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Internal Combustion

 J.M. Syken

Course Outline

Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1930s/40s/50s, we will examine the history, development and operation of the Internal Combustion Engine in its two basic forms: Diesel and/or Gasoline.

We will examine early sources of power to operate mills, factories, trains, ships etc. and their inherent characteristics. We will also examine the invention of the first coal-gas fired internal combustion engine (1860) and the developments thereafter that led to the Diesel engine and the gasoline powered engine.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

Intended Audience

This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.

Benefit to Attendees

The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the background, history, development, etc. the Internal Combustion Engine.

Course Introduction

The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;

Part 1 provides an overview of the development of mechanical power in the United States starting with the water wheel through to the development of Diesel and gasoline engines. Part 2 examines the development of the Diesel engine and its operation/maintenance. Part 3 examines the operation of a gasoline powered engine.

Course Content

Part 1 – To Power a Nation;
TITLE: This Nations Power (1940)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/ThisNationsP
DURATION: 08:28
Part 2 – Diesel Power;
TITLE: Diesel Story (1952)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/diesel_story
DURATION: 18:10
TITLE: Diesel Engine Governors (1942)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.dod.dimoc.23546
DURATION: 13:07
Part 3 – Gasoline Power;
TITLE: Something for Nothing (1940)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Somethin1940
DURATION: 08:48
TITLE: Down the Gasoline Trail (1935)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/DowntheG1935
DURATION: 07:57

Course Summary

In 1940, fully 75% of the nation’s power needs were being met by the internal combustion engine – whether it be Diesel or gas-powered. The Diesel engine led the way for what was a revolution in power generation achieving 27% efficiency in 1897 whereas a steam engine of the era rated about 6% efficiency. With crude oil came a by-product – gasoline, which was considered a waste product in the petroleum industry’s early days. When it was realized it was ideal for powering a light-weight internal combustion engine by simply combining it with air under pressure, the genie was out of the bottle.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_combustion_engine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Diesel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC5o3VNlJns
(Film: GM Diesel:Modern Power Diesel Locomotives - Burlington Zephyr)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m43V7M2rTE
(Film: Caterpillar Diesel Tractor [1937] - 18:51)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42CFGwtk5rk
(Film: Giant of the Earthmovers - 10:25)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eelVZGbvvF4
(Film: The Diesel Engine That Powers the World - 59:08)

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.