Horsepower from a 2-Stroke Engine

by Alexander Palmer

Submitted : Spring 2012

The project consisted of a given pressure-volume cycle for a two stroke one cylinder engine. The objective was to estimate the horsepower of the engine. The area between the curves of the pressure-volume cycle is the net work per cycle done by the engine.

In order to accurately solve this problem, summation, estimation, integration and conversions were used. These were used in order to find the horsepower of the engine described. In order for the area between the curves of the pressure-volume cycle to be found, the equations of those curves have to be known. In order to do this, one can take various coordinates from both curves and input them into Microsoft Excel to find the equation of the curves using the program’s curve fitting capabilities. From there one is able to find the area between the curves using the calculus method of Riemann Sum. To prove accuracy, one should compare the results using the original method of Riemann Sum with the calculus method of integration. Although the net work is now found (area between the curves) the objective still hasn’t been met. Using the given revolutions per minute of the engine, one is able to convert the net work per cycle done by the engine to the estimated horsepower needed to be found. The horsepower of the engine was found to be 31(HP). One can conclude from this project that by having knowledge of calculus and utilizing proper problem solving skills, any optimization problem involving engines can be solved without hassle.

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