WANKEL ENGINE Meaning and
Definition
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A Wankel engine is a unique type of internal combustion engine that utilizes a rotor instead of reciprocating pistons, delivering power output in a smooth rotary motion. It was invented by Felix Wankel in the mid-20th century and is renowned for its compact size, simplicity, and high power-to-weight ratio.
The design of a Wankel engine involves a triangular rotor with curved sides that rotates within a housing known as an epitrochoid. As the rotor moves, it completes three distinct steps: intake, compression, and combustion/exhaust. These steps occur simultaneously in separate regions of the housing, which results in a continuous combustion process. Unlike traditional reciprocating engines, the rotor creates a spinning motion, converting the expansion of fuel-air mixture into rotary motion directly.
The main advantage of the Wankel engine lies in its reduced number of moving parts, resulting in smoother operation with less vibration and noise. Moreover, its compact design enables higher output in relation to its size compared to conventional engines. However, a trade-off of this efficiency is higher fuel consumption, often associated with Wankel engines.
Wankel engines have found applications in various industries, particularly in automobiles, motorcycles, and small aircraft. They have been used in several notable vehicles, including Mazda's RX-7 and RX-8 sports cars. Although the Wankel engine offers distinct advantages because of its simplicity and compactness, it has faced challenges in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions control, leading to decreased popularity in recent years.
Common Misspellings for WANKEL ENGINE
- qankel engine
- aankel engine
- sankel engine
- eankel engine
- 3ankel engine
- 2ankel engine
- wznkel engine
- wsnkel engine
- wwnkel engine
- wqnkel engine
- wabkel engine
- wamkel engine
- wajkel engine
- wahkel engine
- wanjel engine
- wanmel engine
- wanlel engine
- wanoel engine
- waniel engine
Etymology of WANKEL ENGINE
The word "Wankel" in "Wankel engine" is derived from the name of its German inventor, Felix Wankel. Felix Heinrich Wankel was an engineer who developed the concept of the rotary engine in the 1950s. The rotary engine is commonly known as the Wankel engine due to its association with Wankel's work and his significant contributions to its development.
