|
Engines occur everywhere in our everyday life from around the house, to the ways we travel, where we work and in areas such as space exploration. They include engines that use different methods of operation, to those using different fuels.
Our view of the best types of engines continually changes due to improved technology and to the impact of climate change. It is also affected as some existing fuels may become unavailable in the future.
Many engine types are covered, from steam engines to rocket engines, from internal combustion to hybrid technology. The links cover single types, not a range of models within that type. Where possible, we have included animations for you to see how they work.
Most links concentrate on an individual engine type or format.
Automotive
- Battery-Powered or Hybrid Cars and Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles
Quite extensive plain text presentation. Regularly updated. A related page is entitled Physics in an Automotive Engine. - Car Engines
Most of us just get in, drive, and hope for the best. This site tells you about internal combustion, the various parts, what can go wrong, sub-systems and how to get more power. - Diesel Engine
History, timeline, how they work, types, advantages & disadvantages, safety modifying, other applications, future developments, references, external links. From Wikipedia. - Diesel Engine Fundamentals
Introduction and history, fundamentals, engine speed and protection, controls. Uses a mix of diagrams and text. - Future of Cars, The
A Thinkquest site that looks at future cars and how they might operate. It covers a range of options from hydrogen power on, providing both text, images and diagrams for each section. - How Car Engines Work
Looks at the internal combustion engine and its various parts. - How Hybrid Cars Work
How they work to help the environment, improve consumption and save you money. - Internal Combustion Engine
Operating principles, engine configurations, engine cycles, fuels and oxidisers, common components, engine parts, measures of performance, pollution, references, further links. From Wikipedia. - Introduction to Car Engines
Use the Preview links to see how different parts of automotive motors work. - Rotary Engines
An engine that was once seen as being the best for cars but did not live up to its proponent’s beliefs. Find out about the parts of the engine, how it’s put together, producing power and key differences. - Steam Cars
Technology, early steam cars, those in the early 20th century, modern steam cars, references, further links. From Wikipedia.
General Sites
- Animated Engines
‘Animated illustrations that explain the inner workings of a variety of steam, Stirling, and internal combustion engines. Each animated illustration now features a simple control panel’. - Automotive Animations, Calculations and Simulations
‘Car animations and java applets’. These range from two stroke to four stroke, internal combustion engines, diesel engines, Wankel engines and other automotive parts. - Engines
Use the Search process for Engines to access links for Engines of all kinds. Other aspects can be found in the Auto and Science : Engineering categories. -
How Jet Engines Work
From GE. A Quicktime presentation that takes you through how they work, components, safety, the environment and innovation.
Other Types of Engines
- Diesel Engines
Used especially in factories, cars and trucks. Find out about the diesel cycle and diesel fuel. - Diesel Locomotives
While similar to diesel engines, there are some significant differences. Find out about why hybrid/why diesel, steel wheels, the layout, the engine/generator, driving a locomotive and riding a train. - Electric Motors
They are literally everywhere, especially around the home [refrigerator, microwave, fans, etc.]. In some ways they are like little engines. Find out about parts, electro-magnets and motors and putting it all together. - Fuel Cells
Now being used to provide an engine to run things. Find out about what they are, proton exchange membrane, problems with them, efficiency, other types and applications. - Fusion Propulsion
A thing for the future using fusion, probably of hydrogen. Find out what fusion is. - Gas Turbine Engines
These are the engines on most major aircraft. Find out the background, advantages/disadvantages, the process involved and jet engine thrust. - How a Jet Engine Works
From About. Illustrations with information and links to sections on jet engine history, parts of a jet engine and jet engine types. - How Steam Engines Work
Introduction, operation, boilers and other information including some history. - Jet Engine
History, types, components, physical principles, designs, safety and reliability, environmental concerns, references, further links. From Wikipedia. - Electric Motor Resources and Articles
‘Provides you with thorough and referenced resource materials on various beginner and expert electric motor topics. Expect to find articles on short topics and more developed guides covering larger topics’. - Ramjet
History, design, components, related engines, references, further links. From Wikipedia. - Rocket Engines
The basis of our entry into space. Find out about the basics, solid fuel engines, liquid propellant rockets and other possibilities. - Steam Engines
Once very common in factories and in trains, the steam engine is rapidly being outmoded. Find out about both their operation and boilers. - Stirling Engines
Hardly heard of anymore but once very popular. Find out about the Stirling cycle, displacer type engine, two-piston engine and why they aren’t more common. - The History of Steam Engines
From About. Information with embedded links leading to specific topics. - Two-Stroke Engines
The engines on most round-the-home equipment [mowers, etc.]. Find out about the basics, the two-stroke cycle and disadvantages.