How does F1 WORK?

Answer 1

Formula 1 engines are at the front of technology for internal combustion engines today. They are 2.4 liter V8 engines, with an operating range of 2000-20000 RPM. Like most car engines they have pistons connected via connecting rods to a crankshaft, they have a transmission and a clutch, as well as cam shafts and valves. Current F1 engines are naturally aspirated, and are not turbocharged. In order to produce 900hp, these engines must be capable of revving very high, 20,000 revolutions per minute to be exact. To do this these engines can not use conventional valve springs, but instead used compressed gas to return the valve to the closed position. Apart from that, and a few differences in some part locations such as the clutch, an F1 engine works just the same as any car engine.

Answer 2

Introduction

• Conventional piston-driven aircraft engines are divided into two categories: horizontally opposed and radial engines. Non-piston-driven or jet engines are also divided into two separate categories: turbo shaft and conventional jet engines.

Horizontally Opposed Engines

• Horizontally opposed engines are similar in design to a Volkswagen engine. They have a two-piece crankcase separated into two sides and bolted together in the center. They are all primarily air-cooled and use a dry sump scavenge oiling system. They have from two to six cylinders. Except for the very old models, they are all fuel-injected. For safety reasons, the ignition uses two separate systems. It uses two magnetos driven by the flywheel in the rear of the engine. Magnetos produce their own power for the spark to the engine, which eliminates the chance of coil failure. Each mag has its own ignition switch. Both mags operate simultaneously, although one is always redundant. In case of a failure, the opposite mag takes over. There are two sets of wires and spark plugs. The engine uses a gear reduction on the front to operate the propeller.

Radial Engines

• Radial engines are used for much higher horsepower and are much more compact for the power they can produce. These engines use a circular crankcase with the pistons extending from the crankcase in a circular fashion. They may have as few as six cylinders to more than 18 cylinders situated in two rows of nine--nine in the front and nine in the rear. They can produce over 3,000 horsepower and were used on all commercial aircraft in their day. They were widely used in military aircraft also. Radial engines also use a dry sump oiling system and fuel injection--usually with a supercharger used for additional altitude.

Answer 3

Formula One or F1 engines work in much the same way as the engines of everyday cars. They are internal combustion in nature, but highly specialized and carefully machined.