Gas Engine Design: 2 Crankshafts, 2 Pistons, 1 Cylinder Head

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of designing an internal combustion engine in an "A" shape, featuring two crankshafts and two pistons with a single cylinder head for every two pistons. Participants explore the potential effectiveness of this design compared to traditional configurations, particularly the "V" shape.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Brian, proposes that an "A" shaped engine could be more effective than a "V" shaped engine due to its design allowing for two crankshafts and two pistons.
  • Another participant references VW's VR-6 engine as a similar existing design, suggesting that the proposed "A" design may not be more effective in terms of explosion efficiency.
  • This second participant also mentions that vertically opposed twin crank engines exist but are typically used in industrial applications, implying limitations for personal transportation.
  • A suggestion is made to create timing diagrams to analyze the proposed design's functionality and pressure build-up in the cylinders.
  • A later reply shares links to additional resources that support the idea of alternative engine designs, indicating that there are others who find the concept intriguing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed "A" shaped engine design. While some find merit in the idea, others argue against its feasibility, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the effectiveness or practicality of the "A" shaped engine design, and there are unresolved questions regarding the mechanics of pressure build-up and timing in such a configuration.

guitarrc6
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hey everyone i was wondering why people don't make an internal combustion engine in the shape of an A instead of a V. this way it would have two crankshafts, and two pistons and one cyliner head for every two pistons. I think this would make the explosion my effecitive than just one piston moving up and down. what do you guys think? would this work or not?

thanks, brian
 
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Originally posted by guitarrc6
hey everyone i was wondering why people don't make an internal combustion engine in the shape of an A instead of a V. this way it would have two crankshafts, and two pistons and one cyliner head for every two pistons. I think this would make the explosion my effecitive than just one piston moving up and down. what do you guys think? would this work or not?

thanks, brian

Look at VW's VR-6 engine. Its similar to what your proposing and already in production. Would the explosion be more effective? Not with an A design. The are vertically opposed twin crank engines but these are typically used in industrial applications.

If you want to work on it do some timeing diagrams and see how everything works.

Investigate how pressure would build up in the cylinders... There are a lot of things you can playwith but in the end you'll probably find the design impracticle for personal transportation.

http://www.njnm.com/subtour/engine2.htm
 
thanks

thanks i'll check that vw out
 
Well, someone else thinks this is a good idea as well:

http://cycleworld.com/index.cfm?siteaction=OnlineUpdate&id=11
http://sixstroke.com/pageone.htm

Cliff
 
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