SIX STROKE ENGINE

Introduction
Man has been proving his excellence in the world of technology by new inventions, innovations and advancements. The automobile industry is also on a constant process of a makeover and a facelift. Recently there was a huge breakthrough in the engine design of the automobile, the Six stroke engine. We are familiar with the two and four stroke engines, but the fact is that this six stroke engine is also in use commercially but not in large scale. This article will explore the science behind these extra efficient engines.

What is a six stroke engine?

It is a type of an internal combustion engine inherited from the conventional four stroke engine but with additional features. This idea was started during the 1990s. This engine proves to reduce emissions with more efficiency.

Approach to six stroke engines:

There are basically two different approaches to six stroke engines.

First approach:
There are two additional strokes namely the fifth and the sixth strokes. It consists of an additional power stroke also. Example:Bajulaz engine,velozeta six stroke engine.

Second approach:
It consists of second opposed piston which moves at half the cyclical rate of the main piston. Example: Beare head six stroke engine, charge pump engine.

Construction:
Similar to the four stroke engine, it consists of a cylinder, piston and a connecting rod. It contains two more valves for the additional two strokes.

Working:

First stroke:During the first stroke the intake valve opens and air-fuel mixture from carburetor is sucked into the cylinder through the inlet manifold. Second stroke:During the second stroke, piston moves and the air-fuel mixture is compressed. The compression ratio of the modified engine is same as that of the original four stroke Honda engine. Third stroke:During the third stroke, power is obtained from the engine by igniting the compressed air- fuel mixture using a spark plug. Fourth stroke:During the fourth stroke, the exhaust valve opens to remove the burned gases from the engine cylinder. Fifth stroke:It is the second power stroke which is obtained by the steam which in turn is obtained by the release of water into the hot cylinder.

Sixth stroke:During the sixth stroke the recompression of the gases to the combustion chamber takes place.

Advantages:
1. Reduction in fuel consumption 2. Reduction in emission resulting in less pollution. 3. More extraction of work per cycle. 4. Higher overall efficiency.

Disadvantages:
1. The engine is very bulky and complex hence it is difficult to mass produce it. 2. The perfect coordination between the four valves is difficult to achieve.

Conclusion:
This six stroke engine paves way for better fuel efficiency and pollution control. With the inbuilt advantage the six stroke engine will find its place in the automobile industry, globally, in the days to come.