(a) Single Cylinder

(b) In-Line
(c) V Engine
(d) Opposed Cylinder Engine
(e) W Engine
(f) Opposed Piston Engine
(g) Radial Engine
What is a Rotary Engine?
A successful alternative engine design is the rotary
engine, also called the Wankel engine after its
inventor. The Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 represent the only
long-term use of the rotary. The rotating combustion
chamber engine runs very smoothly, and produces
high power for its size and weight.
The engine has a triangular-shaped rotor turning in a
housing, in the shape of a geometric figure called a two-
lobed epitrochoid. A seal on each corner, of the rotor is
in constant contact with the housing, so the rotor turns
with an eccentric motion. The rotor center moves
around the engine center.
IN TAKE
COMPRESSION
POWER
EXHAUST
OPERATION ANIMATED