Here's why:
* RPM tells you how many times the crankshaft completes a full rotation per minute.
* Number of cylinders tells you how many power strokes are available *per cycle*.
* Firing order dictates which cylinder fires in what sequence during each crankshaft revolution. A V8 engine, for example, can have multiple different firing orders, each resulting in a different firing frequency.
To calculate firing frequency:
1. Determine the number of firings per revolution: This depends entirely on the engine's design and firing order. A four-stroke, four-cylinder engine with a typical firing order (1-3-4-2) has one firing per half revolution (or two firings per revolution). A four-stroke, six-cylinder engine might have three firings per revolution depending on the firing order.
2. Calculate firings per minute: Multiply the firings per revolution by the RPM.
Example:
Let's say you have a four-stroke, four-cylinder engine with a typical firing order (1-3-4-2) running at 3000 RPM.
* Firings per revolution: 2
* Firings per minute: 2 firings/revolution * 3000 revolutions/minute = 6000 firings/minute
Therefore, the firing frequency is 6000 firings per minute or 100 firings per second. Note that this example assumes a perfect, even firing. In reality, there will be minor variations.
Without knowing the specific engine's firing order, you can't accurately determine the firing frequency.
