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QUES1.

Describe the major functions, material and method of manufacturing process


of the following reciprocating engine components with neat sketch diagram: Piston,
connecting rod, crankshaft, cams and camshaft, valves, intake and exhaust manifolds,
cylinder, Engine block.

ANS1.
1Piston:
• Major Functions:
• Seals the combustion chamber.
• Transfers energy from expanding gases to the crankshaft.
• Conducts heat away from the combustion process.
• Material: Typically made from aluminum alloys for lightness and
good thermal conductivity.
• Manufacturing Process: Die casting or forging, followed by
machining, heat treatment, and coating.
2. Connecting Rod:
• Major Functions:
• Transfers reciprocating motion from the piston to the rotating motion
of the crankshaft.
• Material: Often made from steel or aluminum alloys for strength and
durability.
• Manufacturing Process: Forging or machining from a solid billet,
followed by heat treatment.
3. Crankshaft:
• Major Functions:
• Converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion.
• Material: Typically made from alloy steel with high strength and wear
resistance.
• Manufacturing Process: Forging, machining, and heat treatment to
create the complex shape and provide strength.
4. Cams and Camshaft:
• Major Functions:
• Control the opening and closing of valves in the engine.
• Material: Usually made from alloy steel.
• Manufacturing Process: Machining, often through a combination of
milling and grinding, to create the cam profiles.
5. Valves:
• Major Functions:
• Control the flow of air and exhaust gases in and out of the combustion
chamber.
• Material: Commonly made from heat-resistant alloys.
• Manufacturing Process: Forging or machining, followed by heat
treatment.
QUES2. List five important differences between IC Engines and EC Engines.
QUES3. Write a short note on Historical development in IC Engines.
ANS. The historical development of Internal Combustion (IC) engines is a
fascinating journey that spans several centuries, marked by key
innovations and advancements. The evolution of IC engines can be
broadly categorized into the following phases:

1. Early Concepts (17th to 18th centuries):


• The concept of internal combustion dates back to the 17th
century. Early inventors like Christian Huygens and Samuel
Morland experimented with gunpowder-driven engines.
• However, it was not until the late 19th century that practical
internal combustion engines began to emerge.
2. Development of Early Engines (Late 19th century):
• The late 19th century saw significant progress with inventors
like Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir and Nikolaus Otto. Lenoir
developed the first commercially successful internal
combustion engine fueled by coal gas.
• Otto's four-stroke engine, patented in 1876, laid the
foundation for modern internal combustion engines. The four-
stroke cycle—intake, compression, power, and exhaust—
became a standard framework.
3. Rise of the Automotive Industry (Late 19th to Early 20th
centuries):
• The invention of the gasoline engine fueled the rise of the
automotive industry. Karl Benz is credited with building the
first true automobile powered by an internal combustion
engine in 1885-1886.
• Henry Ford's assembly line production in the early 20th
century made automobiles more accessible to the general
public.
4. Diesel Engine Development (Late 19th to Early 20th centuries):
• Rudolf Diesel's development of the diesel engine in the late
19th century marked another milestone. The diesel engine
operates on a compression-ignition principle, different from
the spark-ignition gasoline engines.
5. Advancements in Engine Technology (Mid-20th century):
• The mid-20th century witnessed advancements in engine
technology with the introduction of supercharging, fuel
injection, and electronic ignition systems.
• These innovations improved efficiency, power output, and
emissions control in internal combustion engines.
6. Turbocharging and Emissions Control (Late 20th century):
• Turbocharging became more prevalent in the latter half of the
20th century, enhancing engine performance by forcing more
air into the combustion chamber.
• Stringent emissions regulations led to the development of
catalytic converters and electronic engine management
systems.
7. Hybrid and Electric Technologies (21st century):
• The 21st century has seen a growing focus on hybrid and
electric propulsion systems as a response to environmental
concerns and the quest for greater fuel efficiency.
• Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are
gaining prominence, challenging the dominance of traditional
internal combustion engines.
8. Ongoing Innovations (Present):
• Ongoing research and development continue to focus on
improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and exploring
alternative fuels to meet evolving environmental standards.
• Advanced technologies, such as direct injection, variable valve
timing, and cylinder deactivation, contribute to optimizing
internal combustion engine performance.

