Reciprocating engine

A reciprocating engine, also often known as a piston engine, utilizes one or more pistons attached to a crankshaft, in order to convert pressure into a rotating motion.

Typically fueled by either gasoline or diesel fuel, the fuel is ignited in a combustion chamber, the bottom of which is a movable piston, and forces the piston in a downward direction, forcing the crankshaft to rotate.

Though not often used today, steam is another power source for reciprocating engines, with high pressure steam being inserted into the chamber above the piston, instead of a petroleum product.