Gasoline Engine Combustion: Shock-Wave or Expansion?

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alex1995x
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Hi all,

I was wondering if someone could please clarify the following for me. I read that in a gasoline engine there is no shock-wave in the detonation of gasoline. If there is no shock-wave, then how is the piston pushed down? Thanks in advance for the help

Alex
 
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I assume the combustion of fuel heats the compressed air, causing it to expand and push the piston down. That sound right?
 

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