Piston Engines Flashcards
1
Q
Why was the gnome rotary engine revolutionary?
A
it was rotary as opposed to radial
2
Q
How does a rotary engine work?
A
cylinders with the propeller attached rotate at high speeds around the shaft
the movement of the cylinders of the engine cools the cylinders
3
Q
What are the disadvantages of rotary?
A
*gyroscopic effect
*total loss oil system
*aircraft’s range limited by the amount of oil it can carry
4
Q
What is the gyroscopic effect?
A
*a heavy spinning object resists efforts to disturb *it’s orientation making the aircraft difficult to maneuver
5
Q
What happens in a total loss oil system?
A
centrifugal force throws lubricating oil out after it’s first trip through the engine
6
Q
What cycle does a piston engine utilise?
A
the Otto cycle
