A Simple Engine
Let's start with the very basics, and build up an idea of how a formula 1 engine works.
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There are 4 stages in a 4-stroke engine: Intake, Compression, Power and Exhaust, each corresponding to a 'stroke' of the piston (a movement up or down). A complete cycle of an engine requires two full revolution of the crankshaft.[1] You have probably heard the term "revolutions per minute" (RPM), or seen it on the dashboard of your car. Well this figure comes from the number of revolutions of the crankshaft per minute, and therefore comes hand-in-hand with the power of the engine. More turns per minute means more power output.
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1. Intake
The piston moves downwards creating a low pressure area, opening a valve and effectively sucking the fuel and air mixture into the chamber. You may be surprised to find that the fuel used in F1 engines is almost identical to that which your car runs on.
2. Compression
Momentum from the previous cycle keeps the crankshaft turning, forcing the valve shut, compressing the fuel.
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3. Power
At the end of the compression stroke, the spark plug fires setting light to the fuel. The compressed mixture then expands rapidly, driving the piston down, turning the crankshaft with immense power.
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4. Exhaust
The exhaust valve opens, allowing the burnt fuel to escape. Momentum drives the piston up and pushes the spent fuel out the chamber and through the exhaust pipe. [3][4]
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The entirety of the equipment is known as a cylinder. In a formula 1 engine, there are 6 of these cylinders creating 750 explosions a second. Normal engine oil would not be able to withstand the blistering temperature from such a small compact machine. A company named Petronas invented an oil which seemed to defy the laws of physics. As the oil heats up, the density increases rather than getting thinner, protecting the engine under the most intense environment. It also aids the prevention of heat build up in the ERS. [5]
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Turbochargers
A slight advancement on this basic model is the turbocharger. It is effectively a turbine which uses the exhaust fumes from the combustion engine to spin an air pump. This pump sucks in the surrounding air and compresses it enormously. Normal atmospheric pressure is roughly 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi), the turbocharger can add an extra 6 to 8 psi to the air, resulting in about 50% more air being forced into the chamber of the combustion engine. Oxygen is needed to create the explosion in the power stroke and so with more air, comes a more powerful power stroke. [6]
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Friction in a Turbocharger
Formula 1 engines are fitted with a turbocharger that can spin at up to 100,000 rpm. At speeds like this, any friction would cause immense heat to build up and most fittings would not be able to withstand it. The bearing used in a turbocharger is fluid, this means that a layer of oil is constantly pumped round it to keep it cool and to reduce friction.
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Turbocharger lag
Another interesting effect that takes place in a turbocharger is 'turbo lag'. This is the time between putting your foot on the throttle and feeling the extra rush of power generated by the turbocharger. At low engine RPM's, there is not enough exhaust gas to spin the turbocharger fast enough to work the air pump. The way that this is counter-acted in formula 1 engines is through the energy recovery system, the details of which are on future pages. [7]
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Power
