Engine Trigonometry/Calculus/related rates and parametric equations

[Risker]

Homework Statement

I'm a year 12(final/senior year) student in Australia and in my specialist maths course we have an assignment worth 20% of our grade. Anyway it has to show good a lot of good maths in a self explanatory investigation(approx 10+ pages). For my assignment i wanted to do investigate engines of the piston variety. I was wondering if you can help with any ideas, solutions or ideas of particular things i could investigate.

Homework Equations

Still being investigated - need help

The Attempt at a Solution

I was considering investigating things like the rate of change of the angle of the conrod(A) and something like the acceleration, velocity, and position of the piston with respect to the coordinates of the crank

Any comments, suggestions or part solutions will be greatly appreciated.
It does not have to be the simple two stroke engine, maybe i could compare it to the fourstroke engine or a radial engine.

 

[lippyka]

Some possible topics to investigate include: 1. The forces acting on the piston and conrod at different points in the engine cycle 2. The thermodynamic process of the engine (e.g. combustion, expansion, exhaust) 3. The effect of varying parameters such as compression ratio, fuel/air mixture, spark advance on efficiency and performance 4. The effect of changing piston geometry on power output 5. The effect of port timing on air flow and power output 6. The effect of exhaust design on scavenging and back pressure 7. The effect of different fuels on performance and emissions 8. The effect of lubrication on wear and friction 9. The use of computer simulations to model engine performance 10. Design of engine components for optimal performance