User:Nostep/Sandbox Wankel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine which uses a rotary design to convert pressure into a rotating motion instead of using reciprocating pistons. Its four-stroke cycle takes place inside an oval epitrochoid-shaped housing between the sidewall and a rotor that is similar in shape to a Reuleaux triangle. The design delivers smooth high-rpm power from a compact size. 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.
The engine was invented by German engineer Felix Wankel, who began its development in the early 1950s at NSU Motorenwerke AG (NSU). After completing a working prototype in 1957, NSU licensed the concept to companies around the world, many of which have continued to improve the design.
Because of their compact design, Wankel engines have been installed in a variety of vehicles and devices such as automobiles (including racing cars), aircraft, go-karts, personal water craft, chain saws, and auxiliary power units.