Nicholas DiPreta Alex Leondis

Basic Premise  Conversion of PE from propellant to a desired motion Propellant and engine create motion

Where it Came From Internal combustion engine is derived from the military cannons of old.

Internal Combustion ~ Ignited small amount of fuel in compressed space creates expanding gas-> Otto Cycle Compression of gas and air ignites and explodes! + =

Otto Cycle  Nikolaus Otto, 1867  Four Step Process  Intake, Compression, Combustion, Exhaust

Step 1~ Intake Stroke  Intake valve opens, allowing propellant air mixture into cylinder- like putting hairspray in our gun.  Piston begins to move downwards

Step 2~Compression Stroke  Piston moves back up to increase pressure of gas air mixture.  Like pushing the potato further into the chamber via ramrod.

Step 3~Ignition/Combustion  Spark plug ignites fuel, driving piston and down  Like igniting the barbeque igniter

Step 4~ Exhaust Stroke  Exhaust valve opens, allowing exhaust out  Similarly, exhaust is emitted from the potato gun

The Cycle  The Internal Combustion Engine undergoes a repetitive cycle that differentiates it from a simple explosion powered gun Intake CompressionIgnition/Combustion Exhaust

Engine Arrangements  Inline, V, or Flat

Physics Applications  Impulse   Work/KE relation Fdcos()= ∆KE is transferred into potential and back throughout trajectory Trying to optimize results by adhering to formulae