There are three steps of combustion

Preparation phase
Flame propagation phase
After burning

The preparation phase is also called a period of ignition lag.

There is some time interval between the first spark given to
the mixture (at A) and the first flame appears out of the
mixture.
This time interval is known as ignition lag(AB) . Due to this
combustion, there is a clear rise in cylinder pressure.

This ignition lag represents the preflame reaction.

According to the chain reaction theory of combustion, in
preflame reactions chain carriers(A chain carrier is an
intermediate species bearing an active site for the
propagation of a chain reaction.

Note: If an active site is on the terminal monomer unit of a

chain, the chain carrier is represented by the symbol m*) are
produced.
During the AB period, the angle changed by the crank b/w
points A and B is ignition delay angle.

Preparation phase depends upon the temperature of fuel,

pressure, molecular structure of fuel, density and air-fuel
ratio in the combustion chamber.

2. Flame Propagation Phase

When the first flame appears after the spark at point B, flame
travels surrounding and burns the fuel in different layers.
This fuel burning rate and flame speed are low and there is a
small and steady pressure rise in the combustion chamber.

This burning of air and fuel in the combustion chamber

continues further pressure and temperature rises.
It releases heat energy in the combustion chamber which is
transferred from burned to unburned charge.
The speed of flame propagation is becoming very high in the
range of 15 to 35 m/s.
Two phases can be distinguished by observing ( P – θ ).
Flame propagation phase starts when the pressure in the
combustion chamber starts rising at point B and the phase
ends when the highest pressure is achieved in the cylinder at
point C.
Curve BC represents the rate of pressure rise.
The rate of heat transfer to the cylinder walls is very low at
the beginning of the flame propagation phase.
3. After Burning
Point C is attained at second stage, it does not represent the
completion of the combustion of the mixture. Because of the
continuous burning of the remaining fuels in the cylinder.

During the expansion stroke, the combustion of air and fuel

mixture continues after point C. This phase is called after
burning. After burning represents the third stage of
combustion in SI engine up to point D.
During after burning phase, flame velocity reduces to a
certain level. This was the last phase of the stages of
combustion in SI engine.

The Mechanical Efficiency of IC engine formula is

defined as the ratio of brake power to the indicated power of
an IC engine.
The brake power of an IC engine is the power available
at the crankshaft for doing useful work. It is also known as
engine output power. The brake power of an I.C engine is
measured by a dynamometer.
The indicated power represents the total power available
from the expansion of the gases in the cylinders, excluding
any friction or heat, or losses in the system.
 The thermal efficiency of the IC engine is the ratio of
work output to heat supplied to the engine

Indicated thermal efficiency shows that how much heat

supplied is engine converts into the indicated power.
The indicated thermal efficiency is the ratio of the
indicated power (Power produced by burning fuel inside the
engine cylinder) to the heat energy supplied to the engine.

ITE = Indicated Power / Heat energy supplied

The brake thermal efficiency is the ratio of the brake

power to the heat energy supplied to the engine.
BTE = Brake power / Heat energy supplied.