Main Types of Internal-Combustion Engines
This form of prime mover has been built in so many different types, all of which have operated with some degree of success that the diversity in form will not be generally appreciated unless some attempt is made to classify the various designs that have received practical application. Obviously the same type of engine is not universally applicable, because each class of work has individual peculiarities which can best be met by an engine designed with the peculiar conditions present in view. The following tabular synopsis will enable the reader to judge the extent of the development of what is now the most popular prime mover for all purposes.
| A. | Internal Combustion (Standard Type) | ||
| 1. | Single Acting (Standard Type) | ||
| 2. | Double Acting (For Large Power Only) | ||
| 3. | Simple (Universal Form) | ||
| 4. | Compound (Rarely Used) | ||
| 5. | Reciprocating Piston (Standard Type) | ||
| 6. | Turbine (Revolving Rotor, not fully developed) | ||
| A1. | Two-Stroke Cycle | ||
| a. | Two Port | ||
| b. | Three Port | ||
| c. | Combined Two and Three Port | ||
| d. | Fourth Port Accelerator | ||
| e. | Differential Piston Type | ||
| f. | Distributor Valve System | ||
| A2. | Four-Stroke Cycle | ||
| a. | Automatic Inlet Valve | ||
| b. | Mechanical Inlet Valve | ||
| c. | Poppet or Mushroom Valve | ||
| d. | Slide Valve | ||
| d 1. | Sleeve Valve | ||
| d 2. | Reciprocating Ring Valve | ||
| d 3. | Piston Valve | ||
| e. | Rotary Valves | ||
| e 1. | Disc | ||
| e 2. | Cylinder or Barrel | ||
| e 3. | Single Cone | ||
| e 4. | Double Cone | ||
| f. | Two Piston (Balanced Explosion) | ||
| g. | Rotary Cylinder, Fixed Crank (Aerial) | ||
| h. | Fixed Cylinder, Rotary Crank (Standard Type) | ||
| A3. | Six-Stroke Cycle | ||
| B. | External Combustion (Practically Obsolete) | ||
| a. | Turbine, Revolving Rotor | ||
| b. | Reciprocating Piston | ||