The spelling of the word "Wankle" may seem unusual at first, but it is actually based on the German surname Wankel, which is pronounced [ˈvaŋkəl]. In English, this pronunciation is represented by the phonetic transcription /ˈwæŋkəl/. The "w" at the beginning of the word represents the German pronunciation of "v", while the "e" at the end is silent in English but reflects the spelling of the German surname. The word "Wankle" is often associated with the rotary engine design of Felix Wankel, who pioneered this technology in the 1950s.
Wankle is an adjective used to describe the specific type of rotary engine design invented by the German engineer Felix Wankel. This term primarily refers to the Wankel engine, a pistonless internal combustion engine that features a rotor with a triangular shape that rotates within a specially shaped housing.
The Wankel engine operates on a fundamentally different principle compared to traditional piston engines. Instead of utilizing pistons that move up and down in cylinders, the Wankel engine uses a rotor that rotates within an oblong housing. The rotor has separate chambers separated by seals, allowing for the compression, ignition, and exhaust phases to occur continuously as the rotor spins. This design eliminates many of the reciprocating parts found in piston engines, resulting in smoother operation and reduced weight.
The compact size, high power-to-weight ratio, and low vibration characteristics of the Wankel engine have made it attractive for certain applications, such as powering motorcycles, small aircraft, and some automobiles. However, it has also faced challenges in terms of fuel efficiency, emissions, and durability, which have limited its widespread adoption.
In summary, the term "Wankel" refers specifically to the unique rotary engine design invented by Felix Wankel, characterized by a triangular rotor rotating within an oblong housing.
The word "Wankel" is derived from the German surname "Wankel", specifically from its founder, Felix Wankel. Felix Wankel was a German engineer who invented the Wankel engine in the 1950s. The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that features a rotary design, providing certain advantages over conventional piston engines. Due to its inventor's name, the engine became widely known as the "Wankel engine", and subsequently, the term "Wankel" came to be associated with this specific type of engine.