1. Collecting Exhaust Gases:
* The manifold is essentially a branching pipe system connected to each cylinder's exhaust port.
* It gathers the hot, spent exhaust gases from all cylinders into a single flow.
2. Directing Exhaust Flow:
* The manifold channels the exhaust gas flow towards the exhaust pipe and ultimately out of the engine.
* This controlled flow prevents interference and backpressure, allowing for smoother engine operation.
3. Optimizing Exhaust Pulse:
* The manifold's design, including its length and shape, can be optimized to create a "pulse" effect.
* This pulse, created by the alternating exhaust pulses from each cylinder, can be harnessed to help scavenge remaining gases from the cylinders, improve efficiency, and even increase power output.
4. Heat Management:
* The manifold itself gets very hot due to the passing exhaust gases.
* This heat can be utilized in some applications, like preheating the air intake, but it also needs to be managed to prevent damage to surrounding components.
5. Durability:
* Exhaust manifolds are typically made from cast iron or stainless steel to withstand high temperatures and corrosive exhaust gases.
In summary:
The exhaust manifold is a crucial element in the exhaust system, ensuring efficient removal of exhaust gases while potentially improving engine performance. It's responsible for collecting, directing, and managing the flow of exhaust gases from the engine cylinders.
