Difference between revisions of "Piston"
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[[Image:Four stroke engine diagram.jpg|thumbnail|right|Components of a typical, [[four stroke cycle]], DOHC piston engine. (E) Exhaust [[camshaft]], (I) Intake camshaft, (S) [[Spark plug]], (V) [[poppet valve|Valve]]s, '''(P) Piston''', (R) [[Connecting rod]], (C) [[Crankshaft]], (W) Water jacket for coolant flow.]] | [[Image:Four stroke engine diagram.jpg|thumbnail|right|Components of a typical, [[four stroke cycle]], DOHC piston engine. (E) Exhaust [[camshaft]], (I) Intake camshaft, (S) [[Spark plug]], (V) [[poppet valve|Valve]]s, '''(P) Piston''', (R) [[Connecting rod]], (C) [[Crankshaft]], (W) Water jacket for coolant flow.]] | ||
[[Image:Piston and connecting rod.jpg|thumbnail|right|Piston and connecting rod]] | |||
A piston is a component of reciprocating [[engines]], pumps and gas compressors. It is located in a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from expanding gas in the cylinder to the [[crankshaft]] via a piston rod and/or [[connecting rod]]. In a pump, the function is reversed and force is transferred from the crankshaft to the piston for the purpose of compressing or ejecting the fluid in the cylinder. In some engines ([[two-strokes]]), the piston also acts as a valve by covering and uncovering ports in the cylinder wall. | A piston is a component of reciprocating [[engines]], pumps and gas compressors. It is located in a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from expanding gas in the cylinder to the [[crankshaft]] via a piston rod and/or [[connecting rod]]. In a pump, the function is reversed and force is transferred from the crankshaft to the piston for the purpose of compressing or ejecting the fluid in the cylinder. In some engines ([[two-strokes]]), the piston also acts as a valve by covering and uncovering ports in the cylinder wall. | ||
[[Category:Definitions]] | [[Category:Definitions]] |
Revision as of 00:18, 26 May 2010
A piston is a component of reciprocating engines, pumps and gas compressors. It is located in a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings. In an engine, its purpose is to transfer force from expanding gas in the cylinder to the crankshaft via a piston rod and/or connecting rod. In a pump, the function is reversed and force is transferred from the crankshaft to the piston for the purpose of compressing or ejecting the fluid in the cylinder. In some engines (two-strokes), the piston also acts as a valve by covering and uncovering ports in the cylinder wall.