1. Basic Engine Principles
- A piston engine converts chemical energy
into mechanical power.
- It works on the Otto cycle for spark
ignition engines.
- The four strokes are intake, compression,
power, and exhaust.
- In the intake stroke, the piston moves
down drawing in air-fuel mixture.
- In the compression stroke, the mixture is
compressed.
- The spark plug ignites the mixture near
top dead center.
- The power stroke forces the piston down.
- The exhaust stroke expels burnt gases.
- The crankshaft converts linear motion to
rotary motion.
- Engine power depends on displacement and
compression ratio.
2. Engine Construction
- The cylinder head contains valves and
spark plugs.
- The cylinder barrel guides piston
movement.
- The piston transfers gas pressure to the
connecting rod.
- The connecting rod links the piston to the
crankshaft.
- The crankshaft converts reciprocating
motion into rotation.
- Bearings support rotating parts and reduce
friction.
- The camshaft controls valve timing.
- Pushrods and rocker arms open and close
valves.
- Valve springs ensure proper valve seating.
- The crankcase houses and supports all
major components.
3. Engine Types and Configurations
- Engines may be inline, opposed, radial, or
V-type.
- Opposed engines are common in light
aircraft.
- Radial engines have cylinders arranged
around a crankcase.
- V-type engines have two banks of cylinders
forming a “V” shape.
- Inline engines are compact and used in
smaller aircraft.
- Radial engines offer good cooling and
power-to-weight ratio.
- Opposed engines are smooth and balanced in
operation.
- Multibank engines improve power output.
- Turbocharged engines use exhaust gases to
increase power.
- Supercharged engines use mechanical
compressors for power boost.
4. Engine Operating Cycles
- A two-stroke engine completes one cycle in
two strokes.
- A four-stroke engine completes one cycle
in four strokes.
- Four-stroke engines are more
fuel-efficient.
- Two-stroke engines are lighter and
simpler.
- Compression ratio affects efficiency and
power.
- Higher compression ratios increase
performance.
- Detonation occurs when mixture burns
uncontrollably.
- Pre-ignition happens before spark
ignition.
- Both detonation and pre-ignition can
damage the engine.
- Proper fuel grade prevents detonation.
5. Induction and Fuel Systems
- The induction system delivers air or
fuel-air mixture to cylinders.
- The carburetor mixes air and fuel in
correct proportion.
- Mixture control adjusts fuel flow for
altitude changes.
- Float-type carburetors are common in
piston aircraft.
- Pressure carburetors prevent icing and
fuel starvation.
- Fuel-injection systems deliver fuel
directly into intake ports.
- Fuel injection provides better fuel
distribution.
- Turbochargers use exhaust gases to drive a
compressor.
- Superchargers are driven mechanically by
the engine.
- Induction icing can occur in moist, cold
conditions.
6. Ignition System
- The ignition system provides spark for
combustion.
- Each cylinder has two spark plugs for
redundancy.
- Magnetos generate electrical energy
independently.
- Dual ignition improves reliability and
efficiency.
- The magneto uses rotating magnets to
induce current.
- The distributor sends high voltage to each
spark plug.
- Ignition timing affects engine
performance.
- Early timing can cause knocking.
- Late timing reduces power and increases
heat.
- Spark plug fouling occurs from lead or
carbon deposits.
7. Lubrication System
- The lubrication system reduces friction
and cools parts.
- Piston engines use either dry sump or wet
sump lubrication.
- In a dry sump, oil is stored in an
external tank.
- Scavenge pumps return oil from the
crankcase to the tank.
- Wet sump systems store oil in the
crankcase.
- Oil coolers maintain correct operating
temperature.
- Filters remove dirt and metal particles.
- Pressure relief valves prevent excessive
oil pressure.
- Oil viscosity affects flow and lubrication
quality.
- Regular oil checks ensure safe operation.
8. Cooling System
- Air-cooled engines use fins to dissipate
heat.
- Liquid-cooled engines use coolant
circulated through jackets.
- Baffles direct airflow around cylinders in
air-cooled engines.
- Overheating can cause detonation or piston
seizure.
- Cooling is essential for maintaining
performance.
- Cylinder head temperature is a key
indication of cooling efficiency.
- Oil also assists in cooling internal
parts.
- Proper cowling ensures efficient airflow.
- Temperature gauges monitor engine heat
levels.
- Poor cooling reduces engine life.
9. Exhaust and
Supercharging
- The exhaust system removes combustion
gases.
- Exhaust manifolds collect gases from
cylinders.
- Mufflers reduce noise and back pressure.
- Turbochargers increase intake air
pressure.
- Wastegates control turbocharger boost
pressure.
- Superchargers use engine power to compress
intake air.
- Boost pressure must be controlled to
prevent damage.
- Exhaust gas temperature indicates engine
performance.
- Turbo lag occurs due to delayed response
of the turbine.
- Proper maintenance prevents cracks in
exhaust systems.
10. Engine
Operation and Maintenance
- Engine start requires correct fuel mixture
and ignition.
- Warm-up allows oil to circulate before
high power use.
- Lean mixture improves fuel economy in
cruise.
- Rich mixture provides cooling during high
power.
- Power checks verify engine performance
before flight.
- Vibration indicates imbalance or misfire.
- Compression testing checks cylinder
sealing.
- Spark plug inspection ensures proper
ignition.
- Engine overhaul restores components to
serviceable condition.
- Proper operation and maintenance ensure
reliability and safety.