The paper I mostly struggled with, which came right after the Lab Report Analysis, here’s the instructions:

“For this assignment, choose a technological item, one that you are particularly interested in, and explain its purpose. Think carefully about your choice. Descriptions of objects, mechanisms, and processes appear in virtually every kind of technical communication. In addition, instructions are also frequently used. 

1. Choose a simple technological item. Topics will be discussed in class.
2. Divide the item into components: parts and subparts. Then describe each part and subpart in detail. 
3. Take pictures, and label them.  If you use images from the Internet, proper citation is needed. Give every picture a figure number and a caption (APA format).
4. Your Technical Description will have the following elements:
   1. Title page/cover sheet 
   2. Outline of the Contents
   3. Introduction.  You’ll discuss the history of the innovation as well as the innovator, the need for innovation, and all relevant history and background information. 
   4. Body: The actual Technical Description of the innovation including the parts and descriptions. You will have to determine a logical structure: top, middle, bottom, or exterior and interior parts, etc. Arrange the content in an outline format. Use Illustrations/ images and cite them.
      1. You may want to add another section on how the item functions or can be used.
   5. Conclusion
   6. References page.

Research will be involved. References (AND PROPER CITATION) will be mandatory.

Minimum 5 pages. More pages may be necessary. 

Self-Reflection 1-2 pages (due with the second draft).”

And now, the final draft:

“From: aespino012@citymail.cuny.edu

To: sjacobson1@ccny.cuny.edu

March 25, 2024

Subject: Technical Description of a Plane Engine

Outline of Contents:

Introduction [Page 2-3]

• 1.1 History and Innovator

• 1.2 Need for Innovation

• 1.3 Background Information

Body

• 2.1 External Components [Page 4-7]

• 2.1.1 Cowling

• 2.1.2 Air Intake

• 2.1.3 Exhaust System

• 2.2 Internal Components [Page 8-10]

• 2.2.1 Compressor

• 2.2.2 Combustion Chamber

• 2.2.3 Turbine

• 2.2.4 Accessories

• 2.3 Functions and Operation [Page 11]

Conclusion [Page 11]

References [Page 12]

Introduction:

As a lover of planes themselves, they possess many complex pieces that are noticeably

fascinating. And along those, is the plane engine; one of many marvels of engineering that has,

likewise, revolutionized the way humans travel and ability to explore the skies for decades now.

It’s safe to say that from the earliest piston engines to the modern turbofans that we see today, the

evolution of plane engines has truly been remarkable and something worth speaking about and

learning about. Therefore, this technical description will go to delve into every component and

workings of a plane engine, giving us the clear lens to look upon its importance in history, their

innovators, and their necessity for continuous innovation.

1.1 History and Innovator:

And speaking of their innovators. It’s significant to know that the development of the plane

engine can be traced back to the Wright brothers, which are “Orville” and “Wilbur Wright”, two

pioneers who built and flew the first powered aircraft in 1903 (Crouch, 2024b). To be more

specific, their engine was a four-cylinder, water-cooled internal combustion engine producing 12

horsepower. And since then, numerous other innovators and engineers from companies like

Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and General Electric businesses have contributed to

advancements in plane engine technology to the engines we see today.

1.2 Need for Innovation:

And this is important; Because, you see, the need for innovation in plane engines arises from the

demands for increased efficiency as society evolves. Like things such as reduced emissions, and

enhanced performance. We must understand that as air travel became more popular and

widespread around the globe, the aviation industry starts to faces many challenges such as fuel

consumption, environmental concerns, and the greedy quest for higher speeds and altitudes.

1.3 Background Information:

Now, before delving into the technical description itself, it’s essential to understand the basic

principles behind a plane engine first, so that we can have some sort of understanding already to

transport our knowledge off to other branches. Simply put, a plane engine, whether piston or

turbine-based, we’ll be focusing on a turbine-based in this paper (also known as a turbojet

engine), it operates on the principle of converting fuel into mechanical energy to propel an

aircraft forward. It achieves this by generating thrust through the expulsion of high-velocity

exhaust gases. And this helps due to the fact that: “The thrust from one or more engines pushes a

plane forward, forcing air past its scientifically shaped wings to create an upward force called lift

that powers it into the sky” (How Do Jet Engines Work? | Types of Jet Engine Compared, 2021b,

p. 1).

Body:

2.1 External Components:

Now to begin with the dissection of the engine itself, we’ll divide it into two sections:

External Components, and Internal Components. This way, we can keep things organized and it

will be much easier to understand how each component works with one another.

2.1.1 Cowling:

Starting with the cowling, it is basically the outer shell covering the engine, designed to

streamline the airflow and provide protection to internal components which will touch upon later.

It consists of two main sections: the upper cowling and the lower cowling, both covering the

entire engine. The image below goes to illustrates the main cowling components.

From the image we can see the cowling of a plane engine covers the entirety of the engine itself,

which supplies protection for the pressure area, and simply provides aerodynamic streamlining

and protection to internal components.

