
1 The reciprocating piston petrol engine
1.1 MODERN REQUIREMENTS
General background
The motor vehicle engine is basically a device for
converting the internal energy stored in its fuel into
mechanical energy. It is classified as an internal com-
bustion engine by virtue of this energy conversion
taking place within the engine cylinders.
Since the term 'energy' implies the capacity to per-
form work, the engine is thus able to propel the vehicle
along the road and, within limits, overcome unwanted
opposition to its motion arising from rolling friction,
gradient resistance and air drag. To facilitate this pro-
cess the engine is combined with a