Glow plug
From Academic Kids
Glow plugs are used to heat the combustion chamber of diesel engines in cold conditions to help ignition at coldstart. In the tip of the glow plug is coil of a resistance wire which heats up when electricity is connected.
In model aircraft, glow plugs are used for starting as well as continuing the power cycle. A small voltage (around 1.5 volts) is aplyed to the glow plug, the engine is then started, and the voltage is removed. The burning of the air/Nitromethane mixture keeps the plug hot, and allows it to ignite the next mixture.
