The document describes the basic workings of a piston engine by explaining the combustion cycle that converts fuel into motion. It details how gasoline and air are injected into the combustion chamber and ignited by a spark plug, pushing the piston down and turning the crankshaft. The exhaust is then released to make room for the next cycle. It notes that early piston engines used steam instead of gasoline for power.

1. LEGO Piston Engine Model By James L. With some fun facts!

18. Here is a short diagram I made to show you what modern cars use for their fuel mixture.

20. The gasoline (fuel) is pumped into a tube with a controlled valve.

21. The gasoline is turned into mist mixed with air.

22. The mist is then sucked into the combustion chamber.

23. Here is how a piston works

24. Combustion Chamber

25. Starting Position

26. The Gasoline valve opens.

27. The mixture of gasoline and air is injected into the combustion chamber.

28. The mixture then occupies the chamber.

29. The Gas valve closes, leaving the mixture inside the chamber.

30. The spark plug shocks the chamber with lots of electricity.

31. BOOM! The spark plug ignites the mixture, which pushes down on the piston's top.

32. The piston's arm pushes down on one side of the wheel.

33. Because of the rotation of the wheel, it pushes on the piston. The hot gases from the mini-explosion turn into exhaust.

34. At this point, the exhaust will be released...

35. ...The exhaust valve opens to release the remnants and make space for the next combustion explosion.

36. The cycle goes on until the car is turned off.

37. Instead of injecting a gas and air mixture, it heated water in a boiler and was pressurized, then sent into the chamber which pushed the piston. Did you know? The combustion engine was first invented in a steam form.

38. The first piston engines were used in early steam trains.

39. Then steam cars came out, but weren't efficient

40. Then Gasoline cars came out

41. Which evolved into the cars we know today.

42. Thanks for watching!