The layout and operation of a piston engine Assignment

The layout and operation of a piston engine - Assignment Example 1. Stationery parts These include all parts that hold the engine in place and resist the motion of the entire structure due to moments created by the dynamic moving parts. Source: Griffiths Denis, 1997 It also houses the jackets for the cylinder cooling system and the sump for storing the engine lubricating oil. Some of these parts include (i) Bed Plate- The main functions of the bedplate includes providing a support for the main engine bearing and provides a cover space for the lower portion of the crankcase. The sump for the lubricating oil is also contained in this area. (Anderson Henrik, 2007) (ii) Main Bearings- This supports the crankshaft and takes up the load that is transmitted from the piston onto the crankshaft. Explosions or unequal generation of torque can affect the bearing severely which can be easily replaced thus preventing replacement of the entire crankshaft.( Calder Nigel, 1987) Source: RTA84T Sulzer Engine, 2004 (iii) Frame- This houses the entire upper portion o f the crankcase and provides stability to the cylinder block. In marine engines these are also referred to as the ‘A’ Frame. ... ource: RTA84T Sulzer Engine, Liner 2004 (vi) Cylinder Heads- This is the top portion of the cylinder liner and seals the liner thus creating a confined space required for combustion. (vii) Valves or Ports- The function of valves or ports is to allow the entry of fresh air required for combustion and to allow the exit of exhaust gas after the combustion is over. Valves are an additional entity usually housed on top of the cylinder head while ports are holes and openings situated on the cylinder liner which open or close according to the position of the piston skirt with respect to the cylinder liner. (Calder Nigel, 1987) 2. Moving Parts (i) Piston- The face of the piston acts as the other end of the confined space in which combustion occurs. The piston slides in and out of the cylinder contributing to each stroke of the engine. To prevent metal to metal contact between the liner and the piston sides a small clearance is maintained; the sealing achieved by a number of sealing rings hou sed in grooves at the upper end of the piston. The sealing ring prevents the air or exhaust gas from passing on to the underside of the piston. The bottom end of piston is called the ‘skirt’ while the upper portion is called the ‘crown’. Source:RTA84T Sulzer Engine,Pistons, 2004 (ii) Connecting rod- The connecting rod can be construed as a bar which has bearings at both ends. It acts as an interface between the piston and the crankshaft. The thrust developed on the piston is transmitted to the crankshaft via the connecting rod. (Anderson Henrik, 2007) (iii) Connecting Rod Bolts- The connecting rod connected to the crankpin of the crankshaft has a split bottom end. This split end is held in place by these bolts. (iv) Crankshaft- The reciprocating motion of the piston in the cylinder