Engines & Ignition Flashcards
What are the key components of piston engines?
Cylinder, piston, connecting rod, and piston rings.
What is the role of piston rings in an engine?
To create a seal and maintain compression.
What are the four strokes in a four-stroke engine cycle?
Intake, compression, power, and exhaust.
How does the camshaft control valve operations?
By opening and closing valves through push rods and rocker arms.
What is the difference between fixed pitch and constant speed propellers?
Fixed pitch propellers have a set blade angle; constant speed propellers adjust blade angle for efficiency.
What are common methods of engine cooling in piston engines?
Oil cooling and air cooling.
Why is pre-flight inspection critical for aircraft engines?
To check for contamination, damage, engine oil levels, and overall condition.
What is the purpose of the fuselage in an aircraft?
To provide structural integrity and house components like bulkheads, stringers, and skin.
What are the types of undercarriage configurations?
Tricycle and tailwheel configurations.
What is the role of the propeller twist?
To create equal thrust along the blade.
What is the role of magnetos in the ignition system?
To generate electrical current for spark plugs independently of the battery.
What is the purpose of the rocker arms in an engine?
To transfer motion from push rods to open or close engine valves.
What is the compression ratio, and why is it important?
It is the ratio of total volume to clearance volume in an engine cylinder, affecting engine performance and efficiency.
What causes detonation in aircraft engines?
Low octane fuel, high compression, lean mixtures, or overheated engines.
How can detonation in engines be prevented?
Use higher octane fuel, avoid lean mixtures, and monitor engine temperatures.
What is pre-ignition, and what causes it?
Pre-ignition occurs when the fuel-air mixture ignites before the spark plug fires, caused by hot spots or overly lean mixtures.
What is the modified Otto cycle?
A cycle with adjustments to valve timing and ignition to enhance engine power.
What is valve overlap, and why is it important?
A short period when both inlet and exhaust valves are open, improving engine efficiency.
What is volumetric efficiency in engines?
It measures the efficiency of filling the cylinder with the fuel-air mixture; can exceed 100% in turbocharged or supercharged engines.
What happens during the ignition and power stroke in an engine?
The spark plug ignites the fuel-air mixture, driving the piston downward and rotating the crankshaft.
What are the effects of detonation on engine components?
Causes piston damage, increases cylinder head temperature, and reduces engine performance.
What role do spark advance and effective crank angle play in engine operation?
Spark advance maximizes piston momentum, while effective crank angle transmits power to the crankshaft.
What is the difference between detonation and pre-ignition?
Detonation is an uncontrolled explosion after the spark plug fires; pre-ignition occurs when the mixture ignites before the spark plug fires.
What are the advantages of fuel injection systems over carburetors?
More efficient fuel burn, reduced induction icing, consistent power output, and better fuel atomization.
What are the disadvantages of fuel injection systems?
Risk of vapor lock, higher initial cost, and potential for fuel line blockages.
What is vapor lock, and how can it be prevented?
Vapor lock occurs when hot fuel turns into gas, blocking fuel flow. It can be prevented by cooling the engine or using an electric fuel pump.
What are the components of a fuel injection system?
Fuel pump, fuel air control unit, and fuel manifold valve.
How do fuel injection systems prevent carburetor icing?
They eliminate the carburetor, reducing induction icing and providing consistent fuel delivery.
What are the functions of engine oil?
Lubrication, cooling, cleaning, sealing, and corrosion protection.
What are the differences between wet and dry sump systems?
Wet sump systems have the engine in the oil sump; dry sump systems use an external tank with a scavenge pump.
What is the purpose of cow flaps in engine cooling?
To control air intake and exhaust, helping maintain engine temperature and prevent overheating.