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Types and Classifications of Engines

This document discusses different types of engine classifications. It begins by describing how engines can be classified based on the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, valve and valve train configuration, cooling type, number of strokes per cycle, fuel type, and firing order. It then provides more details on cylinder numbers and arrangements, as well as valve train types. The document also covers V-8 engines, firing order, two-stroke vs four-stroke engines, and differences between two-stroke and four-stroke engines.

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Võ Thanh Liêm
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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
640 views16 pages

Types and Classifications of Engines

This document discusses different types of engine classifications. It begins by describing how engines can be classified based on the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, valve and valve train configuration, cooling type, number of strokes per cycle, fuel type, and firing order. It then provides more details on cylinder numbers and arrangements, as well as valve train types. The document also covers V-8 engines, firing order, two-stroke vs four-stroke engines, and differences between two-stroke and four-stroke engines.

Uploaded by

Võ Thanh Liêm
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to Engine Types and Classifications
  • Classification of Engines
  • Cylinder Engine Types
  • Valve and Camshaft Arrangements
  • Firing Order and Engine Dynamics
  • Engine Cycles
  • Operation of Two-Stroke Engines
  • Comparative Analysis of Two-Stroke and Four-Stroke Engines

Engine Types and

Classifications

Engine Types and Classifications


Automobile engine can be classified according to:
Number of cylinders
Arrangement of cylinders
Arrangement of valve and valve trains
Type of cooling
Number of stroke per cycle
Types of fuel burn
Firing order
Reciprocating or rotary

Number and arrangement of cylinders


In a row
In two rows or bank set at an angle (V type)

Three cylinder engines


The engine has an overhead camshaft and produces 60

horsepower (hp) [45 kW] at 5500 rpm.


The camshaft is driven from the crankshaft by a toothed
timing belt
The ignition distributor is driven directly from one end of the
camshaft
The oil pump is on the front of the crankshaft
A V belt from the crankshaft drives the alternator and water
pump.
Four cylinder engine
Four cylinder engine can be arranged:

In a line
In a V shape (V type)
V type engine has set of cylinders in two rows.
The two rows are separated by an angle to each others.
The angle could be 60 degrees or 90 degrees or 180
degrees
In a line engine has set of cylinders are arranged in line.
The valves in the cylinder head are operated through
valve lifters, pushrods, and rocker arms.
An engine with this type of valve train is often is often

V-8 Engines
It has two 4-cylinders rows
Set at a 90 degree angle.
The engine is like two four-cylinder
engines mounted on a single crankcase
and using a single crankshaft.
The crankshaft has four crankpins.
Connecting rods from opposing cylinders
are attached to a single crankpin.
Therefore, each crankpin has two
connecting rods attached to it.

Arrangement of valves and valve trains


Engine valve allows the engine to breath.

The intake valve open to admit the A/F mixture to the engine
cylinders.
The exhaust valves open to allow burned gases to exit or
exhaust from the engine cylinders.
Cam on rotating camshaft operate the valve train, which open
the valves.
Location of the camshaft
Either on the cylinder head or in the cylinder block.
Types of camshaft drive
Camshaft are driven by timing gears, sprockets and timing
chain or sprockets and toothed timing belt
Types of valve train
Two basic types of valve train
Overhead camshaft
Camshaft in block with pushrod
Number of valves per cylinder
Normally each cylinder of the engine has two valves
Some have multi-valve cylinder of the engine
PURPOSE of these added valves is to allow the engine to
breathe more freely.

Firing order
The firing order is the sequence of power delivery of

each cylinder in a multi-cylinder reciprocating engine.


This is achieved by sparking of the spark plugs in a
gasoline engine in the correct order, or by the sequence
of fuel injection in a Diesel engine.
When designing an engine, choosing an appropriate

firing order is critical to minimizing vibration and


achieving smooth running, for long engine fatigue life
and user comfort, and heavily influences crankshaft
design.

In a gasoline engine, the correct firing order is obtained

by the correct placement of the spark plug wires on the


distributor. In a modern engine with an
engine management system and direct ignition, the
Engine Control Unit (ECU) takes care of the correct firing
sequence.

The crankpin and crankshaft arrangement determine the firing

order.

Firing orders for the same type of engine may differ.


