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November 09, 2007

When Mr. Wizard meets Mr. Goodwrench

Ever wonder what goes on inside your car's engine to make it move on down the highway? Thanks to the wonders of highspeed microphotography -- and a pretty tough video camera -- you can see for yourself.

The valve on the right opens, spraying fuel into the cylinder; the piston moves up, lightning flickers from the sparkplug's electrode: combustion, flames dancing briefly across the chamber. Then the exhaust valve opens on the left, drawing the hot gases out.

Neat stuff.

Posted by Mike Lief at November 9, 2007 06:28 AM | TrackBack

Comments

Very cool, but it looks like the exhaust stroke was edited out each time. Am I incorrect? If not, how come?

Posted by: ecmarm at November 9, 2007 09:25 AM

I think you're right, but I've no explanation for the edit.

Posted by: Mike Lief at November 9, 2007 10:40 AM

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