CHT

cht is an acronym that can refer to multiple concepts depending on the context, and there is no single universal definition for the lowercase string. A widely used meaning in technical fields is Cylinder Head Temperature, abbreviated as CHT.

Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) is the temperature of the cylinder head in an internal combustion engine. It is a critical parameter in aviation, automotive engineering, and motorsports because it reflects heat flow and cooling effectiveness and helps prevent overheating. CHT is typically measured with a thermocouple or sensor positioned near or on the cylinder head and reported to the operator through cockpit or dashboard instruments. Monitoring CHT informs decisions about cooling management, fuel mixture, ignition timing, and engine power settings. Exceeding manufacturer-specified CHT limits can reduce performance, accelerate wear, and increase the risk of engine damage such as detonation, valve problems, or head-gasket failure. Safe operating ranges for CHT vary by engine type, cooling system design, operating conditions, and maintenance status, and are defined in official manuals and procedures.

In addition to this technical meaning, CHt or cht may be used in other domains to denote different concepts. Because the acronym is context-dependent, clarifying the intended meaning from the surrounding material is important. This article concentrates on the most common technical meaning, Cylinder Head Temperature, while acknowledging that other interpretations exist in various fields.