How Does Thermodynamics Explain Power Generation in Motorcycle Engines?

AI Thread Summary
In motorcycle engines, the combustion process leads to adiabatic expansion of gases, which drives the piston down. The work done during this expansion can be calculated using the formula W=(p2V2 - p1V1)/(γ - 1), where the initial and final volumes are crucial for determining pressure changes. The final volume at the bottom of the stroke is indeed 250 cm^3, confirming that the initial volume is 50 cm^3. Understanding the engine's design is essential for grasping these thermodynamic principles, and resources like HowStuffWorks provide valuable visual aids. The discussion highlights the importance of accurately interpreting engine mechanics to solve related problems effectively.
Kelvin
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In a motorcycle engine, after combustion occurs in the top of the cylinder, the piston is forced down as the mixture of gaseous products undergoes an adiabatic expansion. Find the average power involved in this expansion when the engine is running at 4000 rpm, assuming that the gauge pressure immediately after combustion is 15.0 atm, the initial volume is 50.0 cm^3, and the volume of the mixture at the bottom of the stroke is 250 cm^3. Assume that the gases are diatomic and that the time involved in the expansion is one-half that of the total cycle.

I know work done in adiabatic process is
W=\frac{p_2 V_2 - p_1 V_1}{\gamma - 1}

and for adiabatic process,
p_1 V_1^{\gamma} = p_2 V_2^{\gamma}

so V_1 = 50.0 \hbox{ cm^3}, p_1 = 15.0 \hbox{ atm},
\gamma = \frac{7}{5}

but what is the final volume V_2, which I need to determine p_2?
 
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Kelvin said:
... the initial volume is 50.0 cm^3, and the volume of the mixture at the bottom of the stroke is 250 cm^3.
Isn't the final volume given?
 
actually, I don't even know what a motorcycle is, and how the cylinder looks like ...


what is meant by "the volume of the mixture at the bottom of the stroke" ?
 
the volume of the mixture at the bottom of the stroke is the final Volume

This is a motorcycle :bugeye:
 
sorry, I made typo mistakes
I mean I don't know how "motorcycle engine" works, and how does the "cyclinder" looks like...
 
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so the assumption that "the expansion is one-half that of the total cycle" is wrong? it should be 1/4 ?
 
oh...I've found the answer :D
so...let me redo the problem
 
oh I got it correct
thanks a lot
my "picture of engine" is completely wrong ...
 
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