78 Diesel Engine Technology Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. V-Type Engines Another popular engine configuration is the familiar V-type engine design. In this arrangement, the cylinders are set at an angle to each other. Common V-block angles include 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, and 90°. The angle depends on the number of cylinders and the design of the crankshaft, Figure 4-35. V-type engines are commonly available in six-, eight-, twelve-, and sixteen-cylinder designs, but other cylinder con- figurations can be produced. V-engines are shorter in length and lower in height than comparable inline engines. This makes them desirable when installation space is limited. Also, a V-8 diesel engine can use a smaller bore and stroke than a comparable six-cylinder, inline engine. This means the engine can run at a faster rpm, increasing power output. W-Type and Delta Engine Configurations To form a W-cylinder arrangement, two V-type engines are set side-by-side and operate a single crankshaft, Figure 4-36. W-type diesel engines are used primarily in marine applications. Delta configurations have their cylin- ders formed in a triangle. Such configurations are used in both marine and railroad applications. Radial Engines In a radial engine, the cylinders are arranged in a circle around a common crankshaft, Figure 4-37. In this type of engine, the connecting rods work on a single crankpin that rotates around the center of a circle. One type of radial engine places four banks of cylinders one above the other and uses a single crankshaft to form a sixteen-cylinder engine. Double-Acting Piston The double-acting piston engine is a modern version of an engine that was originally built by Etienne Lenoir in 1860. In this design, a single piston uses both ends of a cylinder. Explosive pressure is alternately applied to the two faces of the piston to produce power. Pressure is applied on both the up and down strokes. This process requires a very complex intake and exhaust system. The double-acting piston configu- ration is used on very large, low-speed engines. Combustion Chamber Design Complete, controlled fuel combustion results in max- imum power and low exhaust emissions. The shape of the combustion chamber and action of the piston play a role in generating the turbulence, whirl, and swish needed to Figure 4-35. A V-type engine has the cylinder placed in two banks and at an angle to each other. The connecting rods operate on a single crankshaft. Figure 4-36. When four banks of cylinders are placed at angles to each other and operate on a single crankshaft, it is a W engine. Figure 4-37. Cylinders placed in a circle, operating on a single crankpin, form a radial engine.