how do reciprocating heat engines work?
There are various thermodynamic cycles in internal combustion and "steam" external combustion engines. I suggest you review Otto cycle (four-stroke automobile), Stirling cycle, Clerk cycle (two stroke), Diesel cycle and Rankine cycle (steam), using Google.
Note that the theoretically optimum Carnot cycle is not used in practice. It is simply too hard to implement in a high-rpm mechanical device. As I recall, the Stirling cycle comes closest, but you don't see it used often. The Stirling cycle is an external combustion method.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine
Reciprocating heat engines, also known as piston engines, are a type of internal combustion engine commonly found in cars, motorcycles, and some small aircraft. They work based on the principles of thermodynamics and use the expansion of gases to convert heat energy into mechanical work.
Here are the basic steps involved in the operation of a reciprocating heat engine:
1. Intake Stroke: The engine cycle starts with the intake stroke. The piston moves downward in the cylinder, creating a vacuum that draws in a fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber through an intake valve.
2. Compression Stroke: Next, the piston moves upward, compressing the fuel-air mixture. Compression increases the pressure and temperature of the mixture, preparing it for combustion.
3. Power Stroke: At the top of the compression stroke, a spark plug ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture. This combustion causes a rapid increase in pressure, forcing the piston back down in the cylinder. The downward motion of the piston is the power stroke, generating mechanical work.
4. Exhaust Stroke: After the power stroke, the piston moves back up to push out the exhaust gases created during combustion. An exhaust valve opens, allowing the burnt gases to be expelled from the cylinder.
These four strokes - intake, compression, power, and exhaust - form what is known as the four-stroke cycle. The reciprocating motion of the piston is converted into rotational motion through a crankshaft, which is then used to power the vehicle or machinery.
It's important to note that the heat required for the engine's operation is typically provided by burning a fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, in the combustion chamber. This heat energy is converted into work that can be used to propel a vehicle or operate machinery.
Overall, the reciprocating heat engine's functionality relies on the conversion of heat energy into mechanical work through a series of four specific strokes.