Jet Engines Versus Reciprocating Engines

All aircraft require one or more engines that are responsible for generating propulsion and lift, allowing the vehicles to overcome their weight for takeoff. Some use jet engines, while others use reciprocating engines, both of which consume energy to create propulsion. To remain steady during flight, the thrust provided must be equal to and in the opposite direction of aircraft drag. The majority of heat engines convert heat energy into mechanical energy, as a fluid mass like air flows through the engine. Once the working pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure, heat energy is released.

Propulsion systems are machines that create thrust to push an object forward, which is how aircraft achieve momentum. Gas is accelerated by the engine, and this produces a subsequent force that can be harnessed in various ways. The amount of thrust produced is dependent upon the mass flowing through the engine and the velocity of the gas as it exits. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between these two engine types.

What Is a Jet Engine?

Jet engines feature a jet-based propulsion method involving an internal combustion chamber that burns a mixture of fuel and air. This produces byproduct gasses that are released, propelling the plane forward. Often used on longer flights, international travel, and military applications, they are incredibly easy to maneuver; however, they burn a large amount of fuel. Also called gas turbines, they work by sucking in air through a fan or inlet, and a compressor increases the air pressure as blades spin at a high speed. This air is sprayed with fuel before ignition is produced with an electric spark, and these burning gasses expand and exit a nozzle at the back of the engine. During the time in which gasses travel through the engine, they will pass through a group of blades called the turbine, making the compressor spin with harnessed power. 

What Is a Reciprocating Engine?

On the other hand, reciprocating engines utilize reciprocating pistons to generate propulsion by converting pressure into a rotational force. Of the many types of reciprocating engines, the most common are in-line, horizontally opposed, and radial. Radial reciprocating engines feature cylinders protruding from the crankcase. Generally used in small aircraft, these engines receive their name from the back-and-forth movement that the pistons carry out to create the mechanical energy needed to propel the vehicle forward. 

In the past 20 years, reciprocating engine technology has become highly advanced, bringing in computerized engine management systems to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pilot workload. They convert chemical energy, or fuel, into mechanical energy in the engine’s cylinders through combustion. Two main reciprocating engine designs are the spark ignition and the compression ignition type. The latter is being implemented more to reduce operating costs, simplify designs, and ensure durability, as well as lower costs with cheaper diesel or jet fuel options.

Differences Between Jet and Reciprocating Engines

Although both engine types possess a combustion chamber that burns a mixture of fuel and air, they have several differences that distinguish the two from one another. For example, reciprocating engines have pistons that do not exist in jet engines, and the latter tends to be more powerful than the former. This allows jet engines to produce more propulsion while leading to faster overall flight time, but despite this benefit, jet engines are incredibly inefficient. This is because they consume a large amount of fuel which makes them impractical for use in long-distance flights. 

Finding Top-Quality Reciprocating Engine Parts and Components

When you require reliable reciprocating engine aircraft parts and components to carry out your operations, choose Aviation Integrated as your go-to sourcing partner. With an expansive inventory featuring millions of new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find aircraft products, finding what you require is simple and quick. If you discover items of interest, we encourage you to commence the procurement process by requesting a quote for your comparisons through our RFQ service. To learn more about our high-caliber offerings and services, be sure to call or email us at any time, and a team member will be more than happy to assist you however they can.