Work

Work is defined as the product of force and distance

Work is done by the combustion action and here is how we know:

 

W=FxD

The piston obviously moves so there is a value for D

 

F=Ma

where:

M=mass in kilograms

a=acceleration

when an object changes in velocity it has acceleration so when the piston goes from 0m/s to moving it has acceleration and it obviously has mass

 

When the piston moves work is being done=MaD

 

Rotational work is equal to: W=T0 where:

W=work

T=net torque

0=radians moved

 

So the crank shaft does rotational work to perform a desired task such as moving wheels. 

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