Lecture Notes: Cam Shaft and Its Function

Introduction

• The channel is introducing definitions related to cars and bikes.
• This week's word is "Cam Shaft."

What is a Cam Shaft?

• Cam Shaft Function:
  • Opens and closes the valves in a piston engine's combustion chamber.
  • Essential during the four strokes of the engine cycle:
    • Intake Stroke
    • Compression Stroke
    • Expansion Stroke
    • Exhaust Stroke
• Operation:
  • During the intake and exhaust strokes, valves allow air in and out, operated by the cam shaft.
  • The cam shaft has a rod with egg-profiled pieces that lift the valves.
  • The shape and profile of these pieces determine:
    • The lift of the valves.
    • Duration the valves stay open.

Components of a Cam Shaft

• Profiled Pieces:
  • Egg-shaped with a pointy side for lifting valves.
• Cam Bearing Journals:
  • Cylindrical parts for cam bearings.

Engine Design Variations

• Dual Overhead Cam (DOC):
  • Features two cam shafts:
    • Intake cam shaft
    • Exhaust cam shaft
• Quad Cam:
  • An example is the Bugatti Veyron with a W engine.
  • Includes four cam shafts working on four cylinders.
  • Known for significant power output.

Additional Components

• Potential Components:
  • Rocker arm, valve spring, and other mechanisms.
• These components are part of the broader functionality of the cam shaft.

Conclusion

• The basic understanding of a cam shaft's purpose and function.
• Teaser for next week's topic: How a clutch works.

Additional Notes:

• The channel is run by Carlile's Pix and is targeted at car enthusiasts.
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