Understanding the Wankel Engine: Design, Advantages, and Applications

The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design instead of the traditional reciprocating piston and cylinder arrangement. It was invented by Felix Wankel in the early 1960s and was first produced in the late 1960s. The Wankel engine is also known as a rotary engine or a rotor engine.

The Wankel engine works by using a triangular-shaped rotor that rotates inside a housing, which is typically made of metal. The rotor has a curved surface that forms the combustion chamber, and the housing has an opening at the top to allow air and fuel to enter the engine. As the rotor rotates, the combustion chamber changes shape, allowing for efficient combustion of the air/fuel mixture.

One of the key advantages of the Wankel engine is its high power-to-weight ratio, which makes it well-suited for high-performance applications. It also has a relatively small size and weight compared to traditional piston engines, which can make it more suitable for smaller vehicles or those with limited space. However, the Wankel engine can be less efficient than traditional piston engines at low speeds, and it can be more expensive to produce.

The Wankel engine has been used in a variety of vehicles over the years, including sports cars, racing cars, and even some production cars. Some well-known examples include the Mazda RX-7, the NSU Ro 80, and the Citroen GS Birotor.