Homogenous charge compression ignition and barrel engines

摘要

A homogenous charges compression ignition barrel (50) engine includes an engine housing with a first and second end. An elongated power shaft (52) is longitudinally disposed in the engine in the engine housing and defines a longitudinal axis of the engine. A plurality of cylinders (54) surround the longitudinal axis with each cylinder (54) having a closed end and an open end. Each cylinder (54) has a central axis. The open ends of the cylinders (54) are each generally directed a combustible mixture of air and fuel into each of the cylinders. A track (56) is disposed between the first end of the housing and the open ends of the cylinders (54) such that a portion of the track (56) is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders (54). The track (56) has a cam surface (58) that longitudinally undulates with the respect to the open ends of the cylinders (54). A portion of the cam surface (58) is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders. Each cylinder (54) is operable to compress a combustible mixture until the mixture auto ignites, without the introduction of a spark.