figure 2.2. What are the advantages and
function of this engine?
Figure 2.2. Diesel Engine.
a. Advantages. The principal economic advantage a diesel engine has
over other internal combustion engines is fuel economy. This results from
the high compression ratio and the proportionately
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