Superchargers & Turbochargers Flashcards

1
Q

What is the difference between superchargers and turbochargers?

A

Superchargers are driven by the engine’s crankshaft, while turbochargers are driven by exhaust gases.

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2
Q

What is the function of a wastegate in a turbocharger?

A

It regulates the flow of exhaust gases to control turbocharger performance and prevent over-boosting.

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3
Q

What are the types of wastegates in turbochargers?

A

Fixed, cockpit-adjustable, throttle-operated, and automatic wastegates.

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4
Q

What is bootstrapping in turbochargers?

A

It occurs when the absolute pressure controller hunts for the desired manifold pressure at critical altitude.

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5
Q

What is the role of an intercooler in a turbocharged engine?

A

To cool compressed air before it enters the engine, improving efficiency and preventing detonation.

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6
Q

What are the advantages of superchargers?

A

Increased performance at lower altitudes and reduced takeoff distance.

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7
Q

What are the key terms related to superchargers?

A

Rated boost, manifold pressure, full throttle height, and critical altitude.

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8
Q

How does an automatic wastegate function?

A

It uses an absolute pressure controller to adjust the wastegate position and regulate manifold pressure.

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9
Q

What are the common faults in turbochargers?

A

Leaks, loss of pressure, and reduced engine performance.

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10
Q

What is the spring-loaded open position of a wastegate for?

A

To prevent over-boosting in case of oil pressure loss.

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11
Q

How can bootstrapping in a turbocharger be resolved?

A

By increasing RPM or decreasing altitude.

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12
Q

Why is forced induction necessary at higher altitudes?

A

To maintain engine power as air density decreases.

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13
Q

What is the difference between superchargers and turbochargers?

A

Superchargers are driven by the engine’s crankshaft, while turbochargers are driven by exhaust gases.

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14
Q

What is the function of a wastegate in a turbocharger?

A

It regulates the flow of exhaust gases to control turbocharger performance and prevent over-boosting.

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15
Q

What are the types of wastegates in turbochargers?

A

Fixed, cockpit-adjustable, throttle-operated, and automatic wastegates.

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16
Q

What is bootstrapping in turbochargers?

A

It occurs when the absolute pressure controller hunts for the desired manifold pressure at critical altitude.

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17
Q

What is the role of an intercooler in a turbocharged engine?

A

To cool compressed air before it enters the engine, improving efficiency and preventing detonation.

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18
Q

What are the advantages of superchargers?

A

Increased performance at lower altitudes and reduced takeoff distance.

19
Q

What are the key terms related to superchargers?

A

Rated boost, manifold pressure, full throttle height, and critical altitude.

20
Q

How does an automatic wastegate function?

A

It uses an absolute pressure controller to adjust the wastegate position and regulate manifold pressure.

21
Q

What are the common faults in turbochargers?

A

Leaks, loss of pressure, and reduced engine performance.

22
Q

What is the spring-loaded open position of a wastegate for?

A

To prevent over-boosting in case of oil pressure loss.

23
Q

How can bootstrapping in a turbocharger be resolved?

A

By increasing RPM or decreasing altitude.

24
Q

Why is forced induction necessary at higher altitudes?

A

To maintain engine power as air density decreases.

25
Q

What is the function of idling jets in an aircraft engine?

A

They provide an air and fuel mixture when the throttle is closed.

26
Q

What is the difference between internal and external supercharging?

A

Internal supercharging is part of the engine and doesn’t require a wastegate, while external uses turbochargers driven by exhaust gases.

27
Q

What are the components of a turbocharging system?

A

Turbine, compressor, wastegate, and pressure controller.

28
Q

How does the positioning of the carburetor affect engine performance?

A

Positioning it before the compressor reduces the risk of detonation.

29
Q

What is the determining factor for engine power output?

A

Manifold pressure.

30
Q

What is critical altitude in supercharged engines?

A

The altitude at which the supercharger can no longer maintain sea-level manifold pressure.

31
Q

How is turbine RPM controlled in a turbocharged engine?

A

By the wastegate regulating exhaust gas flow.

32
Q

Why is there a higher risk of detonation in supercharged engines?

A

Due to higher manifold pressures increasing air temperature and density.

33
Q

What is the purpose of supercharging?

A

To increase mass airflow into the engine, enhancing performance.

34
Q

What is the role of the impeller and diffuser in a compressor?

A

To increase air velocity and pressure.

35
Q

What is the effect of leaks in the inlet system of a turbocharger?

A

Causes the wastegate to close earlier at lower altitudes or results in higher than normal manifold pressure at idle.

36
Q

What is the effect of leaks before the wastegate and turbine in a turbocharger?

A

Exhaust gases escape, reducing airflow through the turbine and compressor, causing the wastegate to close earlier.

37
Q

What is the effect of leaks after the turbine in a turbocharger?

A

No effect on manifold pressure.

38
Q

What are the risks of a sticking wastegate in a turbocharger?

A

Can cause overboosting, jerky movements, and engine damage.

39
Q

What happens during turbine blade failure in a turbocharger?

A

Can cause catastrophic engine failure due to high speed and temperature.

40
Q

How can pilot error lead to overboosting?

A

Exceeding the rated boost or making sudden throttle movements can lead to detonation and engine damage.

41
Q

What are the recommended practices to avoid overboosting?

A

Follow power settings in the POH, avoid exceeding the red line limit on manifold pressure, and make smooth throttle adjustments.

42
Q

What is the difference in leak effects between turbochargers and superchargers?

A

Turbochargers can have leaks before or after the wastegate affecting manifold pressure, while superchargers lack an exhaust system and leaks after the compressor have no effect.

43
Q

Why is regular inspection important for turbochargers and superchargers?

A

To identify leaks, sticking wastegates, and turbine blade issues before they cause significant damage.

44
Q

What are common trick questions related to turbocharger leaks?

A

Leaks after the turbine have no effect on manifold pressure, and leaks at idle may cause higher than normal manifold pressure.