Enter the speed of sound and the engine RPM into the calculator to determine the optimal intake length for an internal combustion engine. This calculator helps in tuning the intake system for better performance.
Intake Length Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the optimal intake length:
L = frac{c}{2 cdot frac{N}{60}} cdot frac{1}{4}Variables:
- L is the optimal intake length (meters)
- c is the speed of sound (meters per second)
- N is the engine RPM (revolutions per minute)
To calculate the optimal intake length, divide the speed of sound by twice the engine RPM converted to revolutions per second, and then divide by 4.
What is Intake Length?
Intake length is the distance from the intake valve or port of an internal combustion engine to the point where the intake air reaches sonic speed. The length of the intake path affects the engine’s ability to fill the cylinders with air, and thus its performance. By tuning the intake length, one can optimize the engine’s power and efficiency at a specific RPM range.
How to Calculate Intake Length?
The following steps outline how to calculate the optimal Intake Length.
- First, determine the speed of sound (c) in meters per second.
- Next, determine the engine RPM (N).
- Use the formula L = (c / (2 * N / 60)) / 4 to calculate the optimal intake length (L).
- Finally, calculate the Intake Length (L) in meters.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Speed of sound (c) = 343 meters per second
Engine RPM (N) = 3000 RPM