The historical development of IC engines reflects a continuous quest for


efficiency, power, and environmental sustainability. From humble
beginnings as stationary engines to powering today's diverse range of
vehicles, internal combustion engines have played a crucial role in shaping
modern transportation and industry. The ongoing pursuit of cleaner and
more efficient propulsion systems ensures that the story of IC engines is
far from concluded.
QUES4. Write a short note on modern development in IC Engines.
ANS.Modern developments in Internal Combustion (IC) engines are focused
on enhancing efficiency, reducing emissions, and adapting to the
changing landscape of the automotive and industrial sectors. Some
notable trends and innovations include:

1. Direct Injection Technology:


• Modern IC engines increasingly adopt direct fuel injection
systems. Direct injection allows for more precise control over
fuel delivery, improving combustion efficiency and reducing
fuel consumption.
2. Variable Valve Timing (VVT):
• VVT systems optimize the timing of valve opening and closing,
adapting to different engine operating conditions. This
technology enhances power output, fuel efficiency, and
emission control.
3. Turbocharging and Supercharging:
• Forced induction technologies, such as turbocharging and
supercharging, are commonly employed to increase engine
efficiency and power. These systems compress air before
entering the combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to
be burned and boosting overall performance.
4. Cylinder Deactivation:
• Some modern engines feature cylinder deactivation
technology, which allows the engine to shut down specific
cylinders under light load conditions. This improves fuel
efficiency by reducing pumping losses.
5. Advanced Materials:
• The use of advanced materials, such as lightweight alloys and
high-strength composites, helps reduce the overall weight of
the engine, contributing to improved fuel efficiency without
compromising structural integrity.
6. Start-Stop Systems:
• Start-stop systems automatically shut off the engine when the
vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights, and restart it
when the driver engages the accelerator. This feature helps
conserve fuel and reduce emissions during idle periods.
7. Electrification and Hybridization:
• The integration of hybrid and electric technologies is a
significant trend. Hybrid vehicles combine internal combustion
engines with electric motors for improved fuel efficiency, while
fully electric vehicles aim to eliminate tailpipe emissions
altogether.
8. Advanced Ignition Systems:
• Improved ignition systems, including technologies like coil-
on-plug and advanced spark plug designs, enhance
combustion efficiency, leading to better fuel economy and
reduced emissions.
9. Emission Control Technologies:
• The implementation of sophisticated emission control
systems, such as catalytic converters and selective catalytic
reduction (SCR), helps meet stringent environmental
regulations by minimizing the release of pollutants.
10. Digital Engine Control Units (ECUs):
• Modern engines rely on advanced digital Engine Control Units
for real-time monitoring and adjustment of various
parameters, optimizing performance and efficiency.
11. Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI):
• HCCI is an emerging combustion technology that combines
features of traditional spark-ignition and compression-ignition
engines. It aims to achieve high efficiency with lower
emissions by optimizing the combustion process.
12. Alternative Fuels:
• Research and development in alternative fuels, such as
hydrogen, natural gas, and biofuels, are ongoing to reduce the
environmental impact of IC engines and diversify the energy
sources for transportation.

These modern developments collectively contribute to creating more fuel-


efficient, environmentally friendly, and technologically advanced internal
combustion engines, ensuring their continued relevance in the evolving
landscape of transportation and industry.

QUES5. Define the terms: Swept Volume, Clearance Volume, Compression ratio
ANS. Swept Volume:

• Definition: Swept volume refers to the total volume displaced by the piston
as it moves from the bottom dead center (BDC) to the top dead center (TDC)
within the cylinder during one complete engine cycle.
• Mathematically: Swept Volume (V_s) can be calculated using the formula:
Vs=π/4×D2×L, where D is the bore diameter, and L is the stroke length.

