4K High-speed camera explains Engine COMBUSTION (12 GIFs)

1  GIF Let’s slow the bang inside your engine to see the split-second that moves your car. 2  GIF Matt Mikka took a small 3-hor...

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Let’s slow the bang inside your engine to see the split-second that moves your car.

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Matt Mikka took a small 3-horsepower flathead engine…

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…then hand built a glass head…

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…and used a ultra high-speed camera to capture awesome footage.

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Seeing the process at 4K
(4,000 Frames per Second)
Is pure eye-candy.

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So let’s fire this baby up and learn the basics.

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Most people understand that gas lights and the explosion turns the tires.
Here’s what you’re looking at…

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FOUR-stroke Engine
This simply means, 1 full cycle has 4 steps.

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Step 1
Intake valve opens – letting air and fuel into the chamber while the piston is moving DOWN
Step 2
Piston moves UP – this compresses the fuel
Step 3
BOOM – fuel is ignited, forcing the piston DOWN
Step 4
Exhaust valve opens – finally the piston moves back UP which forces the exhaust out

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Now let’s change up the fuel from Regular Gasoline to clear Rubbing Alcohol.

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LESS BOOM
This shows combustion in a “Lean state”.
Too much Air too little flammable fuel.

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Rubbing Alcohol – unburned gas leaving the port

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Compare the GIF Above/Below
This shows combustion in a “Rich state”.
Why
Because this time Acetylene – colorless gas – is used for a big BOOM

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Lean state = Less power but better Miles-per-gallon
Rich state = More power but a lot more pollution
Which one do you think Dragster engines use?
Obviously, more BANG.
Now for the car guys/gals???
Which one burns HOTTER???

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For everyone else, just here for the basics;
I hope this gave you a basic once-over on how engine combustion works.
Thanks for taking the time to give ‘er a read. -Rick

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Check-out Matt Mikka’s full video ABOVE.