Who Invented the Rotary Engine?
2 Answers
Invented by Felix Wankel from Germany, the rotary engine operates by directly converting the combustion expansion force of flammable gas into driving torque. Common engine malfunctions include: 1. The muffler emits rhythmic abnormal sounds or black smoke at various speeds; 2. The engine cannot reach high speeds, with noticeably insufficient power during driving; 3. Difficulty in starting the engine, sluggish acceleration after starting, weak vehicle performance, occasional backfire in the carburetor or engine stalling during rapid acceleration, and high engine temperature; 4. High RPM or unstable idle speed, even stalling, after releasing the accelerator pedal; 5. Steering wheel vibration at high speeds. Causes of engine malfunctions: 1. Engine washing leading to moisture in the distributor, ignition module, spark plugs, or high-voltage wires; 2. Damaged spark plugs; 3. Insufficient battery voltage; 4. Loose idle cutoff valve; 5. Clogged oil-gas separator.
Speaking of the inventor of the rotary engine, I know it was German engineer Felix Wankel, who came up with this innovation in the 1950s. At that time, I was still following automotive developments, and Wankel was no ordinary person—he independently completed everything from theory to prototype. When it was officially unveiled in 1957, it stunned the industry. Unlike traditional piston engines, the rotary engine relies on rotating pistons, making it compact, high-revving, and particularly suitable for sports cars. Mazda later commercialized it, using it in the RX-7 and RX-8. I’ve driven an RX-7, and that acceleration feeling was truly exhilarating. A relevant point is that Wankel’s invention advanced automotive lightweighting, but drawbacks like high fuel consumption and sealing issues limited its widespread adoption. I think understanding this background can help car enthusiasts avoid pitfalls when choosing used cars. Looking back at history, Wankel is rarely mentioned, but his achievements continue to inspire engineers to innovate.
