ADVERTISEMENT

Internal Combustion Engine

Heat engine with combustion of fuel and oxidizer

Internal Combustion Engine applies force to engine components using high-temperature gases from combustion, converting chemical energy into kinetic energy. First successful engine by Étienne Lenoir in 1860, modern Otto engine by Nicolaus Otto in 1876. Used in vehicles like cars, aircraft, and boats, powered by fuels like natural gas, gasoline, and ethanol.

Related

Industrial Revolution Nuclear Fusion Honda Motor Company James Watt General Motors Atomic bomb BHP Toyota Motor Corporation Thomas Newcomen Airplane

Timeline

First Internal Combustion Engine

In 1680, Christian Huyghens created the very first internal combustion engine, which ran on gunpowder unlike modern engines that use gasoline.

Samuel Brown patents first internal combustion engine in the US

In 1823, Samuel Brown patented the first internal combustion engine to be used industrially in the United States.

Reflections on the Motive Power of Heat

French engineer Sadi Carnot outlined internal combustion theory in his 1824 publication 'Reflections on the Motive Power of Heat', which laid the foundation for the development of internal combustion engines.

Patent for Gas or Vapor Engine by Samuel Morey

American inventor Samuel Morey is granted a patent for the principle of a 'gas or vapor engine', which includes the first known design for a carburetor.

Patent for Double-Acting Gas Engine by Lemuel Wellman Wright

UK patent no. 6525 is granted for a double-acting gas engine by Lemuel Wellman Wright, marking the first record of a water-jacketed cylinder in such engines.

Patent for Double-Acting Gas Engine by William Barnett

British inventor William Barnett is granted a patent for the principle of a double-acting gas engine, introducing in-cylinder compression and the use of a water jacket for cooling.

Barsanti and Matteucci invent first real internal combustion engine

In 1853, Father Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci of Florence invented the first real internal combustion engine, with their patent granted in London in 1854.

First Practical Use of Gas as a Fuel Source

Jean Lenoir achieved the first practical success with an internal combustion gas engine in 1860, using a 'two-stroke' engine design.

Four-Stroke Engine Principle Described by Alphonse Beau de Rochas

French engineer Alphonse Beau de Rochas describes the principle for the four-stroke engine in an essay and applies for a patent, which is later declared invalid.

First Commercially Successful Internal Combustion Engine by Eugen Langen and Nicolaus Otto

German engineers Eugen Langen and Nicolaus Otto produce the first commercially successful internal combustion engine, a gas-fuelled atmospheric engine that wins a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition.

Introduction of the Hugon Engine by Pierre Hugon

French engineer Pierre Hugon introduces the Hugon engine, an improved version of the Lenoir engine with flame ignition, better fuel economy, and water injection for cooling.

Invention of Four-Stroke Engine

In 1866, the four-stroke engine was invented, marking a significant advancement in internal combustion engine technology.

George Brayton invents first commercial liquid-fueled internal combustion engine

In 1872, George Brayton invented the first commercial liquid-fueled internal combustion engine.

First Modern Internal Combustion Engine (Otto Engine)

Nicolaus Otto created the first modern internal combustion engine, known as the Otto engine, in 1876. This engine design laid the foundation for future developments in internal combustion engines.

Internal Combustion Engine Four-Stroke Cycle Patented

In 1878, Nikolaus Otto patented the four-stroke cycle, which consists of intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes. This cycle is fundamental in internal combustion engines.

Karl Benz patents reliable two-stroke gas engine

In 1879, Karl Benz patented a reliable two-stroke gas engine.

Patent for Commercially Successful Two-Stroke Engine Design

Scottish engineer Dugald Clerk patented a commercially successful two-stroke engine design in 1881, which was one of the earliest to incorporate a supercharger.

Invention of the Six-Stroke Engine

The six-stroke engine was invented in 1883. Various types of six-stroke engines were developed, including the Griffin, Bajulaz, Velozeta, and Crower six-stroke engines, which utilized a regular piston in a regular cylinder and fired every three crankshaft revolutions.

Karl Benz creates the first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine

In 1885, Karl Benz became the first person to invent an automobile powered by an internal combustion engine, marking a significant milestone in automotive history.

Bertha Benz's Historic Long-Distance Drive

In August 1888, Bertha Benz, along with her sons, embarked on a 104-km road trip from Mannheim to Pforzheim in the Benz Patent Motor Car No. 3. This journey is considered the first long-distance drive in automotive history, showcasing the practicality of the new conveyance.

