Rotary Engines in Cars

Introduction

Rotary engines are a type of internal combustion engine that uses a triangular rotor that spins within a figure-8 shaped chamber. This design is different from the more common reciprocating piston engine, which uses pistons that move up and down within cylinders. Rotary engines are often praised for their smooth operation, high power output, and compact size. However, they also have some drawbacks, including poor fuel economy and high emissions.

History

The first rotary engine was developed by Felix Wankel in the early 1950s. Wankel’s engine was based on a design that he had first conceived of in the 1920s. However, it was not until the 1950s that he was able to develop a working prototype.

Wankel’s engine was initially met with skepticism from the automotive industry. However, in 1964, Mazda licensed the rights to Wankel’s design. Mazda went on to develop and produce a number of rotary-powered cars, including the Cosmo Sport and the RX-7.

Design

Rotary engines are unique in their design. Unlike reciprocating piston engines, which use pistons that move up and down within cylinders, rotary engines use a triangular rotor that spins within a figure-8 shaped chamber. The rotor is mounted on an eccentric shaft, which causes it to spin as the shaft rotates.

The combustion process in a rotary engine is similar to that in a reciprocating piston engine. Air and fuel are mixed together and then drawn into the combustion chamber. The rotor then compresses the air and fuel mixture, and the spark plug ignites the mixture. The expanding gases from the combustion process push the rotor around, which in turn drives the eccentric shaft.

Advantages

Rotary engines have a number of advantages over reciprocating piston engines. These advantages include:

* **Smooth operation:** Rotary engines are known for their smooth operation. This is because the rotor spins continuously, rather than reciprocating up and down like pistons.
* **High power output:** Rotary engines can produce a high amount of power for their size. This is because the rotor spins at a high speed, which allows for more power strokes per revolution.
* **Compact size:** Rotary engines are more compact than reciprocating piston engines. This is because they do not require the large cylinders and valves that are found in reciprocating piston engines.

Disadvantages

Rotary engines also have some disadvantages. These disadvantages include:

* **Poor fuel economy:** Rotary engines are less fuel-efficient than reciprocating piston engines. This is because the rotor spins constantly, which creates more friction than in a reciprocating piston engine.
* **Emissions:** Rotary engines produce more emissions than reciprocating piston engines. This is because the combustion process in a rotary engine is less efficient than in a reciprocating piston engine.
* **Reliability:** Rotary engines are not as reliable as reciprocating piston engines. This is because the rotor seals are more prone to wear and tear than the pistons and rings in a reciprocating piston engine.

Applications

Rotary engines have been used in a variety of applications, including:

* **Cars:** Rotary engines have been used in a number of cars, including the Mazda Cosmo Sport and the RX-7.
* **Motorcycles:** Rotary engines have also been used in a number of motorcycles, including the Norton Commander and the Suzuki RE5.
* **Aircraft:** Rotary engines have been used in a few aircraft, including the Rutan Voyager and the Scaled Composites Model 318.

Conclusion

Rotary engines are a unique type of internal combustion engine that offer a number of advantages over reciprocating piston engines. However, they also have some drawbacks, including poor fuel economy and high emissions. As a result, rotary engines have not been as widely adopted as reciprocating piston engines.