Rotary engine meaning

A rotary engine is a type of internal combustion engine where the combustion process occurs in a chamber formed by the motion of a rotor.


Rotary engine definitions

Word backwards yrator enigne
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "rotary engine" is a noun.
Syllabic division ro-ta-ry en-gi-ne
Plural The plural of rotary engine is rotary engines.
Total letters 12
Vogais (4) o,a,e,i
Consonants (5) r,t,y,n,g

A rotary engine, also known as a Wankel engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design to convert pressure into a rotating motion. Unlike conventional piston engines that have multiple cylinders moving up and down, a rotary engine operates on a different principle.

One of the key advantages of a rotary engine is its compact size and lightweight construction. Since it has fewer moving parts than a traditional piston engine, it can be more compact and has a higher power-to-weight ratio. This makes it an attractive option for applications where space and weight need to be minimized.

How Does a Rotary Engine Work?

In a rotary engine, the combustion process occurs in a chamber created by the oval motion of a three-sided rotor within an epitrochoidal-shaped housing. This differs from a piston engine, where the reciprocating motion of the pistons causes the combustion to happen in a linear fashion.

Advantages of Rotary Engines

One of the main advantages of a rotary engine is its smooth operation. The design of the engine results in very little vibration compared to a piston engine, leading to a quieter and smoother driving experience. Additionally, rotary engines are known for their high power output relative to their size and weight.

Disadvantages of Rotary Engines

Despite their advantages, rotary engines also have some drawbacks. They tend to consume more fuel and oil compared to piston engines, which can lead to higher operating costs. Additionally, they are known for having lower torque at lower RPMs, which can affect their performance in certain situations.

In conclusion, a rotary engine offers a unique and efficient alternative to traditional piston engines. While they have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, they continue to be used in various applications where their specific characteristics are advantageous.


Rotary engine Examples

  1. The Mazda RX-7 is a classic sports car known for its rotary engine design.
  2. Some aviation enthusiasts prefer aircraft with rotary engines for their unique performance characteristics.
  3. Rotary engines are commonly used in racing motorcycles due to their high power-to-weight ratio.
  4. A rotary engine operates on a different principle than a traditional piston engine.
  5. Many small UAVs (drones) utilize rotary engines for efficient propulsion.
  6. The rotary engine in the Mazda RX-8 is known for its smooth power delivery.
  7. Some historic aircraft, like the Sopwith Camel, featured rotary engines.
  8. Rotary engines have a unique sound that sets them apart from piston engines.
  9. Many enthusiasts enjoy working on rotary engines as a hobby.
  10. The Wankel rotary engine was famously used by NSU and later by Mazda.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 11/05/2024 - 16:09:34