PIONEERS OF POWER

A brief chronological history of the development of internal combustion engines.

September/October 1990
Bud Motry 
John Ericsson
Image Gallery
John Ericsson.
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

20201 Arthur Rd. Big Rapids, Michigan 49307

RELATED CONTENT

In early engine development there were numerous scientists and engineers that contributed theories and knowledge of importance that was utilized by engineers of later date. With the limited background of information we have on the development of early engines it seems amazing that so few engineers accomplished so much in such a short period of time. The names of Otto and Langen, Mietz and Weiss, Daimler and Benz are readily recognized, but what information did they have to work with, and ultimately achieve success in their efforts?

The information submitted here may enlighten the problem to some extent, but admittedly is not complete for all those who contributed so much. The dates presented here may be in slight conflict with others encountered, depending on the source of information.

In 1824, Sadi Carnot, a French engineer, suggested fundamental ideas for an internal combustion engine. He proposed four valuable ideas.

1.  Self-ignition of fuel in highly compressed air.

2.  Compression of air before ignition.

3.  A means of cooling the engine cylinder.

4. Utilization of exhaust heat.

In 1833, John Ericsson, a Swedish-American inventor, designed his first engine to run on hot air. It operated on the principle that air drawn into a hot cylinder expanded and pushed a piston up. The horsepower developed would run a popcorn popper! In 1839, Ericsson came to the United States. By 1860 he had an engine that developed 11/4 HP at 45 RPM. It was used to pump water. Ericsson designed and built the 'Monitor' for the U.S. Navy in 1861-1862.

In 1859 crude petroleum was first produced by Edwin Drake at Titusville, PA. This was the derivative for gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil and asphalt. At this time gasoline was considered extremely dangerous.

In 1860 Lene Etienne Lenoir of Luxembourg was an advanced engineer of his time. He patented a one-cylinder two-cycle engine designed to run on gas. The term 'gas' as used on these early engines was not gasoline, it was a gas vapor sometimes called illuminating gas, coal gas, benzine or naphtha. However, Lenoir's engine was not commercially accepted because of its heavy weight and inefficiency. Lenoir also contributed to the development of the induction spark coil.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next >>
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


SUBSCRIBE TO GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE TODAY!
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Gas Engine Magazine is your best source for tractor and stationary gas engine information.  Subscribe and connect with more than 23,000 other gas engine collectors and build your knowledge, share your passion and search for parts, in the publication written by and for gas engine enthusiasts! Every month Gas Engine Magazine brings you: restoration stories, company histories, and technical advice. Plus our Flywheel Forum column helps answer your engine inquiries!

Be sure to take advantage of the Square Deal Subscription Program.

  • No Missed Issues.

  • No Renewal Notices.

  • No Additional Cost.

The Square Deal Subscription Program is designed as a paperless transaction with automatic renewals at a preferred low rate.   With advanced electronic notification, a 100% satisfaction guarantee and an easy opt-out plan, the Square Deal Subscription Program is the best value, risk free, eco-friendliest way to subscribe.