Last Updated:

2024-05-02 17:03:14

Internal Combustion Engine

Heat engine with combustion of fuel and oxidizer

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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.

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1680-04-01

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.

1698

Invention of Steam-Powered Pump by Thomas Savery

In 1698, English engineer Thomas Savery created a steam-powered pump to extract water from mines. This invention was later improved upon by Thomas Newcomen.

1791

Gas Turbine Engine Principle Described by John Barber

British inventor John Barber described the principle for a gas turbine engine in a patent for producing motion and facilitating metallurgical operations.

1794

Reciprocating Piston Engine by Robert Street

Robert Street built a reciprocating piston engine fuelled by gas vapours, using the piston's intake stroke to draw in outside air and igniting the air/fuel mixture with an external flame.

1798

John Stevens designs the first American internal combustion engine

In 1798, John Stevens created the first American internal combustion engine, contributing to the early development of engine technology in the United States.

1801

Compression Concept in Two-Stroke Gas Engine by Philippe LeBon D’Humberstein

French engineer Philippe LeBon D’Humberstein theorised the concept of using compression in a two-stroke gas engine.

1807

Nicéphore and Claude Niépce run prototype internal combustion engine

In 1807, French engineers Nicéphore and Claude Niépce demonstrated a prototype internal combustion engine, known as the Pyréolophore, utilizing controlled dust explosions, a pioneering step in engine technology.

1808

François Isaac de Rivaz invents hydrogen-based internal combustion engine

In 1808, Swiss engineer François Isaac de Rivaz invented a hydrogen-based internal combustion engine, showcasing an early exploration into alternative fuel sources for engines.

1813

François Isaac de Rivaz drives the first car-like vehicle powered by an internal-combustion engine

In 1813, Swiss engineer François Isaac de Rivaz successfully drove a hydrogen and oxygen-powered internal-combustion engine fitted to a four-wheeled wagon, marking a milestone as the first car-like vehicle powered by such an engine.

1820-04-01

Rising of Gasoline as an Internal Combustion Fuel Source

Around 1820, gasoline started being used as a fuel source for internal combustion engines, although with limited success.

1823

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.

1824

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.

1826

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.

1833

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.

1838

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.

1853

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.

1854

Barsanti and Matteucci obtain certification for Obtaining Motive Power by the Explosion of Gases

In 1854, Italian inventors Eugenio Barsanti and Felice Matteucci obtained certification for their invention of obtaining motive power by the explosion of gases in the UK.

1858

Jean JosephÉtienne Lenoir patents electric spark-ignition engine

Belgian-born engineer Jean JosephÉtienne Lenoir invented and patented a double-acting, electric spark-ignition internal combustion engine fueled by coal gas, later improving it with petroleum and a primitive carburetor for a successful road trip.

1860-04-01

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.

1861

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.

1862

Prototype Four-Stroke Engine by Nicolaus Otto and Michael Zons

German engineers Nicolaus Otto and Michael Zons build a prototype four-stroke engine from a modified Lenoir engine, but it self-destructs after running for a few minutes.

1863

Étienne Lenoir's Hippomobile

In 1863, Belgian inventor Étienne Lenoir developed the 'hippomobile,' powered by his own gas engine and fueled by a turpentine derivative. Although it was the first vehicle with an internal combustion engine, the hippomobile faced challenges such as weight and limited speed.

1864

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.

1865

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.

1866-04-01

Invention of Four-Stroke Engine

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

1872

George Brayton invents first commercial liquid-fueled internal combustion engine

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

1873

George Brayton develops two-stroke kerosene engine

In 1873, American engineer George Brayton developed an unsuccessful two-stroke kerosene engine with two external pumping cylinders. Despite its lack of success, it was considered the first safe and practical oil engine.

1875

Siegfried Marcus' Second Car

Siegfried Marcus built his second car in 1875, which was claimed to be the first vehicle powered by a four-cycle engine and the first to use gasoline as a fuel.

1876

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.

1877

Nicholas Otto Patents Four-Stroke Internal Combustion Engine

In 1877, Nicholas Otto filed a patent for a four-stroke internal combustion engine, a significant development in engine technology.

1878

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.

1879

Karl Benz patents reliable two-stroke gas engine

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

1881

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.

1883

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.

1884

Development of High-Speed Four-Stroke Engine

In 1884, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach developed the first successful high-speed four-stroke engine and invented a carburetor that enabled the use of gasoline as fuel. This innovation paved the way for modern gasoline engines.

1885

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.

1886-07

Introduction of the Benz Patent Motor Car

In July 1886, Carl Benz introduced the Benz patented motor car during a test drive in Mannheim. Despite initial struggles to find buyers, the motorised velocipede eventually gained popularity, leading to commercial success.

1888-08

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.

1889

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.

1890

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.

1891-04-22

Benz Implements Internal Combustion in 4-Wheeler

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

1892

Rudolf Diesel develops first compression ignition engine

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

1897-04

Diesel Engines Invented by Diesel

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

1899

Simplification of the two-cycle engine design by John Day

In 1899, John Day simplified Dugald Clerk's two-cycle engine design, leading to the creation of the widely used type of 2 cycle engine seen today.

1900

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.

1901

Design of Mercedes Automobile by Wilhelm Maybach

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

1902

Construction of First V8 Engine by Léon Levavasseur

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

1903

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.

1904

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.

1905

Patent of Exhaust-Driven Turbocharger by Alfred Büchi

Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi patents the exhaust-driven turbocharger.

1906

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.

1925

Gasoline Direct Injection Engine Built by Jonas Hesselman

Swedish engineer Jonas Hesselman constructs the first gasoline direct injection engine, the Hesselman engine, for trucks and buses.

1937

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.

1939

Pioneering Gas-Turbine Engines for Aircraft Propulsion

Hans von Ohain and Frank Whittle develop gas-turbine engines for aircraft propulsion, leading to the introduction of turbojet-powered flights in Germany and England.

1941

Pioneering Gas-Turbine Engines for Aircraft Propulsion

Hans von Ohain and Frank Whittle pioneer gas-turbine engines for aircraft propulsion, enabling turbojet-powered flights in Germany and England.

1954

Felix Wankel patents pistonless engine with rotary design

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

1957-03-01

Un Nuevo Motor de Explosion

A patent for a new internal combustion engine, published in 1957.

1957-04-01

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

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

1959-09-01

Motor de Carreras Distintas

A patent for different racing engines, published in 1959.

1970

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.

1975

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.

1976-11-01

Perfeccionamientos en Motores de Explosion, con Cinco Tiem-Pos y Doble Expansion

A patent for improvements in internal combustion engines with five strokes and double expansion, published in 1976.

1983

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.

2014

Liquidpiston prototype engine with inverted wankel design

In 2014, Liquidpiston revealed a prototype engine with an inverted wankel design, featuring a triangular combustion chamber and oval rotor.

2016

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.

2017

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.

2020

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.

2022

Avadi MA-250 Engine with Rotating Piston and Connecting Rods

In 2022, the Avadi MA-250 engine was introduced featuring a unique design where the piston and connecting rods rotate during engine operation. This design innovation aims to improve engine efficiency and performance.

End of the Timeline
Internal Combustion Engine