In an internal combustion engine, what does the term 'TDC' stand for?

The term 'TDC' stands for 'Top Dead Center.' In the context of an internal combustion engine, TDC refers to the position of the piston at the highest point in the cylinder during its stroke. This position is significant because it is where the engine's compression stroke ends and the ignition of the air-fuel mixture occurs, leading to the power stroke. Understanding the TDC is critical for engine timing and performance, as it directly affects when valves open and close and when the spark plug ignites the mixture. This term is pivotal in engineering applications like tuning and system adjustments, ensuring that the engine operates efficiently under various conditions.