What are the two types of piston motion?
2 Answers
In automotive engines, there are two types of piston motion: one is the reciprocating piston type found in conventional engines, and the other is the rotary piston type used in rotary engines. Concept of engine pistons: An engine that converts pressure into rotational kinetic energy using one or more pistons. Piston engines are a type of heat engine powered by fuels such as gasoline or diesel. A piston engine mainly consists of a cylinder, piston, connecting rod, crankshaft, valve mechanism, propeller reducer, and engine casing. Piston aircraft engines evolved from automotive piston engines and are mostly four-stroke engines, meaning one cylinder completes a working cycle with the piston undergoing four strokes in the cylinder: intake stroke, compression stroke, expansion stroke, and exhaust stroke. In addition to the main components, an engine requires several auxiliary systems to function properly. Classification by piston motion: Piston internal combustion engines can be divided into two types: reciprocating piston and rotary piston. In the former, the piston moves in a straight line back and forth within the cylinder, while in the latter, the piston rotates within the cylinder.
Over the years I've been repairing cars, the most common thing I've seen is the movement of pistons inside the engine. Simply put, there are only two ways pistons move: one is moving upward, and the other is sliding downward. When moving upward, it acts like a small hammer to compress the gas in the cylinder, squeezing the air-fuel mixture or pushing out exhaust gases. When sliding downward, it creates space to draw in fresh air or releases power after combustion to propel the car. These two movements alternate, forming the engine's four-stroke cycle—intake, compression, power, and exhaust. When the movement is smooth, the engine runs efficiently and saves fuel. If unbalanced, with the piston jerking or hesitating, the engine vibrates heavily, consumes more fuel, and may even damage other components. So, I recommend everyone not to neglect oil changes during regular maintenance. Good lubrication reduces piston ring wear, ensures free movement, and extends the car's lifespan. Remember, check the engine's condition regularly—preventing problems is always better than costly repairs.
