DRY SUMP Meaning and
Definition
-
Dry sump is a term commonly used in the automotive industry to describe a lubrication system for internal combustion engines. The term "dry" refers to the absence of oil in the engine's oil pan, as opposed to the traditional "wet" sump system where oil is stored in a reservoir or sump at the bottom of the engine.
In a dry sump system, the oil is stored in an external reservoir separate from the engine itself. The engine's oil pump draws oil from this reservoir and delivers it to various parts of the engine that require lubrication, such as the crankshaft, pistons, and camshaft. Once the oil has flowed through the engine, it is then pumped back to the external reservoir for cooling and filtration before being reused.
The main advantage of a dry sump system is its enhanced oiling capabilities under extreme driving conditions. The external reservoir allows for a larger oil capacity, ensuring a constant supply of oil to the engine even under heavy acceleration, cornering, or during high-speed driving. This prevents the oil from sloshing around and experiencing oil starvation, which could lead to engine damage or failure.
Additionally, a dry sump system helps to reduce parasitic drag on the engine caused by the spinning of the crankshaft through the oil in the pan. By separating the oil from the engine, the dry sump system eliminates this drag and increases overall engine efficiency.
Dry sump systems are commonly found in high-performance or racing vehicles where oiling requirements are more demanding, but they may also be used in certain street cars to improve engine reliability and performance.
Etymology of DRY SUMP
The term "dry sump" consists of two parts:
1. "Dry" refers to the absence of liquid or oil. In the context of an engine or lubrication system, "dry" indicates that there is no excess oil present in a particular component.
2. "Sump" refers to a reservoir or container that collects and holds a liquid, in this case, oil. It is typically found at the lowest point of an engine or lubrication system.
Therefore, the term "dry sump" essentially describes a lubrication system that doesn't rely on a traditional oil pan or sump to hold the oil. Instead, it uses an external oil tank or reservoir to collect and supply oil to the engine components.
The etymology of the word "dry sump" is quite straightforward since it is a descriptive term derived from the functionality and purpose it serves in an engine's lubrication system.
