<div class="htmlview paragraph">The refinement of heat release analysis stems from the recognition that a combustion system is intrinsically non-linear. Thus, as appropriate for such an entity, its properties are expressed in terms of a thermochemical phase (or state) space, of which the thermodynamic aspects are exposed on a so-called Le Chatelier diagram, providing the fundamental background for the development of micro-electronic control to attain the most effective utilization of fuel. Implementation of this method of approach is illustrated by the analysis of the exothermic process taking place in two typical internal combustion engines, spark-ignition and diesel.</div>