Automobile Engineering Practice Test: Supercharging of IC Engines — Flashcards

Supercharging is a process that increases the air supply to an internal combustion engine (IC). It's done by forcing air into the engine at a higher pressure than natural atmospheric induction. The higher pressure increases the mass of air that's drawn into the cylinders by the pistons during each intake stroke. This helps the engine burn more fuel and produces more power. 

Supercharging improves the high-altitude performance of an engine because it makes the engine smaller and less noisy. 
A supercharger is an air compressor or blower that's driven by the engine. The supercharger forces additional air into the engine, allowing for a greater volume of fuel to be burned.