2. Clearance Volume:

• Definition: Clearance volume, also known as combustion chamber volume


or cylinder clearance, is the volume remaining at the top of the cylinder when
the piston is at the top dead center (TDC) and all the valves are closed. It
includes any space not occupied by the swept volume.
• Mathematically: Clearance Volume (V_c) is the difference between the total
cylinder volume and the swept volume Vc=Vtotal−Vs.

3. Compression Ratio:

• Definition: Compression ratio is the ratio of the total cylinder volume (swept
volume plus clearance volume) to the clearance volume. It is a crucial
parameter that indicates how much the air-fuel mixture is compressed in the
cylinder before ignition.
• Mathematically: Compression Ratio (CR) is calculated as: CR=(Vtotal+Vc)/Vc
.
• Importance: A higher compression ratio generally leads to better thermal
efficiency and power output, but it also influences factors like engine
knocking and requires careful consideration for fuel and ignition system
design.

In summary, swept volume is the total volume displaced by the piston during its
stroke, clearance volume is the space left at the top of the cylinder when the piston
is at TDC, and compression ratio is the ratio of the total cylinder volume to the
clearance volume. These parameters play a crucial role in the performance and
efficiency of internal combustion engines.

QUES6. Differentiate between reciprocating and rotary engines.


ANS. Reciprocating engines and rotary engines are two distinct types of internal
combustion engines that differ in their mechanisms for converting fuel into
mechanical energy. Here are the key differentiating factors between reciprocating
and rotary engines:

**1. Mechanism of Motion:

• Reciprocating Engine: In reciprocating engines, the pistons move back and


forth in a linear motion within the cylinders. This reciprocating motion is then
converted into rotational motion through the crankshaft.
• Rotary Engine: In rotary engines, also known as Wankel engines, there are
no pistons or a crankshaft. Instead, a rotor, typically triangular in shape,
rotates in an eccentric manner within a housing to produce the rotary motion
directly.

2. Shape and Configuration:

• Reciprocating Engine: These engines have a more complex structure with


pistons, connecting rods, and a crankshaft. The pistons move up and down
within cylindrical or oval-shaped cylinders.
• Rotary Engine: Rotary engines have a simpler design. They consist of a
single, generally triangular rotor rotating within a housing with an
epitrochoidal shape (a curved, non-circular shape).

3. Size and Weight:

• Reciprocating Engine: Traditional reciprocating engines tend to be heavier


and bulkier due to the complexity of the piston-crankshaft system.
• Rotary Engine: Rotary engines are generally more compact and lightweight
because of their simpler design. They have a better power-to-weight ratio
compared to many reciprocating engines.

4. Vibration and Smoothness:


• Reciprocating Engine: Reciprocating engines can exhibit more vibration due
to the back-and-forth motion of the pistons.
• Rotary Engine: Rotary engines, by design, are inherently smoother due to
the continuous rotary motion of the rotor. They typically have less vibration
and provide a smoother ride.

5. Cooling:

• Reciprocating Engine: Cooling is often achieved through a combination of


air and liquid cooling systems. The engine block, cylinder heads, and pistons
are typical components that require cooling.
• Rotary Engine: Rotary engines generally have simpler cooling needs since
there are no reciprocating components like pistons. However, effective
cooling is still necessary.

6. Combustion Cycle:

• Reciprocating Engine: Follows a traditional four-stroke or two-stroke


combustion cycle, involving intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes.
• Rotary Engine: Operates on a unique rotary combustion cycle, featuring
three main phases: intake, compression, and power/exhaust, all occurring
simultaneously in different parts of the rotor's rotation.

7. Applications:

• Reciprocating Engine: Widely used in various applications, including


automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, and most conventional internal
combustion engines.
• Rotary Engine: Historically used in some Mazda vehicles (Wankel engine),
motorcycles, and aircraft. However, rotary engines are less common in
modern mass-produced vehicles.

