Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Internal Combustion Engines: Modeling Internal Temperature As A Function Of Time, Garrett Fandrich

Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two

Just like any thermodynamic system, combustion engines must be cooled to eliminate friction due to heat. Without proper cooling, internal components, such as connecting rods, rod bearings, and pistons can be severely damaged due to thermal expansion, leading to severe damage to the engine block or outright catastrophic failure. Modern engines are cooled using coolant, which flows through internal passageways within the engine block to pull heat away from the system. The use of coolant and external components, such as a water pump, radiator, and thermostat allow an engine to efficiently warm to standard operating temperature and remain at said …