Engine displacement, or piston displacement, is the volume moved by an engine’s pistons in one revolution. It’s directly proportional to an engine’s power and is calculated based on the number of cylinders, bore, and stroke. The larger the bore and stroke, the greater the displacement and horsepower. However, variable displacement engines have become more prevalent, […]
A connecting rod connects the piston to the crankshaft in an engine, transmitting power from the controlled explosion to the crankshaft. Car engines have one rod per cylinder, with four valves per cylinder in most front-wheel drive overhead cam engines. All four-stroke internal combustion engines have four strokes: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. A connecting […]
A solenoid plunger is a ferrous metal rod that moves linearly when an electromagnetic field is created in the pocket of a solenoid coil. It is used to control various equipment and is usually spring-loaded. Solenoid plungers can be solid or made up of thin plates. A solenoid piston is the moving part of a […]
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 […]
Piston rings are metal rings attached to an engine’s piston that seal the combustion chamber and regulate oil circulation. In four-stroke engines, there are three rings per piston, each with a unique design and function. Worn piston rings negatively affect engine performance, causing fuel waste, oil consumption, and decreased power. As its name implies, a […]
Piston speed is the average speed of a piston moving through its stroke, measured in feet per minute. It is a critical factor in engine design, affecting power, efficiency, fuel mileage, and even altitude restrictions in aircraft engines. Designers consider factors such as oil pump volume, piston ring design, and engine cooling to ensure the […]
Piston valves come in two types: intake and exhaust. Both are actuated by the camshaft and affect power generation potential. Valve timing and design are important factors in the power equation, especially for the exhaust valve, which must expel all exhaust gases for maximum power. A piston valve comes in two types. There is an […]
A piston pump uses cylinders to pump air or liquid into a storage tank for later use. It is powered by an electric or other motor and can be straight, V-configuration, or radial. The pump design generates heat and water, but filters and siphons can reduce water production. Piston pumps recover air quickly, making them […]
An axial piston pump uses a swashplate to move multiple pistons up and down, and can be used as a pump or part of other assemblies. The swashplate rotates to force the pistons to move in and out of the cylinder block. All parts must be precisely measured for proper function, and the pumps can […]
A piston ring compressor is used to compress piston rings onto a piston for fitting into cylinder walls. There are two types: adjustable and non-adjustable. Piston rings create compression and must be pressed firmly into the cylinder walls. The compressor is lubricated for easy sliding. The piston is struck into the cylinder with a hammer […]
A wrist pin connects the connecting rod and piston in an internal combustion engine. It must be small, light, and strong to withstand the hot environment and heavy use. It can be semi-floating or fully floating and specialized versions are used in motor racing. Mechanics inspect engine components for wear and recommend replacement if necessary […]
A wrist pin connects the connecting rod and piston in an internal combustion engine. It must be small, light, and strong to withstand the high stress and heat of the engine. It can be semi-floating or fully floating and may need to be replaced if there is wear or unusual wear. A wrist pin, also […]
A piston actuator transforms energy into motion, with a piston contained in a housing. They are powered by pneumatic, hydraulic or combustion systems and require an airtight casing. The size of the piston determines the amount of energy required and motion created. Hydraulic systems can multiply horsepower using multiple small pistons to activate a larger […]
A radial piston pump uses a drive shaft to move pistons in and out of cylinders to pump fluid. It differs from an axial piston pump in the arrangement of pistons and cylinders. The pump can be fixed or variable displacement and is used in various industries for its reliability and low noise. A radial […]
A hydraulic piston pump uses water hammer to move water without energy. It was first created in the late 1700s and is still used today in remote areas. The water source must be higher than the pump, and a bottle absorbs water hammer. A hydraulic piston pump is a simple kinetic pump often used in […]
A piston compressor uses pistons enclosed in cylinders to compress gas, which can be used for air tools, machinery, or storage. It resembles an internal combustion engine without fuel and ignition systems and can have one or many cylinders with varying numbers of valves. It can use different gases and external power sources. A piston […]
