What is the first step in the diesel engine operation cycle?

The first step in the diesel engine operation cycle is the intake of air. During this phase, the engine draws in a significant amount of air into the cylinder through the intake valves as the piston moves down. This process is crucial for establishing the proper air-fuel mixture that will be used in the combustion phase that follows.

Once the air is drawn in, it is compressed in the next step, which significantly raises its temperature and pressure. The diesel engine relies on the high temperature of the compressed air to ignite the diesel fuel that is injected into the cylinder, starting the ignition and combustion phase. Therefore, the proper intake of air is essential, as it sets up the correct conditions needed for the subsequent compression and combustion processes to occur efficiently.