In summary, reciprocating engines rely on the back-and-forth motion of pistons,


while rotary engines utilize a rotating rotor to generate power. Each type has its
advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on the
specific requirements of the application.
QUES7. Describe with the help of diagram the working principle of four-stroke SI
Engine.
ANS.
Four-Stroke SI Engine Working Principle:

1. Intake Stroke (Suction Stroke):


• The piston moves downward from the top dead center (TDC)
to the bottom dead center (BDC).
• The intake valve opens, and the piston creates a vacuum,
drawing in a mixture of air and fuel from the carburetor or fuel
injection system.
• The exhaust valve remains closed during this stroke.
2. Compression Stroke:
• Both the intake and exhaust valves are closed.
• The piston moves back up from BDC to TDC, compressing the
air-fuel mixture within the cylinder.
• Compression increases the temperature and pressure of the
mixture, preparing it for efficient combustion.
3. Power Stroke (Combustion Stroke):
• The spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture near
the TDC.
• The resulting explosion forces the piston down from TDC to
BDC.
• This downward movement of the piston is what generates
power and contributes to the rotation of the crankshaft.
4. Exhaust Stroke:
• The exhaust valve opens, and the piston moves from BDC to
TDC.
• The upward movement of the piston pushes the burnt gases
out of the cylinder and into the exhaust manifold.
• The intake valve remains closed during this stroke.
Cycle Repeats:

• After completing the exhaust stroke, the engine returns to the intake
stroke, starting the next cycle.
• The four-stroke cycle—intake, compression, power, and exhaust—
repeats continuously as the engine operates.

This four-stroke cycle allows for a more efficient and controlled


combustion process, resulting in smoother engine operation compared to
two-stroke engines. Additionally, it enables better management of fuel-air
mixtures and exhaust gases, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and
reduced emissions.

QUES8. . Define the all terms of which is related to performance of an IC Engine.


ANS.
Several terms are used to describe the performance of an Internal Combustion (IC)
engine. These terms provide insights into various aspects of the engine's operation
and efficiency. Here are definitions for key performance-related terms:

1. Horsepower (HP):
• Definition: Horsepower is a unit of power that measures the rate at
which work is done. In the context of engines, it represents the
engine's ability to perform work over time.
• Significance: The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the
engine is considered to be.
2. Torque:
• Definition: Torque is a measure of the rotational force or twisting
force produced by the engine. It is the force that causes an object to
rotate around an axis.
• Significance: Torque is crucial for the acceleration and overall
performance of a vehicle, especially in applications like towing or
climbing hills.
3. Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC):
• Definition: Specific Fuel Consumption is the amount of fuel
consumed per unit of power produced by the engine over a specific
period.
• Significance: Lower SFC values indicate better fuel efficiency, as the
engine is producing more power with less fuel consumption.
4. Thermal Efficiency:
• Definition: Thermal efficiency is a measure of how well an engine
converts the energy from fuel into useful work. It is the ratio of the
useful work output to the heat input from fuel.
• Significance: Higher thermal efficiency signifies a more efficient
engine in converting fuel energy into mechanical energy.
5. Volumetric Efficiency:
• Definition: Volumetric efficiency is the ratio of the amount of air an
engine draws in (measured by its displacement volume) to the
maximum amount of air it could theoretically hold.
• Significance: High volumetric efficiency is desirable for improved
combustion and power output.
6. Compression Ratio:
• Definition: Compression ratio is the ratio of the total cylinder volume
(swept volume plus clearance volume) to the clearance volume.
• Significance: A higher compression ratio generally leads to better
thermal efficiency but may require careful consideration to prevent
engine knocking.
7. Power-to-Weight Ratio:
• Definition: Power-to-Weight Ratio is the ratio of the engine's power
output to its weight. It provides an indication of the engine's
performance relative to its mass.
• Significance: Higher power-to-weight ratios often result in better
acceleration and overall vehicle performance.
8. Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC):
• Definition: Brake Specific Fuel Consumption is the fuel consumption
per unit of power output in brake horsepower.
• Significance: Lower BSFC values indicate better fuel efficiency, similar
to Specific Fuel Consumption.
9. Mechanical Efficiency:
• Definition: Mechanical efficiency is the ratio of the engine's brake
horsepower (useful power output) to its indicated horsepower (power
developed in the cylinders).
• Significance: Higher mechanical efficiency indicates better overall
performance and less wasted energy.
10. Air-Fuel Ratio:
• Definition: The Air-Fuel Ratio is the ratio of the mass of air to the
mass of fuel in the combustion mixture.
• Significance: Maintaining an optimal air-fuel ratio is crucial for
efficient combustion and minimizing emissions.

