Asci 202 Aviation-Basic Operating Principles of Reciprocating Engines

Basic Operating Principles of Reciprocating Aircraft Engines

Andrew Kirfman

Intro to Aeronautical Science ASCI 202

Dan Dendauw

December 19, 2013

Abstract

All aircraft rely on some form of propulsion to fly, whether it is wind, like a glider uses, or an engine to push or pull it through the air. This paper explores the operating principles of one type of aircraft power plant: the reciprocating engine. This type of engine operates using a four cycle, also known as a four step process, in order to create the power, or thrust, to make the aircraft fly. A basic overview of these steps and processes that occur inside this type of engine will be covered to give insight and understanding into how these engines operate, and a brief history of the development of the reciprocating engine.

Operating Principles of Aircraft Engines

There are four forces that act upon an aircraft in flight: lift, drag, weight, and thrust. Of these forces, thrust is one of the most important factors in sustaining flight. In order to create thrust, and sustain powered flight, an aircraft requires a source of propulsion. An engine, also known as a power plant, fills that requirement to power an aircraft through the sky. Engines may either push or pull an aircraft through the air, depending on where they are mounted on the aircraft. For example, general aviation aircraft, or smaller airplanes, typically have the engine mounted at the front of the plane, typically a reciprocating piston engine, pulling it through the air. Larger airplanes, such as commercial airliners, have their engines, usually jet, mounted at the rear of the fuselage, or under the wings, pushing the aircraft through the sky. Either configuration is acceptable, and is usually a consideration undertaken when designing aircraft. The engine is what powers an aircraft through the sky.

A Brief History of Reciprocating Aircraft Engines

The first powered aircraft flight took place...