Two firing orders for in-line

4-cylinders engines are 1-3-4-2 and 1-2-4-3

6-Cylinders engines 1-5-3-6-2-4


The complete firing order of a four-cycle engine represents
two complete revolutions of the crankshaft.
This is 720 degrees of crankshaft rotation
Firing impulse occurs every 120 degrees of crankshaft rotation
(720/6=120).
When piston number 1 is at TDC on the end of compression
stroke, piston number 6 is at TDC on the end of the exhaust
stroke.

Classification by cycles
Piston engines operate on either
Two-stroke cycle or
Four-stroke engine
Four-stroke-cycle engine
Power stroke is in every fourth piston stroke
A

power stroke during each crankshaft revolution

Two-stroke-cycle engine
Every other piston stroke has a power stroke
A power stroke during each crankshaft

revolution
Two

stroke-cycle engine produces twice as many power


stroke at the same crankshaft speed (rpm) as the fourstroke-cycle engine.
Piston opens the transfer and exhaust port.
Therefore, always mixing some A/F mixture with the
exhaust gases.

Mode of operation of the two-stroke engine


1st stroke: The piston is at the bottom of the

cylinder.

A pipe at the left side is opened and lets the fuel mixture,

which is already compressed a bit, flow from the lower to


the upper part of the cylinder.
The fresh gases expulse now the exhaust through an
ejection pipe, which is not closed by the piston at this
moment.

2nd stroke: After being hurried upward, the piston

now covers the pipe on the left side and the


ejection pipe.

Because there is no way out any more, the upper, fresh

gas mixture gets compressed now.


At the same time in the part below fresh gas is taken in by
the piston driving upward through the open suction pipe.
At the upper dead-center, the compressed fuel mixture is
ignited by the sparking plug, the piston is pressed
downward while he compresses at the same time the
fresh gas below.

Mode of Operation of Two- Stroke


Engine

Mode of operation of two-stroke engine-continue


Intake. The fuel/air mixture

is first drawn into the


crankcase by the vacuum
created during the upward
stroke of the piston.

During the downward stroke

the poppet valve is forced


closed by the increased
crankcase pressure. The fuel
mixture is then compressed
in the crankcase during the
remainder of the stroke

Transfer/Exhaust.

Toward the end of the


stroke, the piston
exposes the intake
port, allowing the
compressed fuel/air
mixture in the
crankcase to escape
around the piston into
the main cylinder. This
expels the exhaust
gasses out the exhaust
port, usually located on
the opposite side of the
cylinder. Unfortunately,
some of the fresh fuel
mixture is usually
expelled as well.

Compression. The piston then

rises, driven by flywheel


momentum, and compresses
the fuel mixture. (At the same
time, another intake stroke is
happening beneath the piston).

Power. At the top of the stroke

the spark plug ignites the fuel


mixture. The burning fuel
expands, driving the piston
downward, to complete the
cycle.

Difference between Two-stroke engine and four-stroke engine


The two-stroke internal combustion engine differs from the more common

four-stroke engine by completing the same four processes (intake,


compression, combustion, exhaust) in only two strokes of the piston rather
than four.

This is accomplished by using the beginning of the compression stroke and the

end of the combustion stroke to perform the intake and exhaust functions.

This allows a power stroke for every revolution of the crank, instead of every

second revolution as in a four-stroke engine.

Two-stroke engines provide high specific power, so they are valued for use in

portable, lightweight applications.

Specific power, which is typically given in kilowatts per liter of engine displacement (in
the U.S. also horsepower per cubic inch).

Two-stroke engine is always worse than in the four-stroke engine, which loses

fresh fuel only because of the "overlap" of the valve times (both valves are
open for an instant).

Beside these performance-technical problems, there are also increasing

difficulties with the environment.

The fuel mixture of the two-stroke engine often gets shifted with a certain

quantity of oil because of the necessary lubrication.

Unfortunately the oil gets burnt partly, too, and harmful gases are expulsed by

the engine.

Common questions

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The firing order is crucial in minimizing engine vibrations, enhancing smooth operation, and extending engine life by ensuring balanced power delivery from each cylinder . Incorrect firing order may lead to increased wear and tear on engine components, negatively impacting performance . The crankshaft and crankpin arrangement largely determine the firing order, and variations exist depending on engine design and configuration . In modern engines, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages the firing sequence, ensuring optimal engine performance and reliability .

In a four-stroke engine, the sequence of strokes—intake, compression, power, and exhaust—ensures comprehensive combustion processes within two crankshaft revolutions . The intake stroke allows fresh air-fuel mixture into the cylinder, followed by compression, enhancing the mixture's energy potential before ignition . The power stroke, initiated by the spark plug, provides kinetic energy to the crankshaft, and the exhaust stroke removes combustion byproducts, optimizing engine performance and cleanliness . This separation of functions improves combustion efficiency and reduces emissions compared to the more simultaneous processes in two-stroke engines .

