External Combustion Engine - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on External Combustion Engines (1999–2009 notes).

External Combustion Engine

A heat engine where combustion occurs outside the engine; heat from an external source heats a working fluid that then drives the engine.

Steam Engine

A type of external combustion engine that uses steam pressure to push a piston inside a cylinder, with motion converted to rotation by a connecting rod and crank.

Stirling Engine

An external combustion engine that operates by cyclic expansion and contraction of gas due to temperature changes, with the working fluid remaining in gaseous form.

Steam Turbine

A device that extracts thermal energy from steam and converts it into mechanical work on a rotating shaft with blades, commonly used to drive electrical generators.

Cylinder

The chamber in an external combustion engine where the working fluid is heated and where the piston moves.

Piston

The reciprocating component inside the cylinder; its motion is transferred via the piston rod to rotate the crankshaft.

Crankshaft

The shaft that converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion to drive the engine or connected load.

Flywheel

A heavy wheel attached to the crankshaft that stores rotational energy and smooths power delivery to the wheels.

Camshaft

The shaft that controls the opening and closing of inlet and outlet valves, ensuring proper fuel delivery and exhaust timing.

Working Fluid

The fluid heated by the external heat source (e.g., water to steam) and used to perform work in the engine.

Applications of External Combustion Engines

Common uses include steam locomotives, steam ships, and power plants for electricity generation.

Advantages of External Combustion Engines

Can use nearly any available fuel; low noise due to lack of detonation; low emissions; economical for large-scale power generation.

Disadvantages of External Combustion Engines

Not ideal for low-power applications; potential working fluid leakage; higher lubricant requirements; operate at high temperatures.