Diesel engines are also referred to as?

Diesel engines are commonly referred to as compression ignition engines because of their unique method of combustion. In these engines, air is compressed to such a high pressure that it heats up significantly. When diesel fuel is then injected into this highly compressed and hot air, it ignites spontaneously without the need for a spark plug, which is a hallmark of the compression ignition process. This contrasts with other engine types where a spark is required to ignite the fuel-air mixture.

The terminology underscores the fundamental functioning of diesel engines—utilizing compression heat for ignition rather than relying on an external ignition source. This principle is crucial in understanding the efficiency and operational characteristics of diesel engines, including their ability to run on different fuel properties and produce higher torque at lower RPMs compared to other engine types.