Gottlieb Daimler introduces the 'V' arrangement for cylinders in internal combustion engines

In 1889, Gottlieb Daimler enhanced the design of internal combustion engines by introducing the 'V' arrangement for cylinders, a significant innovation in engine technology.

Wilhelm Maybach builds the first four-cylinder, four-stroke engine

In 1890, Wilhelm Maybach constructed the initial four-cylinder, four-stroke engine, a significant advancement in engine design.

Benz Implements Internal Combustion in 4-Wheeler

In 1891, Benz became the first to use internal combustion to power a 4-wheel machine.

Rudolf Diesel develops first compression ignition engine

In 1892, Rudolf Diesel developed the first compressed charge, compression ignition engine.

Diesel Engines Invented by Diesel

In 1897, Diesel created diesel engines that utilized a different method of explosions for engine propulsion.

Rudolf Diesel uses peanut oil in diesel engine

In 1900, Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine, utilized peanut oil to operate his engines, showcasing an early example of renewable fuel usage in internal combustion engines.

Design of Mercedes Automobile by Wilhelm Maybach

Eleven years after the foundation of Daimler Motoren-Gesellschaft, Wilhelm Maybach designed the Mercedes automobile.

Construction of First V8 Engine by Léon Levavasseur

French engineer Léon Levavasseur builds the first V8 engine, the Antoinette 8V, for early French airplanes.

Development of Gas Turbine by Ægidius Elling

Norwegian inventor Ægidius Elling creates the first gas turbine capable of producing more power than required to run its components.

Introduction of Overhead Valve Engine in Mass-Production Car

The first overhead valve engine is fitted to the American Buick Model B sedan for mass production.

Patent of Exhaust-Driven Turbocharger by Alfred Büchi

Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi patents the exhaust-driven turbocharger.

Stanley Rocket Sets World Speed Records

In 1906, the Stanley Rocket, a steam car produced by Francis E. and Freeland O. Stanley, set five world speed records in Daytona Beach, Florida, reaching speeds over 127 miles per hour.

First Turbojet Engine - Heinkel HeS 1

In 1937, German inventors Hans von Ohain and Ernst Heinkel built the first turbojet engine, known as the Heinkel HeS 1 prototype engine.

Felix Wankel patents pistonless engine with rotary design

In 1954, German engineer Felix Wankel patented a 'pistonless' engine using an eccentric rotary design.

Introduction of Fuel Injection in the U.S. by General Motors

General Motors started using fuel injection instead of carburetion in 1957.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Catalytic Converters

Exhaust gas recirculation and catalytic converters are used to control pollutants like NOx and carbon monoxide by returning exhaust back into the engine intake and converting chemicals to CO2, H2O, and N2.

Introduction of Catalytic Converters in Automobiles

Automakers start using catalytic converters in response to stricter EPA regulations on automobile exhaust, marking a shift towards addressing environmental concerns in engine technology.

Isuzu builds ceramic engine

In 1983, Isuzu developed a ceramic engine that ran on diesel and consumed half the fuel of other engines at that time. The cylinders of the engine were made of ceramic.

Qoros Auto reveals Camless Piston Engine Vehicle

In 2016, Qoros Auto showcased a vehicle featuring a Camless piston engine technology. This innovation eliminates the need for a traditional camshaft, offering potential benefits in efficiency and performance.

Achates Power Achieves 55% Brake Thermal Efficiency in Reciprocating Engine

In 2017, Achates Power demonstrated a remarkable 55% brake thermal efficiency in a reciprocating engine. This achievement signifies a significant advancement in engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Maserati Introduces Pre-Chamber Ignition in Nettuno Engine

In 2020, Maserati incorporated pre-chamber ignition technology into its Nettuno engine. This innovation enhances combustion efficiency and power delivery in the engine.

End of the Timeline
Internal Combustion Engine

Popular

Pakistani politician and former cricketer

American Football

Contact team sport played in the United States.

American aerospace manufacturer and space technologies company.

The Coca-Cola Company

American multinational corporation founded in 1892

Artistic movement exploring the unconscious mind

ADVERTISEMENT

Recently Added

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

English professional football club in Brighton and Hove

Professional football club in West London

Burnley F.C. is a football club in Lancashire

A.F.C. Bournemouth

Football club with roots dating back to 1890

Gustave Courbet

French Realism painter and innovator

ADVERTISEMENT