Piston

A piston is a cylindrical engine component that moves up and down or back and forth within a cylinder, used to convert pressure into mechanical work. It is a fundamental part of an internal combustion engine or a reciprocating compressor, where the motion of the piston helps in compressing gases or transferring power to other parts of a machine.

Piston meaning with examples

• In a car's engine, the piston plays a crucial role by compressing the air-fuel mixture to ignite it, generating the power needed to propel the vehicle.
• When maintaining the hydraulic system of a heavy-duty machine, the technician inspected the piston for any signs of wear or damage that could lead to inefficiency.
• The mechanical engineer designed a new piston that would improve the efficiency of the engine by minimizing friction and maximizing power output.
• During the testing phase, the team observed that the piston was not sealing properly in the cylinder, which resulted in decreased performance and more exhaust emissions.
• In the assembly of a bicycle pump, the piston moves smoothly to draw air in during the upstroke and push it out during the downstroke, ensuring the tire remains inflated.