multisylinder

Multisylinder refers to any device that uses more than one cylinder to convert energy into motion, most commonly referring to internal combustion engines with two or more cylinders. The term can apply to steam engines, hydraulic/pneumatic actuators, or other multi-chamber devices, but in common usage it describes multicylinder internal combustion engines used in automobiles, motorcycles, ships, and aircraft. The cylinders may be arranged in inline, V, W, flat (boxer), or radial configurations.

In operation, each cylinder contains a piston connected to a crankshaft by a connecting rod; the cylinders fire in a sequence determined by the firing order to produce smooth power. Increasing cylinder count generally increases displacement, power output, and smoothness but also adds weight, complexity, and cost. The choice of configuration balances packaging, cooling, and vibration.

Benefits include smoother torque, higher peak power, and the ability to run at higher compression with smaller bores, along with some redundancy. Drawbacks include higher manufacturing and maintenance costs, greater fuel consumption at light load, and more emissions control complexity.

Design considerations include bore and stroke determining displacement per cylinder; total displacement is cylinders times per-cylinder displacement; firing order influences vibration. Cylinder deactivation technology can improve efficiency, and turbocharging and direct injection are common developments in modern multisylinder engines.

History and applications: early multicylinder steam and internal combustion engines in the late 19th century transformed transportation. Notable configurations developed include inline engines (e.g., inline-4, inline-6), V engines (V6, V8, V12), and W or flat layouts. Today multisylinder engines are dominant in cars, light trucks, ships, and aircraft.