In the context of an airplane engine, what does the term "stroke" refer to?

In the context of an airplane engine, "stroke" specifically refers to the movement of a piston within the combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the piston moves up and down in the cylinder during the engine's cycle, which involves intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes. Each of these movements—upward or downward—is termed a "stroke," playing a critical role in the engine’s ability to generate power.

Understanding strokes is essential because they directly relate to the engine’s cycle, which determines how fuel is burned and energy is produced. The efficiency and performance of the engine are heavily influenced by the stroke, as it affects the volume of air and fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber and the overall mechanical work produced by the engine.