The two-stroke engine

The two-stroke engine is similar to that of the four-stroke-cycle engine in its reciprocating mechanism. It uses the piston-crankshaft mechanism, but requires

only one revolution of the crankshaft for a complete power-producing cycle.

The two-stroke engine does not use inlet and exhaust valves. The gas exchange

is implemented by scavenging and exhaust porthole openings in the bore wall. The upward and downward motion of the piston simultaneously opens and closes these portholes. The air-fuel mixture then goes in or out of the combustion chamber through the portholes. Combustion takes place at every rotation of the crankshaft.

In the two-stroke engine, the space in the crankcase works as a precompression chamber for each successive fuel charge. The fuel and lubricating oil are premixed and introduced into the crankcase, so that the crankcase

cannot be used for storing the lubricating oil. When combustion occurs in the cylinder, the combustion pressure compresses the new gas in the crankcase for the next combustion. The burnt gas then exhausts while drawing in new gas. The lubricating oil mixed into the air-fuel mixture also burns.

Since the two-stroke engine does not use a valve system, its mechanism is very simple. The power output is fairly high because it achieves one power stroke per two revolutions of the crankshaft. However, although the power output is high, it is used only for small motorcycle engines and some large diesel applications. Since the new gas pushes out the burnt gas, the intake and exhaust gases are not clearly separated. As a result, fuel consumption is relatively high and cleaning of the exhaust gas by a catalytic converter is difficult.

In the past, petrol engines almost universally used3 a carburetor. However, the requirements for improved fuel economy have led to an increasing use of fuel injection. In a petrol engine the fuel is normally injected into the inlet manifold behind the inlet valve. The atomized fuel mixes with air. When the inlet valve is opened, the combustible mixture is drawn into the cylinder. 

However, a recent development has occurred in direct injection petrol engines whereby fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, as with direct injection diesel engines.

READ MORE.......

The science and technology of materials in automotive engines

Hiroshi Yamagata

Woodhead Publishing and Maney Publishing

on behalf of

The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining

CRC Press

Boca Raton Boston New York Washington, DC

WOODHEAD PUBLISHING LIMITED

Cambridge England

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