What are the 4 main functions of a camshaft?

The camshaft is a rotating object— usually made of metal— that contains pointed cams, which converts rotational motion to reciprocal motion. Camshafts are used in internal combustion engines (to operate the intake and exhaust valves), mechanically controlled ignition systems and early electric motor speed controllers.

How does a camshaft work?

A camshaft is a rod which rotates and slides against a piece of machinery in order to turn rotational motion into linear motion. This change of motion is accomplished by the camshaft moving further and closer from the axis of rotation as the camshaft is pushed by the machinery.

Does a rotary have a crankshaft?

The rotary engine carries out the same process as a combustion engine but with a fraction of the components. There are no valves, no timing gears, no con-rods, no pistons, no crankshaft and only three main moving parts compared to the myriad of parts involved in making a ‘normal’ engine work.

What makes a camshaft rotate?

The camshaft is driven around by a toothed gear, which receives drive through the timing belt or chain, from the crankshaft. The four-stroke cycle requires two rotations of the crankshaft for a complete cycle, and so the camshaft is driven at half the speed of the crankshaft.

What are 3 basic configurations for driving a camshaft?

There are a number of arrangements of camshafts on engines out of which the following three configurations are most commonly used:

1. Single Overhead Cam. A single overhead cam represents the configuration in which the engine contains one cam per head.
2. Double Overhead Cam.
3. Pushrod.

How do you match a head with a camshaft?

Typically, a head with a high percentage can use a cam with more closely matched intake and exhaust lobe figures. Conversely, a head with a poor ratio between the intake and exhaust flow will benefit from more exhaust duration to evacuate the burned gases.