8. Glossary

capsulism

A mechanical system that periodically controls changes in the volume of one or more sealed cavities. It makes it possible to design sealed, insulated spaces by means of suitable closed volumes. This term, widely used in thermal machines, was also widely used by Professors Max Serruys (1905-1986) and Pierre Magot-Cuvru (1918-2006), motor engineers and institutional figures at the Cnam's internal combustion engine chair in the 1950s.

distribution of a piston engine

All the components that open and close the ducts carrying the air or mixture to the cylinders. The basic components of the valve train are the plugs, valves or diaphragms that close the ducts, and their control systems. Two types of valve train can be distinguished: valve timing (the most common) and sleeve or spool timing.

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