A Quick Explanation of the Rotary Combustion Cycle

1. Intake

Intake

The fuel mixture is drawn in by the vacuum created as the chamber increases in volume with the clockwise rotation of the rotor. Compression

2. Compression

Compression

The fuel mixture is compressed as the chamber drastically reduces in volume with the further rotation of the rotor.

3. Ignition

Ignition

At the ideal time (varies depending on application) the spark plugs energise, igniting the fuel mixture. The burning mixture rapidly increases in pressure and pushes on the rotor, forcing it to continue its rotation. It is in this phase of the cycle that power is delivered to the central crank or eccentric shaft.

4. Exhaust

Exhaust

With the continued rotation of the rotor, the spent mixture is then allowed to expand as it is pushed from the chamber into the exhaust system.

The whole time this cycle is in sequence, two more identical cycles are also operating on the other faces of the rotor. In most cases, this is then complimented by a second rotor alongside, operating exactly 180 degrees out of phase (upside down) to the first. This produces a smooth power delivery with the six pulses of energy following behind each other in perfect unison, not unlike the smoothness found in an electric motor.

MAZDA's Rotary Engine

Many different designs for rotary mechanisms have been attempted over the last 400 years, but what makes the NSU-Wankel engine, which Mazda adopted, stand out is its "rice ball-shaped" (triangular) rotor housing. Because of this design, three separate chambers are created between the rotor and the inner wall of the rotor housing. These chambers smoothly expand and contract in a constant cycle as the rotor spins. See the rotary engine in motion on the right.

The Rotary Engine of Mazda continues to evolve farther into the future. The new generation Rotary Engine "RENESIS" makes it superbly environmentally friendly with zero CO2 and almost zero NOx emissions. Mazda began commercial leasing in 2006, and currently many organizations and government bodies are enjoying the RX-8 Hydrogen RE.

Pics of Mazda Rally Team

Model: Mazda3-MPS (current)

Model: Team Castrol 323 GTR (92-96)

Model : 323 GTR B8 turbo

Model : Clair 323 B6 turbo (late 80's)

Model: RX-7 (FB) (80's)