Mechanical Engineering Concepts Flashcards
What is Torque in automotive terms?
Torque is a measure of rotational force, indicating the car’s ability to do work, such as pulling or accelerating. It’s often associated with the “low-end power” of an engine.
What is Horsepower?
Horsepower measures the rate at which work is done, describing how quickly the engine can apply torque over time, influencing the top speed and acceleration.
How are Torque and Horsepower related?
Horsepower is calculated by multiplying torque by engine speed (RPM) and dividing by a constant (5252). Torque gives the power to move, while horsepower determines how quickly it happens.
What happens during Fuel Combustion in an engine?
Fuel combustion in an internal combustion engine involves a chemical reaction between air (oxygen) and fuel, creating heat and expanding gases that push pistons down, generating power.
What is an Air-Fuel Mixture?
The air-fuel mixture is the combination of air and fuel that enters the engine. The ideal ratio for complete combustion in gasoline engines is around 14.7:1 (air to fuel).
How does a Manual Transmission work?
A manual transmission uses a clutch and gear lever that allows the driver to select gears manually, providing greater control over power delivery and engine speed.
What is the role of Spark Plugs in Fuel Combustion?
Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, starting the combustion process and enabling the engine to generate power.
What is an Automatic Transmission?
An automatic transmission changes gears for the driver using hydraulic pressure and a torque converter, offering convenience and ease of use.
What is a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)?
A DCT uses two separate clutches for odd and even gears, allowing for faster and smoother gear changes compared to conventional manual or automatic transmissions.
What is a Torque Converter?
A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling used in automatic transmissions to transfer engine power to the transmission while allowing the engine to run when the vehicle is stationary.
What is Engine Compression Ratio?
The compression ratio is the ratio of the total cylinder volume to the combustion chamber volume. Higher ratios improve power and efficiency but may require higher octane fuel.
What is Gear Ratio?
A gear ratio is the relationship between the input (engine) speed and the output (wheel) speed. It determines how much torque is delivered to the wheels at different speeds.
What is Overdrive?
Overdrive is a high gear in a transmission that allows the engine to run at lower RPMs for a given speed, improving fuel efficiency during highway cruising.
What is Valve Timing?
Valve timing controls when the intake and exhaust valves open and close during the engine cycle. Proper timing is crucial for maximizing power and efficiency.
What is Variable Valve Timing (VVT)?
VVT adjusts the timing of the intake and/or exhaust valves to optimize performance and efficiency at different engine speeds, used by systems like Honda’s VTEC.
