The compression ratio of spark-ignition engines is one of the parameters that affects their efficiency and performance, and yet in conventional engines, this is fixed by the engine geometry. Ideally, the compression ratio should be varied with changes in engine speed and load to optimize engine performance. Variable compression engines have been built with various mechanisms. This paper describes an innovative mechanism for varying the synchronisation of the crankshafts of two opposed pistons running in a single cylinder. This changes the clearance volume and the compression ratio. An engine based on this mechanism is being developed at the University of Malta.
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