Overhead camshaft (OHC) designs offer improved valve timing accuracy and higher engine speeds because the camshaft is closer to the valves, reducing the mass and inertia of operating components . This enhances engine performance and efficiency . Challenges include increased complexity and cost in manufacturing, as well as more extensive repairs compared to simpler pushrod systems, impacting overall engine serviceability and cost of ownership .

Firing orders are pivotal in influencing the crankshaft design as they determine the placement of crankpins and the sequence of power delivery from cylinders . An optimal firing order minimizes vibration and strain on the crankshaft, enhancing smoothness and durability . The engine block design must accommodate these requirements, ensuring appropriate layout for cylinder and valve integration, thereby maintaining balance and reducing mechanical stress, which can lead to increased engine longevity and performance .

The camshaft location, either on the cylinder head (overhead camshaft) or in the cylinder block, impacts the engine's valve operation complexity and efficiency . Overhead camshafts offer better timing accuracy and higher engine speeds, enhancing performance . The camshaft drive mechanism, via timing gears, chains, or belts, also affects durability and maintenance; timing belts require regular replacement, while chains offer longer life but can be noisier . This design impacts the overall engine layout, influencing aspects like height and weight distribution .

Multi-valve systems, with more than the typical two valves per cylinder, enable better engine breathing by allowing greater air and fuel flow into the combustion chamber . This enhances engine efficiency, increases power output, and improves throttle response, as the engine can intake more air-fuel mixture and exhaust gases more efficiently . However, multi-valve systems add complexity to engine design, potentially increasing production costs and maintenance due to more intricate valve timing mechanisms and components .

The selection between timing belts, chains, or gears depends on factors such as cost, durability, noise, and maintenance. Timing belts are quiet and cost-effective but require regular replacement due to wear . Chains are more durable and require less maintenance but can be noisier and heavier, potentially impacting engine performance . Gears, although precise and maintenance-free, increase engine cost and complexity, which are often used in high-performance or specialized applications . Each system's suitability depends on the engine's intended use, balancing cost with performance needs .

Two-stroke engines complete the four processes (intake, compression, combustion, exhaust) in two piston strokes instead of four, allowing a power stroke for every revolution, resulting in higher specific power compared to four-stroke engines . However, two-stroke engines have poorer fuel efficiency and environmental impact due to oil mixed with fuel for lubrication, which is partly burned and expelled, emitting harmful gases . Four-stroke engines perform these processes over two revolutions, offering better fuel efficiency and reduced exhaust emissions .

Two-stroke engines often cause significant environmental concerns due to the mixture of oil with fuel for lubrication, which results in partial oil combustion and the emission of harmful gases . This inefficiency contrasts with four-stroke engines, which utilize a separate lubrication system, minimizing harmful emissions and offering better fuel economy . The continuous cycle of intake and exhaust in two-stroke engines also leads to higher emissions of unburnt fuel compared to four-stroke engines, worsening their environmental footprint .

V-type engines feature cylinders arranged in two rows set at an angle, typically 60, 90, or 180 degrees. This arrangement provides a compact design compared to inline engines and can reduce engine height and weight, improving vehicle performance . The V-type design also aids in balancing engine vibrations and distributing weight more evenly, enhancing stability and smoothness . However, this configuration complicates the engine design, particularly the crankshaft and cylinder head components .

Engine Types and 
Engine Types and 
Classifications
Classifications
Engine Types and Classifications
Automobile engine can be classified according to:
Number of cylinders
Arrangement of cyli
Three cylinder engines
The engine has an overhead camshaft and produces 60 
horsepower (hp) [45 kW] at 5500 rpm.
The camsh
V-8 Engines
It has two 4-cylinders rows
Set at a 90 degree angle.
The engine is like two four-cylinder 
engines mounted o
Arrangement of valves and valve trains
Engine valve allows the engine to breath.
The intake valve open to admit the A/F mi
Firing order
The firing order is the sequence of power delivery of 
each cylinder in a multi-cylinder reciprocating engine.
The crankpin and crankshaft arrangement determine the firing 
order.
Firing orders for the same type of engine may differ.
Classification by cycles
Piston engines operate on either 
Two-stroke cycle or 
Four-stroke engine
Four-stroke-cycle eng

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