出典:Wiktionary
出典:Wikipedia
出典:『Wikipedia』 (2011/06/18 00:41 UTC 版)
The Wankel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design to convert pressure into a rotating motion instead of using reciprocating pistons. Its four-stroke cycle takes place in a space between the inside of an oval-like epitrochoid-shaped housing and a rotor that is similar in shape to a Reuleaux triangle but with sides that are somewhat flatter. This design delivers smooth high-rpm power from a compact size. It is the only internal combustion engine invented in the twentieth century to go into production. Since its introduction the engine has been commonly referred to as the rotary engine, though this name is also applied to several completely different designs.