ignition refined Flashcards
aviation piston engines have dual ignition systems which means what?
there are two magnetos, which separately supply the electricity to a spark plug in each cylinder.
how many sparks plugs per cylinder?
2
why are there multiple spark plugs per cylinder?
in the event of failure of one system.
also provides smoother and more efficient combustion as there are two flame fronts.
what is a magneto?
component of a piston engine ignition system which provides the high voltage electricity necessary to power the spark plugs.
is the magneto independent or dependent on the aircraft’s electrical system?
independent.
what is a magneto made up of?
rotating magnet, primary coil, secondary coil and contact breaker.
how does a magneto work?
magnet spins generating magnetic force in the primary coil which is held back (doesn’t go to the secondary coil) by the primary coil.
when the contact point opens it allows the force to permeate the secondary coil which creates a high voltage in it provides electricity for igniting the spark plug.
what does a distributor do?
distributes electricity from the magnetos to the spark plugs in sequence which is then supplied with electric current and fires once every two revolutions of the crankshaft.
what do spark plugs do?
provide the spark in each cylinder.
what can happen if a spark plug has any damage or fouling?
reduce the efficiency of the spark provided to ignite the fuel-air mixture and will therefore produce less power.
what causes spark plug fouling?
many reasons. sometimes from low engine temperatures with low RPM or too rich a mixture or taxiing at low RPM for prolonged periods.
what is the best method for clearing spark plug fouling?
increasing power to 2000RPM for 60 seconds which can burn off any residue or carbon.
what is the purpose of impulse coupling?
to provide a short and sudden acceleration of the rotating magnet to generate a high voltage needed for engine start.
how does impulse coupling work?
it retards and delays the ignition timing to ensure that maximum pressure developed after TDC for start and immediately after allows the start time to return to normal.
how does a typical magneto system work?
typical is 4 cylinder engine with 2 spark plugs per. left magneto fires top plugs in cylinder 1 and 3 and bottom of 2 and 4 and vice versa for right magneto.
Any failures are fine as there’s a second magneto available but because only one spark plug will fire it won’t be as efficient and reduced power will be experienced.
what happens if an inserted key is selected to off?
both magnetos are grounded
what happens if an inserted key is selected to R?
right magneto is active and left is earthed meaning its still spinning but the electricity it produces is grounded.
what happens if an inserted key is selected to L?
leftt magneto is active and right is earthed meaning it’s still spinning but the electricity it produces is grounded.
what happens if an inserted key is selected to both?
both magnetos are providing power to the spark plugs.
if the spring-loaded start position is selected what happens?
usually only the left magneto is connected as it has the impulse coupling and there powers the spark plug that is connected to.
why shouldn’t you crank the starter for more than 10 seconds?
because doing so risks flattening the battery or damaging the starter motor.