What is the Function of an Engine Cylinder Head?
1 Answers
The main functions of a cylinder head are: to seal the upper part of the cylinder, forming the combustion chamber, and to serve as a support for the camshaft, rocker arm shaft, as well as the intake and exhaust pipes. It primarily draws air into the cylinder, where the spark plug ignites the combustible air-fuel mixture, driving the piston to perform work, and exhaust gases are expelled through the exhaust pipe. Additional information: 1. The cylinder head has a complex structure and is typically cast from iron or aluminum alloy materials. The structure of the cylinder head varies for specific engines, but they share many common features, such as sealing gases, forming the combustion space together with the piston, and withstanding the effects of high-temperature and high-pressure gases. 2. Cylinder heads are generally cast from high-quality gray iron or alloy cast iron, while gasoline engines in automobiles often use aluminum alloy cylinder heads. Aluminum alloy has excellent thermal conductivity, which helps increase the engine's compression ratio. Additionally, it has superior casting properties, making it suitable for casting complex structural components. However, it is essential to ensure proper cooling of aluminum alloy cylinder heads, keeping the temperature of the bottom plane below 300°C. Otherwise, overheating of the bottom plane can cause plastic deformation and warping.