All about Engines...
Hello all,
I always used to wonder what engine is like.I basically didn't knew that an Engine may contain more than one piston cylinder arrangement.But its actually fun.
We normally just memorize the name by heart without thinking of its meaning.So let us take an effort to know what are different types of engines. There are also different types like Adiabati engine,Rotary engine,Wankel engines etc.
Engines are classified by following parameters:
1.Number of cylinders
there are generally 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,12 cylinder engines.It means that let say 4 cylinders are cascaded to form a one unit.Also known as 4 cylinder engine.
2.Arrangement of cylinders
The cylinders may be arranged in single line or in two rows.Half on both sides.So when you say V8 engine.It contains 4 cylinders each in 2 rows.When seen from front i.e; front view resembles English alphabet 'V'.Hence the name.
3.Arrangement of valve and valve trains
You may say these are the lungs of Engine.With the help of these air fuel mixture or simply air or 'whatever the engine is designed for' enters the engine.
There are several different arrangements of valve and valve trains.
a.Location of cam shaft
b.How the camshaft is driven
c.Types of valve train
d.Number of valves per cylinder
4.Type of cooling
This is a cooling arrangement.Basically a radiator arrangement.Ever seen a radiator? Yes you have.See any rolls royce on internet.On the front portion you will see net of black colour.that is actually the front portion of radiator.
5.Number of strokes per cycle (2 or 4)
The most powerful engine is 2 stroke engine.Because power is developed every alternate stroke.while for 4 stroke engine power is developed once in 4 strokes.
So a 2 stroke engine produces twice the power than a 4 stroke engine.
6.Type of fuel burned in that engine
Spark ignition engines usually burn gasoline or gasohol.It is a mixture of gasoline and alcohol.Some spark ignition engines especially in buses and trucks burn LPG or CNG.Diesel engines usually burn a light oil called diesel fuel.Flexible fuel vehicles can burn gasoline or alcohol blend fuels.
7.Method of ignition
In petrol engines the cycle used is Otto cycle.The air fuel mixture is first compressed and then spark is applied.
While in diesel engine diesel cycle is used.First only air is taken in and compressed and then a jet of diesel is applied 'igniting the air' in layman's terms.
8.Firing order
Firing order is sequence in which the cylinder deliver power strokes.Like in 4 cylinder engine the sequence is 1-2-4-3 or 1-3-4-2.It should be noted that all cylinders perform different processes at different times.When first cylinder is in power stroke other cylinder may be in suction while other is compression and remaining one in expansion stroke.This ensures uninterrupted generation of power.
9.Reciprocating or rotary
The engine may be reciprocating or rotary depending on what mechanisms are used.
What I tried to explain is a conventional system.Correct me if I am wrong anywhere.Those who are in their jobs may share their experiences with us.Because there is ample opportunity of innovation.
I always used to wonder what engine is like.I basically didn't knew that an Engine may contain more than one piston cylinder arrangement.But its actually fun.
We normally just memorize the name by heart without thinking of its meaning.So let us take an effort to know what are different types of engines. There are also different types like Adiabati engine,Rotary engine,Wankel engines etc.
Engines are classified by following parameters:
1.Number of cylinders
there are generally 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,12 cylinder engines.It means that let say 4 cylinders are cascaded to form a one unit.Also known as 4 cylinder engine.
2.Arrangement of cylinders
The cylinders may be arranged in single line or in two rows.Half on both sides.So when you say V8 engine.It contains 4 cylinders each in 2 rows.When seen from front i.e; front view resembles English alphabet 'V'.Hence the name.
3.Arrangement of valve and valve trains
You may say these are the lungs of Engine.With the help of these air fuel mixture or simply air or 'whatever the engine is designed for' enters the engine.
There are several different arrangements of valve and valve trains.
a.Location of cam shaft
b.How the camshaft is driven
c.Types of valve train
d.Number of valves per cylinder
4.Type of cooling
This is a cooling arrangement.Basically a radiator arrangement.Ever seen a radiator? Yes you have.See any rolls royce on internet.On the front portion you will see net of black colour.that is actually the front portion of radiator.
5.Number of strokes per cycle (2 or 4)
The most powerful engine is 2 stroke engine.Because power is developed every alternate stroke.while for 4 stroke engine power is developed once in 4 strokes.
So a 2 stroke engine produces twice the power than a 4 stroke engine.
6.Type of fuel burned in that engine
Spark ignition engines usually burn gasoline or gasohol.It is a mixture of gasoline and alcohol.Some spark ignition engines especially in buses and trucks burn LPG or CNG.Diesel engines usually burn a light oil called diesel fuel.Flexible fuel vehicles can burn gasoline or alcohol blend fuels.
7.Method of ignition
In petrol engines the cycle used is Otto cycle.The air fuel mixture is first compressed and then spark is applied.
While in diesel engine diesel cycle is used.First only air is taken in and compressed and then a jet of diesel is applied 'igniting the air' in layman's terms.
8.Firing order
Firing order is sequence in which the cylinder deliver power strokes.Like in 4 cylinder engine the sequence is 1-2-4-3 or 1-3-4-2.It should be noted that all cylinders perform different processes at different times.When first cylinder is in power stroke other cylinder may be in suction while other is compression and remaining one in expansion stroke.This ensures uninterrupted generation of power.
9.Reciprocating or rotary
The engine may be reciprocating or rotary depending on what mechanisms are used.
What I tried to explain is a conventional system.Correct me if I am wrong anywhere.Those who are in their jobs may share their experiences with us.Because there is ample opportunity of innovation.
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