Rudolf Diesel was a German engineer and inventor born on March 18, 1858. He is best known for developing the diesel engine, a type of internal combustion engine that uses compression to ignite fuel. Diesel's invention aimed to create a more efficient and powerful engine compared to the existing steam engines and gasoline engines of his time. Diesel patented his engine design in 1892, and it was first demonstrated in 1897. His work laid the foundation for modern diesel technology, which is widely used in various applications, including transportation, power generation, and industrial machinery. Rudolf Diesel's contributions significantly impacted engineering and energy efficiency.