Nukkvõllide

Nukkvõllide, a term derived from Estonian, translates to camshafts in English. Camshafts are a crucial component in internal combustion engines, responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the engine's intake and exhaust valves. They are typically a rotating shaft with precisely shaped lobes, or cams, that push on the valves through a system of lifters, pushrods, and rocker arms, or directly in some designs.

The shape and timing of these cams are critical to an engine's performance, dictating how much fuel and air enter the combustion chamber and how quickly exhaust gases are expelled. Different camshaft profiles can be used to optimize an engine for various purposes, such as maximizing horsepower for racing or improving fuel efficiency for everyday driving. The rotation of the camshaft is synchronized with the crankshaft, usually via a timing belt or chain, ensuring the valves operate at the correct point in the engine cycle. Wear on the camshaft lobes or the mechanism that operates the valves can lead to reduced engine performance, misfires, and increased emissions.