Mechanical Power for Biosystems - Heat Engines and Their Components

These flashcards cover key concepts related to heat engines and their components, providing definitions and significant details.

What is a Heat Engine?

A device that converts the chemical energy of fuel into mechanical energy through combustion.

What is combustion?

A process in which fuel combines with oxygen or air and liberates heat, producing CO2 and H2O.

What are the two main classes of heat engines?

External combustion Engines (EC Engines) and Internal Combustion Engines.

What is an example of an External Combustion Engine?

Steam engines, where heat from combustion generates steam to move pistons.

What fuels are commonly used in Internal Combustion Engines?

Gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and biofuels.

Name a major component of an engine that houses cylinders and cooling systems.

Engine/Cylinder block.

What is the function of the cylinder head?

Seals the top of the cylinder block and contains ports for intake and exhaust.

What is the purpose of a head gasket?

Seals the coolant passages and oil galleries to prevent leakage.

What is the function of cylinder liners or sleeves?

Acts as the inner wall of the cylinder, providing a sliding surface for piston rings and extending engine life.

Define a piston in the context of an engine.

A component fitted in each cylinder that acts as the prime mover, transferring force to the connecting rod.

What is the difference between dry liners and wet liners?

A dry liner has no direct contact with engine cooling water, whereas a wet liner does.

What does TDC stand for in relation to piston movement?

Top Dead Center, the closest position of the piston to the cylinder head.

What does BDC represent in the context of a piston?

Bottom Dead Center, the farthest position of the piston from the cylinder head.