Marine steam engines were used for sea travel for over 100 years until diesel engines became the standard. They used heated steam to move pistons connected to a drive mechanism, and different designs were developed, including compound and triple expansion engines. The first commercial steamboat was developed by Robert Fulton in 1807. A marine steam […]
Motorjets, an early type of propulsion system, use a separate power source to drive a compressor which forces air into a combustion chamber, providing thrust. Although considered obsolete, hobbyists still use motorjet technology. The Caproni Campini N.1 and the AI Mikoyan-MI Gurevich I-250(N) are examples of aircraft that employed motorjets. Turbojet technology became the norm […]
A piston steam engine uses steam generated outside the cylinder to move a piston within a closed cylinder, converting the force into work. The first motor was invented in 1690 by Denis Papin. Precision manufacturing is important for efficiency, and the engine has been used in locomotives, ship engines, and automobiles. A piston steam engine […]
The radial engine has cylinders arranged in a circle, making it lightweight and powerful for aircraft. It differs from the rotary engine and was used in WWII bombers, but was superseded by liquid-cooled designs in later years. Its design influenced modern Harley-Davidson V-twin motorcycle engines. The radial engine has its banks of cylinders arranged in […]
The human engine was a platform system used to transport miners from the surface to lower levels of mines, powered by water wheels or steam engines. It replaced dangerous ladders but had catastrophic failures, causing deaths. Miners walked from one platform to another until reaching their job level. A human engine was a series of […]
A transverse engine has the crankshaft positioned from right to left in the frame, allowing for more space inside the vehicle. The subassembly contains the engine, transmission, and front suspension system, but repairs can be difficult. The design offers advantages in safety and weight distribution, creating a safer passenger compartment. Sports cars have implemented transverse […]
Pulse detonation engines use explosions to create thrust and are more efficient than traditional jet engines at high speeds. They can drive an aircraft at four to five times the speed of sound. Researchers believe they can be combined with other engines for fuel efficiency and military reconnaissance. A pulse detonation engine is a propulsion […]
Rail car movers are used by railroad companies to move small numbers of rail cars in rail yards, eliminating the need for a switch locomotive and its operator. They are lightweight, more convenient, and cheaper to operate. Some models have both rubber and steel wheel systems and can be powered by gasoline, diesel, LPG, or […]
Inboard boat engines have advantages for water skiing and cruising, but can cause more drag and have limited ability to reach shallower waters. They may last longer and cost more than outboard motors. An inboard engine is one with only a small portion of the drive shaft, along with the propeller, submerged in water. Typically, […]
Reciprocating engines convert chemical energy into mechanical motion using pistons. The steam engine was the first widely used example, while internal combustion engines use fuel to burn inside cylinders. The power delivered is linked to the total internal volume of cylinders. A reciprocating engine uses pistons to convert chemical energy into mechanical motion. It does […]
The Wankel engine is a rotary engine that uses a triangular rotor instead of pistons, making it lighter and more reliable. However, it is often less powerful and fuel efficient than piston engines. Developed by Felix Wankel in the 1950s, it has been used in vehicles such as Mazda’s RX line of sports cars. The […]
Engine sealant is a temporary solution for small engine leaks. It can be purchased at auto parts stores or online, but should be used as directed to avoid engine damage. The cooling system must be completely drained before use, and it may not be effective for large leaks or overheating engines. It is important to […]
Automobile engines vary in composition based on expected performance. Cylinders, pistons, intake and exhaust valves, combustion chamber, spark plugs, and exhaust manifold are basic components. The engine converts fuel into energy using a common four-stroke cycle. The composition of an automobile engine varies according to the expected performance. For example, a larger number of cylinders […]
A mud motor is a positive displacement pump used in geological drilling, converting eccentric motion to concentric motion for the drill bit. Mud motors spin at 60-100 RPM to reduce torque loss and wear. Mud engines consist of various components and are used in directional drilling. The stator coating is a disadvantage as it cannot […]
Choosing the right engine dynamometer involves determining testing needs and engine type. The dyno must be able to handle torque and power levels, and have a sophisticated computer interface. Commercial engines require specific size and weight parameters and software calibration. Choosing the best engine dynamometer, also called a dynamometer, is a process of determining exactly […]
Engine cooling is essential to prevent overheating and maintain efficiency. Air cooling was once popular, but liquid cooling is now more common. The cooling system includes fans, hoses, and fluids. Overheating can cause damage and requires maintenance to fix. Engine cooling is a process that helps the engine maintain a constant temperature and prevent overheating. […]
Flat engines have cylinders running horizontally, making them popular in off-road buggies and racing vehicles due to space savings, weight distribution, and cooling efficiency. The design was popularized by the Volkswagen Beetle and General Motors’ Corvair, and is used in motorcycles for a low center of gravity. A flat engine is an engine with cylinders […]
Pulse jet engines are simple and inexpensive devices that produce thrust by burning fuel in rapid pulses. They are popular with hobbyists and model airplane enthusiasts. There are two designs, valved and valveless, but both work by igniting fuel in the combustion chamber and forcing it through the exhaust to produce thrust. The cycle is […]
Engine emissions from internal combustion engines include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and formaldehyde. Hydrocarbons are also produced and contribute to global warming. Vehicles are now built to reduce engine carbon emissions, with methods including limiting fuel in the mixture, returning hydrocarbons to the engine, and using catalytic converters. The US Environmental Protection Agency regulates […]
Aircraft diesel engines, also known as aero diesels, have never been widely used due to the low cost and high availability of gasoline. However, they were commonly used in airships due to the low flammability of the fuel. With the rising price of jet fuels, diesel engines have undergone modern development and are being reconsidered […]
