Follow the parts. Change a control. See how a whole system responds.
These explanations connect an observable change with the mechanism behind it. Each includes an interactive model, a written walkthrough, source references and the assumptions that limit the demonstration.
← All explanationsAn inline-six engine places six cylinders in one row, with their pistons connected to a common crankshaft. Combustion pushes each piston during its power stroke, and the connecting rod transfers that motion to the shaft. In this four-stroke model, each cylinder completes a cycle over two crankshaft turns, with six firing events spaced 120° apart.
Explore the model and explanation →Gears transmit rotation through interlocking teeth. When a small gear drives a larger gear, the larger gear turns more slowly and can deliver more torque, with losses ignored. In this 16-tooth and 32-tooth pair, two input turns produce one output turn in the opposite direction. The tooth counts fix the speed relationship.
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