Internal combustion engines differ from each other not only in the type of fuel consumed, but also by design features. Example, great variety in the location of the cylinders. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses. In this case, the pros and cons of the opposite engine will be considered.
We also recommend reading the article about it, what is an atmospheric engine. In this article you will learn about the features and main differences of atmospheric internal combustion engines from turbocharged counterparts.
What are the features of the opposite engine
In reciprocating internal combustion engines (and there are also rotary) the placement of the cylinders may be different in relation to each other: at an acute angle, in one row, star-shaped and so on. In the case of the opposite internal combustion engine cylinders are in the same plane and placed opposite each other at an angle 180 degrees. Unlike many in-line engines, the opposing unit often has two camshafts, as well as the vertical distribution of the timing mechanism. There are several types of opposition engines. Among them the most famous:
- Boxer ("Boxer"). It differs in that, that piston, located in front of each other, move like boxers in the ring. That is, when one of them is at the highest point, the second occupies the lowest position. They are equally distant from each other all the time;
- ОРОС — Opposed Piston Opposed Cylinder. The principle of operation in this case is, that the pistons are in pairs in one cylinder (upper and lower piston). They move towards each other, rotating the crankshaft.
- 5 TDF. This is a two-stroke Soviet-made tank engine, which was used on T-64 and T-72 tanks. An interesting feature of this unit is its multifuel. The main fuel for him is diesel fuel. However, with a special switch on the high pressure fuel pump, it was possible to start the mode of operation on gasoline or on a mixture of gasoline with kerosene and diesel fuel, and the engine could run on jet fuel. Truth, you also need to adjust the ignition angle (injection timing).
Many companies have been actively involved in the development of power units. Example, Volkswagen has been paying attention to this type of unit since the mid-1930s. These were not just experiments, and the desire to develop their own opposition motor, reduce vibration, which occur during the operation of a traditional V-shaped or in-line engine, etc.. d. by the way, Volkswagen engineers have used their development in the legendary Volkswagen Beetle. And since the 60's, opposition engines have been actively used by the Japanese company Subaru, which was engaged in development in parallel with the Germans.
Advantages of the opposing internal combustion engine
By and large, the operation of the opposite engine does not differ from the principle of operation of units of other structures. However, this arrangement of the cylinders has its advantages, as well as shortcomings.
- The most noticeable advantage of the considered power plants is considered to be almost complete absence of vibration during operation.. This effect is achieved due to the location of the pistons, which balance each other. It not only adds comfort, but also significantly increases the service life. Hence the second "plus";
- Impressive resource of the opposite engine. There is evidence of that, that quite often the run-up to the first overhaul was at least from 500 thousands of kilometers. Of course, driving style makes significant adjustments. AND, Nonetheless, the service life is quite long. However, often you can find statements of experts and motorists, what 800-900 thousands before the first overhaul is nothing more than a beautiful fairy tale;
- The motors of the design discussed in this article provide cars with a low center of gravity. This quality is especially valued in powerful sports cars. After all, passing turns at high speeds, it is very important to maintain stability;
- It is also important to save space under the hood. Although many will find this point controversial, after all, winning in height, you need to make the hood wider or longer.
Here, apparently, and all the significant advantages of the opposition. Now you need to consider the shortcomings, whose, Unfortunately, a little more.
We also recommend reading the article about it, which is better, turbine or compressor. In this article you will learn about the design features of different superchargers, and the advantages and disadvantages of such ways to increase engine power without increasing the physical displacement of the engine.
Disadvantages of the opposing motor
First of all, it is worth pointing out the high cost of maintenance and almost complete inability to perform repairs at home. Even a simple replacement of spark plugs requires special equipment. Thus in third-party car services it is difficult to find the expert of high enough qualification for repair of the opposite engine. By the way, here it will also be appropriate to allocate a huge number of modifications of units even within one brand. This "sins", example, Subaru brand, which today is the main manufacturer of motors of this type. Of course, that such a position complicates repairs, as the possibility of interchangeable parts is minimized.
The cost of a new car with the opposite engine may be significantly higher than the cost of a car of the same configuration, but with a more traditional type of internal combustion engine. And it's all about the cost of production of the opposition itself. The high cost of spare parts also plays a role, which is directly related to the above reasons.
Let's add a few more words about special equipment. Example, drivers with experience and experience know, that the crankshaft neck from time to time has to be ground. This operation is performed on a machine and is not very expensive compared to a conventional internal combustion engine. But only if we are not talking about the opposition. Example, on Subaru cars necks are very narrow and it is necessary to grind them on special machines.
Also note, that in opposite motors the crankcase is clogged faster in comparison with V-shaped or in-line designs. The opposite engine is characterized by high consumption of engine oil, due to the design of the power plant of this type. And in the case, when the turbine is installed, more oil is consumed.
As a result
If desired, you can find more disadvantages of the opposite engine and continue the above list, especially if you consider a particular engine on a particular car model.
However, in general, this design of the power plant still took root on civilian cars, sports cars and aviation. Finally, let's add, that "Subarov" motors are widely and widely used. This is a clear example of some success of the opposition engine against other competitors, which are also not without certain shortcomings.