These terms collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of an IC engine's


performance, covering aspects such as power output, efficiency, fuel consumption,
and overall effectiveness in converting fuel into useful work.
QUES9. Compare the four stroke and two stroke cycle engines. Bring out clarify their
relative merits and demerits.
ANS.

Four-Stroke Cycle Engines:

Merits:
1. Better Fuel Efficiency: Four-stroke engines generally have better
fuel efficiency because they complete one power stroke for every
four strokes, allowing more time for efficient combustion.
2. Lower Emissions: Due to the separation of intake, compression,
power, and exhaust strokes, four-stroke engines tend to produce
fewer emissions. They have a dedicated exhaust stroke, allowing
more effective exhaust gas scavenging.
3. Smooth Operation: Four-stroke engines operate more smoothly
and provide a steadier power delivery compared to two-stroke
engines. This is due to the dedicated power and exhaust strokes,
reducing vibration.
4. Wider Power Band: Four-stroke engines typically have a broader
power band, providing a more even distribution of power across
different engine speeds.
5. Lubrication Control: Four-stroke engines have a separate
lubrication system, allowing better control over oil distribution and
reducing the risk of oil-fuel mixture variations.

Demerits:

1. Complexity: Four-stroke engines are generally more complex with


additional components such as camshafts, valves, and a lubrication
system, making them heavier and more expensive.
2. Lower Power-to-Weight Ratio: Four-stroke engines are often
heavier, resulting in a lower power-to-weight ratio compared to
two-stroke engines.
3. Slower Acceleration: The four-stroke cycle takes longer to
complete, resulting in slower acceleration compared to two-stroke
engines.

Two-Stroke Cycle Engines:

Merits:

1. Simplicity: Two-stroke engines are simpler in design with fewer


moving parts, making them lighter, more compact, and less
expensive to manufacture.
2. Higher Power-to-Weight Ratio: Two-stroke engines generally
have a higher power-to-weight ratio due to their lighter
construction and simpler design.
3. Higher Acceleration: The two-stroke cycle allows for quicker
acceleration as power is produced every two strokes, providing a
more immediate response.
4. Ease of Maintenance: With fewer components, two-stroke engines
are easier to maintain and repair.

Demerits:

1. Poor Fuel Efficiency: Two-stroke engines tend to have lower fuel


efficiency because they complete one power stroke for every two
strokes, resulting in less time for efficient combustion.
2. Higher Emissions: The mixing of fresh air with exhaust gases in the
crankcase can lead to higher emissions of unburned hydrocarbons.
This can result in higher pollution levels compared to four-stroke
engines.
3. Limited Power Band: Two-stroke engines often have a narrower
power band, leading to less even power distribution across different
engine speeds.
4. Oil-Fuel Mixture: Many two-stroke engines require oil to be mixed
with the fuel for lubrication. This oil-fuel mixture can lead to
incomplete combustion and increased emissions.

In summary, the choice between a four-stroke and a two-stroke engine


depends on the specific application and priorities. Four-stroke engines are
favored for better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and smoother
operation, while two-stroke engines are preferred for simplicity, higher
power-to-weight ratio, and quicker acceleration. The trade-offs involve
factors such as complexity, cost, and environmental impact.

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