A two-stroke cycle, also known as a two-stroke engine, is a type of internal combustion engine that completes a power cycle in two strokes of the piston, unlike a four-stroke engine, which completes a power cycle in four strokes.
The two strokes are:
1. *Intake Stroke*:
– Piston moves down, creating a vacuum in the cylinder.
– Air and fuel mixture is drawn into the cylinder through the intake port.
2. *Power Stroke*:
– Piston moves up, compressing the air and fuel mixture.
– Spark plug ignites the mixture, causing a small explosion that pushes the piston down.
– Crankshaft converts the up-and-down motion into rotary motion, producing power.
Two-stroke engines are commonly used in:
– Small engines (e.g., lawn mowers, chain saws)
– Motorcycles
– Outboard motors
– Model airplanes
Advantages:
– Simple design
– Lightweight
– High power-to-weight ratio
– Low cost
Disadvantages:
– Less efficient than four-stroke engines
– Produce more emissions
– Require oil mixing with fuel for lubrication
Note: Two-stroke engines are not as widely used as four-stroke engines in most modern vehicles due to environmental concerns and stricter emissions regulations.
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