AGK - Engines Flashcards
What is Boyle’s law?
Assuming constant temperature:
PV = Constant
What is Charle’s law?
Assuming constant pressure:
v ~ T
What is the combined gas law?
Combining Boyle’s (PV = Constant)
and Charle’s (V~T)
PV/T = Constant
What is it called when all the ends of an engine line up?
Top dead centre (TDC)
Bottom dead centre (BDC)
What are the four strokes?
Induction
Compression
Power
Exhaust
How is the practical 4 stroke cycle different from the theoretical one?
Practical cycle takes into account the gases having momentum.
During TDC/BDC there is little linear movement of the piston fo the same angular movement of the crank.
This is ineffective crank angle, there is little change in cyclinder pressure so gasses struggle to enter/exit.
Valve and ignition timing are adjusted in the form of valve lead/lag to account for this, this is the practical 4 stroke cycle.
What is valve lead? (Inlet)
As exhaust stroke comes to the end, but before the induction stroke, the inlet valve opens allowing the momentum of the gases leaving the exhaust to use pressure to pull more fresh mixture in.
What is valve lag? (Inlet)
The inlet valve remaining open beyond BDC after the induction stroke, allowing the intertia of the gas to pull more mixture in at this ineffective crank angle.
What is the equation for thrust?
F = M * (Vjet - Vflight)
What is 1 horsepower in watts?
1 horsepower = 740 watts
What is thermal efficiency?
Ratio between heat energy converted into power output and total heat energy within the fuel.
30% Typical value
What is mechanical efficiency?
The power output of the engine at propshaft compared to the theoretical power output.
Typically 80%
What is volumetric efficiency?
The volume of the charge compared to the avaliable volume.
What is an adiabatic process?
Change in pressure caused by change in volume with no heat energy added or removed.
What is an isochoric process?
Change in pressure with no change in volume.
What is stroke?
Distance the piston travels between the lowest and highest points (TDC & BDC)
When does ignition occur?
Between compression and power strokes
How far does the crank rotate for a stroke?
180 Degrees
What is ineffective crank angle?
Small linear movement of the piston at TDC/BDC for the same angular rotation of the crank.
What does the theoretical cycle assume about combustion time?
It’s instant
What two things do we change in the practical Otto cycle?
Valve timing
Ignition timing
When does valve lead occur on exhaust?
At the end of the power stroke the exhaust valve opens early as most of the energy has been imparted in the inertia of the gases remaining.
When does valve lag occur on exhaust?
Valve remains open during the start of the induction stroke to account for inertia of gases allowing maximum mixture to enter.
During this point we get valve overlap from the inlet valve being open at the same time as the exhaust.
What is valve overlap?
When the exhaust valve lag from the exhaust stroke and the inlet valve lead for the induction stroke, both valves are open at the same time.
What are valve lead/lag measured in?
Degrees of crank rotation
In practical cycle when does compression occur?
When inlet and exhaust are closed
Why do we use valve lead/lag
Increase volumetric efficiency.
Why do we change ignition timing?
Rate of combustion is constant but RPM isn’t!
At high RPM maximum pressure from combustion might be past TDC so we need to advance the spark times so it occurs more early!
Likewise at low RPM peak pressure from combustion could occur before TDC so we must retard spark timing so it occurs later.
What do we do to spark timing at high RPM?
Advance spark timing
What do we do to spark timing at low RPM?
Retard spark timing
Speed of camshaft vs crankshaft?
1/2 Speed of the crankshaft
What determines engine power?
Mass of the mixture ignited in cyclinder
What is the firing interval of a multi-cylinder engine in degrees?
720/Number of cylinders
Radial vs rotary engine?
Rotary has a fixed crankshaft (cylinder rotate around it)
Radial has a moving crankshaft and fixed cylinders
What is a disadvantage and can happen in radial engines?
Oil collects in the inverted cylinders, during compression can cause excessive pressure, blowing cylinder head off
How many cylinders in a radial cylinder bank?
Must be an odd number
How can we add more power in a radian engine?
Add more odd numbered cylinder banks
What 3 parts comprise a cylinder?
Barrel (Steel)
Gas tight gasket
Head (Alloy)
How many spark plugs per cylinder and why?
2 for redundency Ensures quicker (ignited both sides of cylinder), more even burn
Why is the exhaust valve hollow and partially filled with sodium?
Sodium will melt at high temperatures and transfer heat
Why are there 2 valve springs?
To prevent valve bounce
They are wound in different directions
Helps stop valves rotating
What is crank throw?
Half the stroke (distance from TDC to BDC)
What is crank assembly?
Crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons
What is tappet clearance?
Allows for expansion of engine while cold
What happens if too much/little tappet clearance?
Reduction in performance
What is the primary function of lubrication?
Moving parts lubricated to reduce friction and wear
What are 4 secondary functions of lubrication?
Cooling
Cleaning
Protection from corrosion
Hydraulic operations
How does viscosity of oil change with temp?
Reduces with increased temp
What must aero engine oil do? (5 items)
Maintain suitable viscosity over a wide range of temperatures and pressures
Have a low evaporation rate
Inhibit corrosion
Not react with materials it comes into contact with
Discourage the formation of sludge
What is mineral oil?
No additives
What is compound oil?
Mineral oil with additives
What identifies compound oil on the packaging?
Letter preceding viscosity number,
eg
W80 or AD100
What can we use straight/mineral oil for?
New engines to reduce run in time
How is the Saybolt rating for Oil related to S.A.E
Saybolt is twice the S.A.E
What is a dry sump?
Oil is held in a tank mounted remotely from the engine.