Explore the cycles that power internal combustion engines.
This historical technical work explains how gas and oil engines work, and how experts classify and compare their cycles.
James D. Roots presents a careful look at early engine theory and practice, tracing different cycle concepts from the first explorations to the key developments of the late 19th century. The book compares classifications proposed by engineers, explains the reasoning behind them, and illuminates the practical limits of compression, ignition, and expansion in various engine types.
- Clear explanations of cycle definitions and why certain engines are grouped together
- Discussion of ignition timing, compression, expansion, and exhaust in historical context
- Illustrations and diagrams that help visualize how different cycles operate
- A historical perspective on debates among engineers about stratification, speed, and efficiency
Ideal for students and engineers seeking a foundational, era-rich understanding of gas and oil engine cycles, and for readers curious about how early concepts shaped modern engine design.