A spectacular demonstration of energy transformation in an internal combustion engine

Abstract

The structure and operating principle of a four-stroke internal combustion engine are usually demonstrated using the cut-away model of an internal combustion engine or its computer animation. However, by observing the operation of the engine mechanism, the understanding of the main essence, which consists of the transformation of thermal energy from the combustion of gasoline into the mechanical energy of the piston movement is lost. This work describes the demonstration of the ignition and combustion of the fuel mixture and the transformation of thermal energy generated by the combustion of gasoline into the mechanical energy of the piston. A paper rocket is used instead of a piston for the spectacle of the experiment. This demonstration does not leave anyone from the audience indifferent. The dependence of rocket flight height on the mass of burned gasoline was established.