What is Spark Plug? Parts and Uses
What is Spark Plug?
Spark plugs, usually referred to as sparking plugs, are used in internal combustion engines to ignite compressed fuel/air mixtures using an electric spark.
A spark plug is a device used to transport electric current from an ignition system to the combustion chamber of a spark-ignition engine. This electric current regulates the combustion pressure inside the engine, which is caused by compressed fuel and air ignited by an electric spark. ignites the combination.
The spark plug is located in the cylinder head of the engine, which is primarily made of metal and threaded. A ceramic insulator separates the central electrode from the spark plug electrically.
The output terminal of the ignition coil or magneto is connected to the central electrode, which is made up of a resistor connected by an insulated wire.
You may be wondering what a magneto or ignition coil is now. A magneto spark ignition, like in a gasoline engine, supplies current to the engine's ignition system.
Spark plugs can also be used for various purposes, such as ionisation measurement in cylinders, igniting flammable fuel/air mixtures in furnaces, or SAAB direct ignition while not firing. Spark plugs are then typically utilised.
Spark plug history
A French engineer named Jean-Joseph Etienne Lenoir utilised the first spark plug in a gas engine in 1860.
However, according to certain sources and claims, Edmond Berger, a Togolian immigrant, invented spark plugs as early as 1839.
Spark plug operation
As you now know, a spark plug's function is to produce a spark at the precise moment that is needed to ignite a combustible combination. This combustible mixture is linked via a terminal to the high voltage produced by an ignition coil or magneto.
A voltage is created between the central electrode and the side electrode as current passes through the coil; once the voltage surpasses the dielectric strength of the gases, the gases start to ionise.
Additionally, this ionised gas turns into a conductor and permits the current to flow for a specific period of time.
Although it may occasionally reach 45,000 volts, a spark plug normally needs a voltage of 12,000 to 25,000 volts or more to ignite successfully.
Spark plug manufacturing
The shell, insulator, and centre conductor make up a spark plug. This includes several component kinds, including the ones listed below:
- Terminal
- insulator
- Ribs
- Sales
- Metal Case/Shell and
- Central Electrode
Terminal
The extremely tough ceramic substance sintered alumina is generally used to make insulators (Al2o3). Its main job is to support the core electrode mechanically and electrically while also providing an extended spark channel for flashover prevention.Ribs
The physical form of the ribs works to increase electrical insulation and stop electrical energy from escaping down the insulator surface from the high voltage terminal to the grounded metal casing by prolonging the surface between them. stops.
Seals
The seal is necessary to make sure that there are no leaks from the combustion chamber since the spark plug also closes the engine's combustion chamber when it is placed.
While previous type seals were often manufactured using multi-layer brazes, interior seals of current plugs are composed of crushed glass/metal powder.
Most manufacturers utilise a crush washer as the outer seal, although others may try to seal using a taper interface and a cheap technique called simple compression.
Metal Shell/Case
The jacket, which is the spark plug's metal case or shell, acts as a ground to control the sparks that travel from the central electrode to the side electrode and can withstand the torque created when the plug is tightened. It also serves to remove heat from the insulator and transfer it to the cylinder head.
Central Electrode
These typically feature a ceramic series resistance that acts to lessen the emission of Radio Frequency (RF) noise from sparking. They are connected to the terminal through an internal wire.
Conclusion:
These typically feature a ceramic series resistance that acts to lessen the emission of Radio Frequency (RF) noise from sparking. They are connected to the terminal through an internal wire.