What occurs during the 'combustion phase' in a diesel engine?

In a diesel engine, the combustion phase is critical for converting the energy in the fuel into mechanical energy. During this phase, the fuel indeed ignites due to the heat generated by the high compression of the air in the combustion chamber. Diesel engines operate on the principle of compression ignition, which means that the air is compressed to such a high pressure and temperature that when the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber, it ignites spontaneously without needing an external spark.

This process is essential because it leads to a rapid increase in pressure and temperature within the cylinder, driving the piston down and generating power. The efficiency of this ignition and subsequent combustion is what allows diesel engines to achieve higher torque and fuel efficiency compared to other engine types.

In this context, the other options refer to actions that occur at different stages of the engine cycle. While air is drawn into the combustion chamber during the intake phase, the exhaust gases exiting the engine take place after combustion is complete during the exhaust phase. Atomization of the fuel into droplets happens just before the combustion phase when the fuel is injected into the highly compressed air. Thus, the ignition of fuel due to heat from compression is the defining feature of the combustion phase in a diesel engine.