Internal combustion engine

An inflammable liquid fuel is mixed with air to form a combustible mixture which is compressed and then ignited by an electric spark. The gases formed by the combustion expend, thrusting the piston out of the cyclinder, for example. This movement imparts a rotary motion to a crankshaft which can then be used to drive external devices (such as the wheels of an automobile). Various arrangements are possible to remove the burnt gases and draw in the fuel during the cycle (such as by the motion of the piston), the energy to do so being provided by a flywheel in which mechanical energy (from the crankshaft) is stored. Arrangements are also required to cool the engine.

A group meeting in closed session may raise an unresolved (and often emotionally charged) complex issue. If possibilities for resolving the issue are present an explosive interchange can be provoked. Whilst much of this may merely result in heated discussion calling for procedures to lower the temperature of the debate, some of the force of the interchange may be used to drive the group to external action (whether by resolution, remotivation or reaction). Various procedures may be used to clear the air, and maintain the momentum of the group in preparation for the next topic on its meeting agenda.

The highly engineered relationship between the different phases of the engine cycle and the processes required to contain a controlled series of explosions whilst preventing the engine itself from exploding. The stable cyclic relationship between combustion, gas and liquid within the solid engine block.

The importance of closed meeting environments is recognized, whether for think-tanks, election of a pope, or group therapy marathons. Frequent use is made in meetings of terms such as inflammable topic, charged atmosphere, provocative spark, explosive spark, explosive interaction, heated discussion, clearing the air, cooling, down, etc. No attempt has been made to provide metaphorical coherence in order to provide understanding of possible improvements to meeting efficiency.

Four stroke (induction, compression, ignition, power, exhaust) compared to two stroke gasoline engines. Multi-cylinder engine designs (6-cylinder, opposed piston, free piston, V-8, radial piston). Wankel rotating engine. Gas turbine. Types of fuel. Comparison with external combustion (steam) engine.