2.3. DIESEL ENGINE
A diesel engine is an internal combustion, oil-burning 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
the high compression ratio and the proportionately
13