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Thermodynamics and engines (A-level only)

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Question 2

A student is setting up an experiment to investigate the mechanical and thermal performance of a single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine. The experimental setup consists of: (1) A fuel tank mounted on a digital balance to measure fuel mass, along with a stopwatch. (2) Pressure and volume sensors inside the engine cylinder connected to a computerised data-logging system. (3) A brake dynamometer attached to the output shaft of the engine to apply a load and measure torque. (4) A digital tachometer to measure the rotational speed of the output shaft. During a steady-state test run at a constant load and throttle setting, the student records several measurements. Describe how the student should determine the following five quantities for the engine: 1. Input power (rate of fuel energy supply), 2. Indicated power, 3. Brake power, 4. Indicated thermal efficiency, 5. Mechanical efficiency. In your answer, you should: describe the direct measurements that must be taken from the apparatus, and explain how these measurements, along with any necessary constants or reference data, are used to perform the calculations.

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Thermodynamics and engines (A-level only) Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Thermodynamics and engines (A-level only)