Reciprocating Engine Construction and Nomenclature - Study Guide
1. Describe the functions of a crankcase:
Supports itself and engine components; Contains crankshaft bearings; Houses lubricating oil;
Supports attachment to the airplane and cylinders; Maintains crankshaft alignment
2. Of what material is a crankcase usually made?
Aluminum alloy (lightweight and strong)
3. Name the principal sections of the crankcase for a radial engine:
Front (Nose) Section; Main (Power) Section; Fuel Induction and Distribution Section; Accessory
Section
4. Describe two types of antifriction bearings:
Ball bearings; Roller bearings
5. What type of bearing produces the least rolling friction?
Ball bearings
6. What types of loads are normally applied to plain bearings? To ball bearings?
Plain bearings: Radial loads; Ball bearings: Radial, thrust, and gyroscopic loads
7. Why are crankpins usually hollow?
Reduce weight; Allow oil flow for lubrication; Provide sludge chamber
8. Why are counterweights needed on many crankshafts?
Provide static balance and reduce vibration
9. What is the purpose of dynamic dampers?
Reduce crankshaft whip and vibration
10. What is the function of a connecting rod?
Transmits force from the piston to the crankshaft
11. What are the three principal types of connecting-rod assemblies?
Plain connecting rod; Fork-and-blade rod; Master and articulated rod
12. What engine requires a master and articulated connecting-rod assembly?
Radial engines
13. What is the basic function of a piston?
Converts gas pressure into mechanical motion
14. What are pistons made of?
Aluminum alloys (e.g., 4140, Alcoa 132)
15. How is a piston cooled?
Heat flows to the cylinder wall and then engine oil; internal ribs/fins assist
16. How may pistons be classified?
By head shape: Flat, Recessed, Concave, Convex, Truncated Cone
17. Why is the piston-ring gap important?
Prevents ring ends from butting during expansion
18. What are the principal functions of piston rings?
Seal combustion chamber; Control oil; Transfer heat
19. What is the function of a piston pin?
Connects piston to connecting rod; allows pivoting motion
20. What is a full-floating piston pin?
Rotates freely in both piston and rod; retained by snap rings
21. List the principal components in a cylinder assembly:
Cylinder head; Cylinder barrel; Valves and springs; Rocker arms; Valve guides and seats; Spark
plugs
22. What is meant by a chokebored cylinder?
Slightly smaller at the top to compensate for heat expansion
23. What material is a cylinder barrel constructed of?
Steel alloy
24. What type of process is nitriding?
Surface-hardening process for wear resistance
25. What is the purpose of a Heli-Coil insert?
Restores or reinforces threads in soft materials
26. How is the cylinder head attached to a cylinder barrel?
Threaded and shrunk on
27. What are the angles of the intake and exhaust valve faces?
Intake: 30°, Exhaust: 45°
28. List the basic components of the valve operating mechanism for an opposed engine:
Camshaft; Tappets; Pushrods; Rocker arms; Valves and springs
29. Name the accessories which are generally mounted on the accessory section:
Fuel and oil pumps; Vacuum pump; Magnetos; Starter; Generator; Tachometer generator;
Supercharger controls
30. What are the purposes of propeller reduction gears?
Reduce engine RPM to optimal propeller speed, increasing thrust and efficiency
