A rotary engine, also known as a Wankel engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that operates on the principle of creating rotary motion to generate power. It is distinct from conventional piston engines in terms of its design and functioning.
The rotary engine consists of a triangular-shaped rotor housed in an epitrochoidal chamber. The rotor, which is a triangular-shaped piece with convex sides, revolves around a fixed central axis, creating three separate chambers within the engine. As the rotor rotates, it moves closer to and further away from the engine's housing, effectively changing the size of the chambers.
The engine's operation involves a series of four strokes - intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. These strokes are achieved as the rotor moves around its axis, trapping fuel-air mixture in the chamber, compressing it, igniting the mixture with a spark plug, and then expelling the exhaust gases.
Rotary engines are known for their compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, and smooth operation since they lack reciprocating parts found in piston engines. They also tend to have fewer moving parts, resulting in reduced vibrations and mechanical complexity.
Despite these advantages, the rotary engine has some limitations, such as higher fuel consumption and lower efficiency compared to conventional engines. It is often utilized in applications where its compact size and high power output are more desirable than fuel efficiency, such as in sports cars, motorcycles, and aircraft.
