VIDEO: the internal combustion engine, in all its 3D glory
Although simple in concept, the complexity of the internal combustion engine is mind-boggling. Most of the time we take it for granted when we turn the ignition key, shift into gear and step on the gas, but a marvel of mechanics, managing thousands of little explosions each minute, keeps us traveling smoothly down the highways and byways and streets where we live.
This video gives us an animated look at a virtual engine, from bare block to ignition. The inline-four engine is made by Deutz, an independent German machine manufacturer. See every component: casted this, braided that, spinning this, machined that. The animated video shows the engine assembling itself, then gives you an inside look at the combustion compartment, injecting fuel, igniting it and expelling the exhaust fumes.
As you marvel at the complexity of it all, remember that this is a relatively simple four-cylinder engine. Imagine throwing in a few more cylinders, a turbocharger or two, variable valve timing... you get the idea.
[Source: Deutz AG]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kevin White 3:18PM (10/23/2006)
Excellent. I like that. How do I save that to the desktop?
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Saddles 3:21PM (10/23/2006)
Wow...impressive. I can't imagine how long it took their CAD people to do all that animating, down to the screws actually turning.
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Brian 3:31PM (10/23/2006)
This is actually really fricken old. It's been a screensaver for a long time now. Just search for deutz screensaver.
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Hamud 3:36PM (10/23/2006)
#1, Go to www.keepvid.com then paste the link of the video and you will obtain a link to download the flash video. All you will have to do is play the video with a Flash Player, found at the same site, or convert the video to another extension.
That's a great video, I have it divided in two parts with the assembly and functioning, really amazing, explains a lot.
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Noah 3:47PM (10/23/2006)
If only real engines were always that clean!
--Noah
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Noah 3:47PM (10/23/2006)
I can't wait to show this to my wife, she'll love it.
--Noah
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Marcus 4:22PM (10/23/2006)
Sure looks like a Honda B-series engine, but then again maybe most inline-fours look like that anyways.
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Peter 4:35PM (10/23/2006)
Now, for comparison's sake, an electric motor:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3668067480550329129
One moving part. Two bearing interfaces. No oil or coolant. No intake or exhaust.
Consider how much easier to manufacture and service that is. Not that you would ever have to service it, since almost nothing can go wrong.
Great video, though. The internal combustion engine is an impressive feat of engineering, complexity notwithstanding.
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iQuack 4:56PM (10/23/2006)
Superb video!
Here's another one showing a simpler engine design:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAVHMMSaodM
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Robert Brodrecht 5:08PM (10/23/2006)
I like this one:
http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com/wankel-engine-animations/renesis-animation.html
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iQuack 5:35PM (10/23/2006)
And speaking of the rotary engine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHzeGEHWMjo&search=mazda%20
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Kevin White 6:12PM (10/23/2006)
#4 -- thanks!
#10 -- wow, that's equally cool (former 86 RX-7 owner here)
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Nick 12:24AM (10/24/2006)
Same thing for transmissions please. ?
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Eric L. 6:29PM (10/23/2006)
Great find, autoblog!
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T_biz 6:40PM (10/23/2006)
best clip ever!!
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Gian 7:08PM (10/23/2006)
I'm sorry, I've have this animation in a longer version for a while and this is a FORD Duratec HE 4 Cylinder PFI (port fuel injection) engine developed in Cologne (Merkenich). If anyone want's it I could e-mail it to you.
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S2KWIK 8:21PM (10/23/2006)
My favorite, the F20C from the S2000:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2842254698128575108&q=s2000+motor
International Engine of the Year winner 5 consecutive years (2000-2004) for the 1.8-2.0L category.
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Haje Jan Kamps 6:48AM (10/24/2006)
In order of introduction:
Engine block (big alu / magnesium)
Crankshaft
Cranks
Pistons
Piston bearings
Flywheel
Engine head
valves
springs
tappets
Camshafts
Head gasket
Then, engine head goes on the engine block
Oil pump
Timing belt (in this case, timing chain)
Timing belt cover
Rocker cover with oil cap
Rocker cover gasket
Oil sump
Oil filter
Coil
Distributor
Water / cooling in and out and piping
Inlet manifold with throttlebody at the top right (silvery thing)
Dipstick
Injectors (green)
Electric wiring for injection and ignition system
Spark plugs + distributor cap
Engine turns over - Water pump goes on
Auxhillary water pump goes on
Alternator
Exhaust manifold (gold coloured)
Then demonstrates how an engine works when its running. Rather self-explanatory.
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south 10:05AM (10/24/2006)
Haje Jan Kamps: thanks! I've copied your post and will study it in detail later. you should be a teacher.
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David Lucas 1:36AM (11/28/2006)
you can download the screensaver from my site
http://davidandmelanie.r8.org/
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