Source: Boeing 747-8 Engine Cowling by Mark Williamson. (n.d.). Fine Art America.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/boeing-747-8-engine-cowling-mark-williamson.html

2.1.2 Air Intake:

Moving on is the air intake; responsible for supplying air to the engine for combustion. It is

strategically positioned in front of the engine to capture clean, non-dangerous airflow, ensuring

optimal engine performance and safety. The design of the air intake varies depending on the

engine type and aircraft configuration, but since we’re focusing on a turbine, the image below

shows how a turbine-based engine’s air intake looks like.

Consisting of several blades that filter the air incoming which overall shows how the air intake of

a plane engine captures clean airflow for the internal components, contributing to the engine’s

efficiency and allowing these internal components to receive what they need to work properly.

Source: What are these holes in the engine inlet? (n.d.). Aviation Stack Exchange.

https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/22489/what-are-these-holes-in-the-engine-inlet

2.1.3 Exhaust System:

Now another important aspect of the engine; The exhaust system, which is responsible for

expelling or releasing combustion gases from the engine. It consists of exhaust pipes, mufflers,

and thrust reversers. Additionally, it is important to understand that the design of the exhaust

system influences the engine’s noise, thrust output, and emissions overall. The picture below

shows the components of an Exhaust system in a plane engine.

So from this, one can tell that the exhaust system of a plane engine expels the combustion gases

accumulated within and contributes to thrust generation, and fun fact, it also contributes to noise

reduction, even though it’s still pretty loud, but safe for the ears.

Source: Aircraft Engine Exhaust Systems with Turbocharger. (n.d.). Aircraft Systems.

https://www.aircraftsystemstech.com/p/exhaust-system-with-turbocharger.html

2.2 Internal Components:

Noting now how the external components are very significant when it comes to a plane

engine, as equally important, are the internal components. These components work hand in hand

with the internal components and take what the internal components provide and make the

engine work.

2.2.1 Compressor:

To begin, the compressor, which is a vital component of a jet engine responsible for compressing

the incoming air before it enters the combustion chamber. It consists of multiple stages of

rotating blades and stationary vanes and as air passes through the compressor, its pressure and

temperature increase, preparing it for the next step, combustion. As usual, the image below

represents the components.

Which shows how the compressor stage of a plane engine compresses the incoming air from the

air intake and increases its pressure and temperature for the combustion stage.

Source: Engineer, & Engineer. (2020, January 13). How does a jet engine work?

InnovationDiscoveries.space. https://innovationdiscoveries.space/how-does-a-jet-engine-work/

2.2.2 Combustion Chamber:

Now speaking of which; The combustion chamber, this is where fuel is mixed with the

compressed air and ignited to produce high-pressure, high-velocity gases for the engine to start.

It consists of a cylindrical chamber lined with flame holders and fuel injectors. Additionally, the

combustion process releases energy, which drives the turbine and generates the thrust it needs.

Refer to the previous image to see what the combustion chamber looks like and its components.

2.2.3 Turbine:

Moving on is the turbine. And this one is crucial, since it serves as the component that extracts

energy from the high-pressure gases produced in the combustion chamber. It consists of multiple

stages of blades attached to a central shaft. As hot gases flow over the turbine blades, they

expand and transmits rotational energy to the turbine, which drives the compressor and any

accessories which we will touch upon next. Also, refer to the last image to see how it operates

alongside the compressor and combustion systems.

2.2.4 Accessories:

Lastly from the internal components is the Accessories’. Plane engines also incorporate various

accessories for supplemental functions such as lubrication, cooling, and power generation to

enhance the engine in general and reassure that the process goes smoothly. These include oil

pumps, fuel pumps, hydraulic pumps, and electrical generators which overall play a vital role in

ensuring the reliable operation of the engine and aircraft systems in any forms of situations.

2.3 Functions and Operation:

Now that we know the components of a functioning plane engine, we’ll be able to

understand the process in how it uses these components to operate; Let’s keep it simple, a plane

engine involves in a mechanism of mechanical, thermodynamic, and aerodynamic principles.

Simply put, Air is drawn into the engine through the air intake, compressed in the compressor,

mixed with fuel and ignited in the combustion chamber, and then expelled through the turbine

and exhaust to produce thrust which goes to show how each and every part of a plane engine is

needed in order to work. Also, the engine’s performance is influenced by other factors such as

altitude, airspeed, temperature, and throttle setting which either make the process faster, or

slower.

Conclusion:

So, in conclusion, the plane engine goes to represent just how capable we humans are

within the engineering world. From its humble beginnings of three pellets to the sophisticated

turbofan engines used today, it continues to evolve and obtain progress in aviation, and

understanding this essential for appreciating the marvels of modern air travel and see the path

that us humans were able to build for ourselves, because trust me, there’s way many more

complex stuff than this.

References:

How do jet engines work? | Types of jet engine compared. (2021, December 11). Explain That

Stuff.

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/jetengine.html#:~:text=A%20jet%20engine%20is%20a

%20machine%20that%20converts,called%20lift%20that%20powers%20it%20into%20th

e%20sky.

Crouch, T. D. (2024, March 4). Wright brothers | Biography, Inventions, Hometown, Plane, &

Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Wright-brothers”