Types of Engines Flashcards
What is an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)?
An ICE is an engine that generates power by burning fuel inside a combustion chamber, producing mechanical energy. It includes both gasoline and diesel engines.
What is the difference between a two-stroke and a four-stroke engine?
A two-stroke engine completes a power cycle in two strokes (one up, one down) per crankshaft revolution, while a four-stroke engine requires four strokes (intake, compression, power, exhaust) for a complete cycle.
How does a Gasoline Engine work?
A gasoline engine uses spark ignition to ignite an air-fuel mixture, typically resulting in a higher RPM and smoother performance compared to diesel engines.
What is a Rotary (Wankel) Engine?
A rotary engine uses a rotating triangular rotor instead of pistons, providing smooth power delivery and fewer moving parts. It was famously used in Mazda RX cars.
What is a Diesel Engine?
A diesel engine uses compression ignition to ignite fuel. It is known for high torque and fuel efficiency, commonly used in trucks and heavy machinery.
What is a Turbocharged Engine?
A turbocharged engine uses a turbocharger to compress more air into the combustion chamber, increasing power output and efficiency without increasing engine size.
What is a Supercharged Engine?
A supercharged engine uses a belt-driven compressor to increase air intake, similar to a turbocharger, but it is mechanically driven rather than using exhaust gases.
What is a Hybrid Engine?
A hybrid engine combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, like in the Toyota Prius.
What is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Engine?
A hydrogen fuel cell engine converts hydrogen gas into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen, powering an electric motor, and only emits water as a byproduct.
How does an Electric Motor differ from an Internal Combustion Engine?
An electric motor uses electricity stored in batteries to create mechanical energy. It is quieter, more efficient, and does not produce direct emissions.
What is a Boxer Engine?
A boxer engine, also known as a flat engine, has horizontally opposed pistons that move in and out like a boxer’s gloves. It is known for a lower center of gravity and is used in Subaru and Porsche vehicles.
What is an Inline Engine?
An inline engine has its cylinders arranged in a single line. It is common in smaller cars due to its simple design and efficiency, like inline-4 engines.
What is a Straight-Six Engine?
A straight-six engine is a six-cylinder engine where all cylinders are arranged in a straight line. It provides a smooth balance and is often used in BMW cars for performance and refinement.
What is a V-Type Engine?
A V-type engine has its cylinders arranged in two banks set at an angle (forming a “V” shape). This allows for more compact size while increasing power, commonly found in V6 or V8 engines.
What is a Radial Engine?
A radial engine has cylinders arranged in a circular pattern around a central crankshaft. It was primarily used in aircraft, known for its reliability and simplicity.
