Ignition

The automobile engine is a mechanical contraption that is also dependent on an electrical system, specifically, ignition system. The automobile engine will not be able to effectively operate without the ignition system. This system is the one that initiates, sustains, and regulates the operation of the engine. The fuel/air mixture inside the combustion chambers will not be efficiently burned if the ignition system is not properly functioning. Central to the operation of the ignition system are the spark plugs. They are the ones that discharge the high voltage current from the ignition coil. Each combustion chamber has one corresponding spark plug.

Each spark plug is a composite device that is comprised of metal and ceramic parts. It is an elongated, probe-like component that is embedded on the engine block. Its embedded tip is the portion that discharges high voltage electrical current. It has a jump gap that allows high voltage current to jump as sparks. The timing of the spark plug discharges is determined by the rotation of the camshaft. The camshaft is connected to the crankshaft. Because of the diameter difference, the camshaft rotates at half the rotation rate of the crankshaft. This difference in speed is necessary to achieve proper timing.

Since the crankshaft is driven by the pitons, it merely translates the reciprocating linear motions of the pistons into rotational motion. It is the one that transmits mechanical output to the engine. It is also the one that drives the camshaft to rotate. In turn, the camshaft drives the other supporting components of the engine such as the distributor. The distributor is the special rotary switch that regulates the distribution of high voltage electrical current to the individual spark plugs. The rotation of the distributor corresponds to the reciprocating motions of the pistons. Specific spark plug circuits are only closed or complete when the corresponding pistons are in power stroke positions.

Wind Drag

As your automobile moves, wind resistance is inevitable. It is the direct consequence of speed. The air has the tendency to be rammed against the automobile surface. The faster the automobile moves, the greater the air resistance becomes. Artificial wind is created as the air current attempts to go around the body of the automobile. This can slow down your automobile. More fuel will be spent counteracting wind resistance. Automobile designers minimize wind drag by making car bodies more aerodynamic. Making a car more aerodynamic entails reconfiguring the automobile shape. A more aerodynamic car can break air resistance. Hence, it is designed to have more curved surface. Air current can go much faster around curved surfaces.

As you can observe, sports cars have curved surfaces. This design also contributes to their aesthetic values. They are more attractive because of their curved surfaces. Appearance is equally important to speed when it comes to sports cars. Their streamlined bodies are not only meant to break wind drag but also meant to attract. Curves project sensuality that appeals to the human eyes. They also create the impression of efficiency. However, curved designs are not haphazardly implemented. New car designs are also subjected to wind tunnel or computer simulation tests to make sure that the curves are indeed aerodynamically sensible.

On the other hand, aerodynamic design is also achieved through other means aside from mere curved body surfaces. Aerodynamics or streamlining can also be achieved by making the automobile lower. Lower body entails lesser wind drag because airflow is lesser under the chassis of the automobile. This also contributes to increasing the traction of the automobile. Consequently, the automobile will not only be faster but also more stable. In this case, better traction is just an incidental consequence of improving the aerodynamic design of the automobile.