Pronunciation: [sˈɪlɪndə bˈaŋk] (IPA) 
The spelling of "cylinder bank" is quite straightforward. "Cylinder" is spelled with a hard "c" sound, followed by the "y" as in "myth" and "linder" with a soft "i" as in "lip". "Bank" is simply spelled with the "b" sound, "a" as in "apple", and "nk" with the "ng" sound. When pronounced, "cylinder bank" should be pronounced /ˈsɪl.ɪn.dər bæŋk/ with a slight emphasis on the first syllable of "cylinder".
A cylinder bank refers to a specific arrangement of cylinders in an internal combustion engine. This term is commonly used in the context of multi-cylinder engines, particularly those used in automobiles, aircraft, and heavy machinery. In a cylinder bank configuration, the individual cylinders are grouped into a single unit that forms a continuous row or block.
Typically, a cylinder bank is formed by aligning the cylinders in a straight line, parallel to the crankshaft. The number of cylinders in a bank can vary depending on the engine design, but it is usually an even number such as two, four, or six. The cylinders within a bank share a common crankshaft journal, allowing them to move in a synchronized manner during the engine's combustion process.
The cylinder bank plays a crucial role in determining an engine's overall performance characteristics. It affects factors such as power output, torque delivery, and engine balance. The arrangement of cylinders within a bank can influence the engine's firing order, the timing and phasing of the combustion events, and the balance of forces during operation.
Engines with multiple cylinder banks are often referred to by the number of total cylinders followed by the number of cylinder banks. For example, a V6 engine consists of six cylinders arranged in two banks of three each, forming a V-shaped configuration. This terminology helps classify and differentiate engines based on their cylinder bank arrangement.
The word "cylinder bank" is formed by combining two terms: "cylinder" and "bank".
- "Cylinder" comes from the Latin word "cylindrus", which means a roller or a cylindrical object. It was then borrowed into English from French "cylindre" in the 16th century.
- "Bank" in this context refers to a row or group of something, and it comes from the Old Norse word "bakki", meaning a bench or raised ground.
When combined, "cylinder bank" refers to a configuration of cylinders in an engine, where they are arranged in a row or group. The term is commonly used in the context of multi-cylinder engines, such as V-shaped or inline engines.
