In this blog post, we will look at how engines have developed alongside human civilisation, from simple prehistoric power devices to modern eco-friendly, high-performance engines.
Everyone has probably felt their heart race at the sound of a car or plane engine roaring as if it were about to tear the sky apart. In the film Mad Max, the 8-cylinder engine, which the characters shouted at with their mouths full of white paint, was like a god to the fanatics. Today, engines, located at the heart of machines such as cars and aeroplanes, deliver power to all parts of the machine, just like a heart. Engines, which have become an important institution in the modern era, have also been with humanity for a long time.
Engines first appeared in prehistoric times. In the past, humans used not only human power but also nature and animals to perform tasks that were beyond their capabilities or impossible to accomplish on their own. At that time, there was no concept of automation, so in order to obtain a sustainable power source from outside, it was necessary to build waterways like the Romans did in the past, or to use windmills in the Netherlands or waterwheels in Korea, which required additional materials.
Most of these additional materials were fixed to the ground or required the use of the ground, so early engines could only exist on the ground. It was not until the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries that engines became independent and capable of generating their own power.
With the introduction of combustion and pressure, which burn oxygen and fuel to obtain energy, engines that had been using the power of nature became capable of operating independently without accessories. Independently operating engines were finally able to leave the ground and began to develop into means of transportation, such as James Watt’s steam locomotive. According to Pulkrabek’s ‘Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine,’ internal combustion engines, in which combustion occurs inside the engine, became established during this period.
After the Industrial Revolution, just as living things on Earth evolved to have bodies suitable for the sky, land, and sea, engines also underwent steady development to suit their environment. Just as humans can only breathe in air and fish can only breathe in water, engines have undergone detailed differentiation to operate efficiently in specific environments. In addition, humankind has developed engines through continuous technological innovation, actively utilising the power of nature. During this development process, engines have evolved into various forms, and their importance and role have gradually expanded.
On land, engines have mainly developed as reciprocating engines based on piston and crank movements. William Crouse’s Automotive Mechanics, published in 2009, defines an engine as not only the cylinder where combustion takes place, but also the various shafts connected to the engine and other ancillary parts, including electrical devices. Unlike in the past, modern accessories do not transmit power from outside, but rather transmit the power generated inside the engine. Modern engine engineers are conducting extensive research not only on the combustion process of engines, but also on auxiliary devices. In particular, research on fuel efficiency and emission reduction is one of the key issues in modern engine development.
After taking off from the ground, engines gradually began to move into the sea and sky. In the sky, engines that actively utilise the air in the atmosphere appeared. However, unlike engines on the ground, there is not enough air in the sky, and in order to generate sufficient lift to stay in the air, engines had to fly faster, so research began on external combustion engines that could be left open to allow sufficient air intake. Engines that use compressors and turbines compress air together with fuel, which is then combusted, and the force generated by this combustion turns the turbine, propelling the aircraft forward. Currently, aircraft engines are being developed in a variety of sizes and for a variety of purposes, from large transport aircraft such as the Boeing 747 to high-speed fighter jets such as the F-22. The development of aircraft engines has enabled faster and safer flight and has greatly contributed to the advancement of aviation technology.
Unlike engines on land, marine engines do not push air, but must overcome the resistance of seawater to move forward, so they have evolved to be stronger and larger in order to generate enough propulsion to push seawater. Modern ships are the basis of material transport, so they must consider weight more than other modes of transport and be designed to maintain stability in variable weather conditions. Therefore, unlike car and aircraft engines, ship engines have been developed with a focus on maintaining the same efficiency in various situations. The development of ship engines has maximised the efficiency of maritime logistics and plays an important role in the growth of the global economy.
In the future, engines will become even more diversified. This is because the types of fuel are increasing over time, and new types of engines that utilise electric motors and plasma technology are rapidly emerging. In addition, while engines have been developed by incorporating cutting-edge technology to improve performance, in the future, the focus is expected to shift from performance to environmentally friendly energy sources such as electricity and solar energy, which can be used semi-permanently.
This is because environmental awareness has increased around the world, and the engine industry has become more desperate to develop eco-friendly engines in order to secure future competitiveness. Along with this, future engines are likely to become smarter and more efficient through integration with artificial intelligence. Engines, which have developed alongside humanity, have become indispensable in the modern era.
As humanity has grown rapidly with each new engine development, it is likely that engines will continue to be at the centre of future growth. Research and development of engines will continue to be important for the continued growth of humanity. In this context, the advancement of engine technology will go beyond mere mechanical innovation to improve the quality of life for humanity and become an important foundation for a sustainable future.
