Aircraft
Engines
Presented By – Yash Shah
Roll No. – 23TBME115
Division - 2
Batch - A4
Importance
o Why is it important to know about Aircraft Engines ?
• The Engine is a key part of the aircraft, counteracting the force of drag and creating the speed necessary for
lift. It is important to understand engines in every aspect of the industry.
• Engine is the most important part of an aircraft. Without it, your aircraft is worthless and will not move an
inch. The engine is the powerhouse that produces the needed thrust to propel the aircraft and make it fly.
Types of Engines
• Aircraft engine or aero engine, is the power component of an aircraft propulsion system.
• Most aircraft engines are either piston engines or gas turbines, although a few have been
rocket powered and in recent years many small UAVs have used electric motors.
1) Reciprocating/Piston Engines
2) Gas Turbine/Jet Engines
Piston Engines
• Many types of reciprocating engines have been designed. However, manufacturers have developed
some designs that are used more commonly than others and are, therefore, recognized as
conventional.
• Reciprocating engines can be classified according to the cylinder arrangement (in line, V-type,
radial, and opposed) or according to the method of cooling (liquid cooled or air cooled). All piston
engines are cooled by transferring excess heat to the surrounding air.
• In air-cooled engines, this heat transfer is direct from the cylinders to the air. Therefore, it is
necessary to provide thin metal fins on the cylinders of an air-cooled engine in order to have
increased surface for sufficient heat transfer. Most reciprocating aircraft engines are air cooled
although a few high powered engines use an efficient liquid-cooling system.
Gas Turbine Engines
• A gas turbine, also called a combustion turbine, is a type of continuous flow internal combustion
engine. The main parts common to all gas turbine engines are - Fan,Compressor,Combustor,Exhaust
• They are very powerful, efficient, reliable and perfect for its use in many variants of engines types and
aircraft.
• There are a lot of types of jet engines such as: Turbojet,Turboprop,Turbofan,Turboshaft,Ramjets.
• Most used in civil aviation is Turbofan Engine which is a lot quitter and more efficient for subsonic
speeds.
• Turbojet engine is mostly used in fighter jet. These engines are very powerful and very noisy.
Comparison
• The primary difference between a reciprocating engine and a gas turbine engine is that, reciprocating engines convert pressure intro rotation motion
using pistons, while a gas turbine engine, or a combustion turbine, uses the pressure from the exploding fuel to turn a turbine and produce thrust.
• Gas turbine engines are generally more fuel-efficient than reciprocating engines, particularly at high altitudes and high speeds. They provide better
performance for long-distance flights.
• Reciprocating engines are known for their reliability, ease of maintenance and lower operating costs, making them popular for smaller aircrafts and
pilot training.
• Gas turbine engines offer a better power-to-weight ratio, making them more suitable for larger and faster aircrafts.
• Reciprocating engines are limited to lower speeds. And also limited at higher altitudes. Whereas Gas turbine engines have higher speeds, long range
capabilities and have better performance at higher altitudes.
• In general, Gas turbine engines emit fewer pollutants than reciprocating engines. The main reason is the difference in their combustion process and
operating conditions of each type of engine.
• Gas turbine engines tend to be noisier than reciprocating engines, especially during take off and high power settings. This is a significant concern in
urban areas and has led to efforts to develop quieter engine designs .
Conclusion
• Based on the comparison of both types of engines on the basis of :
Operation ,Fuel Efficiency ,Reliability , Pollution, Noise , Speed.. Etc.
• We Conclude that, reciprocating engines are commonly used in smaller aircraft and situations where simplicity,
lower cost, and reliability are crucial. On the other hand, gas turbine engines are prevalent in larger and faster
aircraft, where higher performance, fuel efficiency, and long-range capabilities are essential. The choice between
these two engine types depends on the specific requirements and mission profiles of the aircraft in question.
