Autoblog

We all learn the theory of what happens inside an internal combustion engine; a mixture of fuel and air is ignited by a short electric spark. Some people describe the ensuing event as an explosion, but the ideal is a controlled burn, but it's still so fast that it could be confused for an uncontrolled explosion. An engine is a practical application of thermodynamics, when it comes right down to it. The piston moves by the pressure exerted by the burning fuel mixture, and as the piston moves down the bore, pressure reduces, and work is extracted from the fuel.

Of course, there's a lot more to it, but that's the basics. We're sure you had a little animated diagram dancing around in your head the first time you really tried to understand the common Otto cycle. My mental flash player still fires up when I'm trying to figure out different cycles like the Atkinson. Wouldn't it be great to actually see inside the cylinder during combustion events? No, we didn't videotape our lawnmower with a Colortune plug -- this technique is far fancier.

Video and technique info after the jump

[Source: Hemmings]

Looks like Dr. Evil was ahead of his time. We may not have sharks with "frickin' laser beams" yet, but a team of Colorado State University researchers have applied for a patent for laser spark plugs.

In a bid to create a longer-lasting spark plug, the research team hopes to replace electrical ignition with lasers and fiber optics. An infrared neodymium-YAG laser creates the energy, which is carried to the cylinders via optical fibers. A lens focuses the energy, triggering the breakdown of gas inside the cylinder and generating a plasma spark to ignite the fuel. (The patent application explains it in detail, here. Related CSU research is described here.)

Aside from the undeniable coolness factor, what's the point of a laser ignition system? Aside from a longer-lasting ignition trigger, the laser system could allow engineers to optimize spark location, deliver a hotter spark and increase the efficiency of the engine, leading to lower emissions.

Source: NewScientist via Le Blog Auto]