What is "Wankel engine" ?

The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design to convert pressure into a rotating motion instead of using reciprocating pistons. Its four-stroke cycle takes place in a space between the inside of an oval-like epitrochoid-shaped housing and a rotor that is similar in shape to a Reuleaux triangle but with sides that are somewhat flatter. This design delivers smooth high-rpm power from a compact size. It is the only internal combustion engine invented in the twentieth century to go into production.Since its introduction the engine has been commonly referred to as the rotary engine, though this name is also applied to several completely different designs.

Advantage : 

1. The elimination of the most highly stressed and failure prone parts of piston engines gives the Wankel engine high reliability.

2. a smoother flow of power

3. a high power-to-weight ratio.

Disadvantage :

1. Rotary powered uses morefuel than a heavier vehicle powered by larger displacement V-8 engine for similar performance results.

2. When we compared to a piston engine, has 50% longer stroke duration.

3. Piston rings are not perfect seals: each has a gap to allow for expansion. The sealing at the Wankel apexes is less critical, as leakage is between adjacent chambers on adjacent strokes of the cycle.

To be continue tomorrow ,about How the Rotary engine works?