Piston Speed Calculator:
Enter the values of stroke length, S(mm) and revolutions per minute, RPM to determine the value of Piston Speed, MPS(m/s).
Piston Speed Formula:
A piston is a crucial component in internal combustion engines, reciprocating pumps, and compressors, converting pressure energy into mechanical motion.
Piston speed (MPS) refers to the average velocity of the piston as it moves up and down within the cylinder.
It is a critical parameter in engine design, influencing performance, efficiency, and wear. Higher piston speeds increase power output but can also cause increased wear, heat generation, and lubrication challenges.
Piston speed depends on two key factors: stroke length (S) and engine speed (RPM).
Stroke length (S) is the total distance the piston travels in one complete cycle, measured in millimetres (mm).
Engine speed (RPM) represents the number of revolutions per minute the crankshaft completes. Since a complete engine cycle consists of two strokes (one up and one down), the total piston travel distance per revolution is twice the stroke length.
Piston speed helps in determining the durability and lifespan of engine components, as excessive speeds lead to material fatigue. Different engines have different optimal piston speeds depending on their design, cooling mechanisms, and intended application.
Sports and high-performance engines typically have higher piston speeds compared to industrial and heavy-duty engines. By optimizing piston speed, engineers can enhance fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve overall engine performance.
Piston Speed, MPS(m/s) in metres per second equals two times stroke length, S(mm) in millimetres divided by 1000, multiplied by revolutions per minute, RPM divided by 60.
Piston Speed, MPS(m/s) = (2 * S(mm) / 1000) * (RPM / 60)
MPS(m/s) = piston speed in metres per second, m/s.
S(mm) = stroke length in millimetres, mm.
RPM = revolutions per minute.
Piston Speed Calculation:
- A reciprocating engine has a stroke length of 100 mm and operates at 3000 RPM. Calculate the piston speed.
Given: S(mm) = 100mm, RPM = 3000rpm.
Piston Speed, MPS(m/s) = (2 * S(mm) / 1000) * (RPM / 60)
MPS(m/s) = (2 * 100/ 1000) * (3000 / 60)
MPS(m/s) = (200 / 1000) * 50
MPS(m/s) = 10m/s.
- An engine has a piston speed of 8 m/s and runs at 4000 RPM. Determine the stroke length (S).
Given: MPS(m/s) = 8m/s, RPM = 4000rpm.
Piston Speed, MPS(m/s) = (2 * S(mm) / 1000) * (RPM / 60)
S(mm) = (MPS(m/s) * 1000 * 60) / (2 * RPM)
S(mm) = (8 * 1000 * 60) / (2 * 4000)
S(mm) = 480000 / 8000
S(mm) = 60mm.