Understanding Heat Engines: Types and Inventors
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What is a Heat Engine?
A set of mechanical elements that exchange mechanical energy through the variation of the thermal energy of a fluid passing through them.
A set of mechanical elements that provide mechanical energy through the thermal state generated in a combustion reaction.
What is an External Combustion Engine?
Combustion occurs in a different working fluid and closed cycles, e.g., steam engines: steam engines, steam turbines, Stirling motors.
What is an Internal Combustion Engine?
Combustion occurs in the same fluid for work and open cycles, for example, reciprocating engines, rotary engines, gas turbines, turbojets.
What is a Volumetric Heat Machine/Motor?
Process with intermittent fluid friction, insignificant heat loss, pressure conversion into force: plunger.
What is a Dynamic Thermal Machine/Motor?
Continuous process, fluid flow, adiabatic conversion of pressure into speed: nozzles.
What is a Reaction Machine/Motor (Endothermic Reaction)?
- Ramjet-Pulsejets: Machine open at both ends without a shaft, diffuser for compression prior to combustion. Combustion contributes to the fluid's kinetic energy, boosting kinetic energy by direct combustion.
- Turboreactors: Machine open at both ends with a shaft, axial compressor prior to combustion. Combustion contributes to the fluid's internal energy, kinetic energy thrust from a rocket nozzle.
- Expansion Motor: Machine closed at one end without a shaft, thrust kinetic energy from expansion in nozzles.
Heat Engines and Inventors (Chronological Order):
- Aeolipile of Heron
- Branca Steam Turbine
- Newcomen Steam Engine
- Barber Gas Turbine
- Air Stirling Engine
- Otto & Langen Rotary Engine
- Diesel Compression Ignition Motor
How is an Engine Multicylindrical?
Consists of two opposed pistons per cylinder.
How are Engines Classified by Speed?
- Slow Engines: Marine (Up to 350 rpm)
- Semi-rapid Engines: Industrial (400 to 1000 rpm)
- Speed Engines: Automotive (From 1000 to 10000 rpm)
- Extra-rapid Engines: Sport (More than 10,000 rpm)