Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Tele man
...lookup the "auto-ignition" temperatures for gasoline (495ºF) and diesel (~600ºF).
• octane-rating is for gasoline...resistance to detonation
• cetane-number is for diesel...ignition delay or quality of combustion
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Being that
a combustion chamber must be ~100°F hotter to "auto ignite" diesel, it would require more compression to achieve the necessary temperature to auto ignite diesel than gasoline.
about.com defines detonation as: "Definition: An unwanted explosion of the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber caused by
excess heat and compression, advanced timing, or an overly lean mixture."
How can diesel fuel have a lower octane rating then regular gasoline then?
I hope I'm not pestering anyone, I really am trying to wrap my head around this.