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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.1. – Engine Layout

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.2. – The Theoretical “Otto” Cycle

Otto Cycle – 4 Stroke Cycle

Stroke: Linear distance that the piston

moves within the cylinder

TDC – Top Dead Center: Top position

of a stroke

BDC – Bottom Dead Center: Bottom

position of a stroke

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.2. – The Theoretical “Otto” Cycle

Otto Cycle – 4 Stroke Cycle

Crank Throw: Radius of the crankshaft

measured between shaft axis and
connecting rod big end assembly

Crank Shaft rotates 180º per esach

piston stroke

It rotates 720º in a complete cycle

Bore: Internal diameter of the cylinder

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.2. – The Theoretical “Otto” Cycle

Otto Cycle – 4 Stroke Cycle

STROKES

- Induction

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.2. – The Theoretical “Otto” Cycle

Otto Cycle – 4 Stroke Cycle

STROKES

- Induction

- Compression

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.2. – The Theoretical “Otto” Cycle

Otto Cycle – 4 Stroke Cycle

STROKES

- Induction

- Compression

- Explosion (Power)

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.2. – The Theoretical “Otto” Cycle

Otto Cycle – 4 Stroke Cycle

STROKES

- Induction

- Compression

- Explosion (Power)

- Exhaust

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.2. – The Theoretical “Otto” Cycle

Otto Cycle – 4 Stroke Cycle

VALVE TIMING

- Theoretical

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.2. – The Theoretical “Otto” Cycle

Otto Cycle – 4 Stroke Cycle

VALVE TIMING

- Practical

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.3. – Definitions

Ineffective Crank Angle

Ineffectiveness of the piston work over

the crankshaft due to small displacement
of the piston (near TDC and BDC)
comparing with the large angular
movement of the crank shaft

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.3. – Definitions

Valve Lead: Valves opens before

theoretical opening time

Valve Lag: Valves remain open after

theoretical closing time

Valve Overlap: Period when both valves

are partially open together

Valve Overlap improves volumetric efficiency of the engine

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.3. – Definitions

Pressure
Vs
Volume
Diagram

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.3. – Definitions

Power/Work
Diagram

This diagram result in an

average reading of
pressure on the piston
during the working cycle
being available which is
termed as Indicatated
Mean Effective Pressure

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.3. – Definitions

MAP - Manifold Absolute Pressure

MAP is representative of cylinder pressure

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.3. – Definitions

Determining the Power

IHP – Indicated Horse Power: Theoretical value of power developed by an engine when in operation

FHP – Friction Horse Power: Power loss due to friction between moving parts

BHP – Brake Horse Power: Effective power developed by an engine at the shaft, which can be
converted into thrust

BHP = IHP - FHP

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.4. – Specific Fuel Consumption – SFC

Fuel Burnt
SFC =
Unit Time x Unit Power

Power reduction for the same fuel burnt – increase in SFC

SFC is essencially determined by the pilot operation of the engine

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.5. – Engine Efficiencies

General Concept

Energy Output
Engine Efficiency=
Energy Input

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.5. – Engine Efficiencies

Mechanical Efficiency

BHP
Mechanical Efficiency=
IHP

Obs.: For most of the piston engines, mechanical efficiency would be about 80% to 85%

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.5. – Engine Efficiencies

Thermal Efficiency

Heat Converted into Work

Thermal Efficiency=
Heat Energy Available within the Fuel

Obs.: As an average value, piston engines has a thermal efficiency of 25% to 28%

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.5. – Engine Efficiencies

Volumetric Efficiency

Weight of Mixture actually Induced

Volumetric Efficiency=
Weight of Mixture necessary to fill the cylinder at
a normal temperatures and pressures

Obs.: An normally aspirated engine will have a volumetric efficiency of 75% to 85% maximum

RMK: Volumetric efficiency could be improved with supercharger systems

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.6. – Compression Ratio

Total Volume
CR =
Clearance Volume

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.7. – Engine Construction

The Crankcase
-  Houses main bearings for the crank shaft

-  Support cylinders

-  Provide attachment points at the back to install other

components

-  Vent prevent gas pressure build inside

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.7. – Engine Construction

The Crankshaft

It converts the reciprocating or linear

motion of the piston into rotary motion

Transmit torque to the propeller

Provide drive force to the accessories

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.7. – Engine Construction

Connecting Rods

Transmit the forces of the combustion

to the crankshaft

Convert linear movement of the pistons

into rotary motion of the crankshaft

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.7. – Engine Construction

Pistons

Transmit the force of the expanding gases

via the connecting rod to the crankshaft

Compression Rings

Prevent gas leakage to the crankcase

Oil Control Rings

Spread oil evenly arround cylinder inner walls

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.7. – Engine Construction

Cylinder Barrel or Block

Cylinder inside which combustion occurs

Cylinder Head

Top of the cylinder where valves and spark plugs

are mounted

RMK: Cylinder must be cooled by means of liquid or ram air

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.7. – Engine Construction

Valve Operating Gear

Mechanical system to open/close valves

Controlled by the Camshaft

Camchaft rotates at half of the speed of the

Crankshaft

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Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.7. – Engine Construction

Sump

Casing attached to the base of the crankcase

Storage space for lubricating oil (Wet Sump)

Chapter 2 – Piston Engines. General

2.7. – Engine Construction

Carburettor

System Used to meter the air entering the engine and adds the required amount of fuel for all
conditions or engine running speeds

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QUESTIONS

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