Early IC and Automotive Engines

Selected pre-1900 IC engines and automotive engines of the 1900-1920 era are briefly described. The pre-1900 list includes atmospheric, non-compression, Brayton and the Otto four-stroke cycle engine. Performance data and pressure-volume diagrams of the various types are given. Emphasized in the section covering the first automobile engines are the limitations and difficulties imposed by available fuels, deficiencies in ignition, carburetion, combustion chamber design, etc., and how some of these problem areas were improved.