Camshaft: meaning, definitions and examples
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camshaft
[ ˈkæmʃæft ]
mechanical component
A camshaft is a crucial part of an engine that controls the timing of the opening and closing of the engine's valves. It converts rotational motion into linear motion through the use of eccentric lobes. The design and position of the camshaft can significantly affect engine performance, efficiency, and power. Higher-performance engines often utilize advanced camshaft designs to optimize airflow and engine response. Camshafts can be found in both internal combustion engines and some types of electricity-generating machines.
Synonyms
engine cam, lobe shaft, valve timing shaft
Examples of usage
- The mechanic inspected the camshaft for any wear.
- A high-performance camshaft can improve engine output.
- The camshaft timing is critical for optimal engine operation.
Translations
Translations of the word "camshaft" in other languages:
🇵🇹 árvore de cames
🇮🇳 कैमशाफ्ट
🇩🇪 Nockenwelle
🇮🇩 poros cam
🇺🇦 радіусна вісь
🇵🇱 wałek rozrządu
🇯🇵 カムシャフト
🇫🇷 arbre à cames
🇪🇸 eje de levas
🇹🇷 kam mili
🇰🇷 캠샤프트
🇸🇦 عمود الكامات
🇨🇿 vačkový hřídel
🇸🇰 vačkový hriadeľ
🇨🇳 凸轮轴
🇸🇮 kamevni gredi
🇮🇸 kambur
🇰🇿 камшафт
🇬🇪 კამშაფტი
🇦🇿 kamshaft
🇲🇽 eje de levas
Word origin
The term 'camshaft' originates from the combination of 'cam', which refers to a rotating or sliding piece in mechanical linkages, and 'shaft', indicating a long, cylindrical element. The word 'cam' comes from the Latin 'cama', meaning 'a mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear motion'. The design of camshafts has evolved over time, starting in the early 19th century with simpler designs, as engines became more complex. With advancements in materials and technology, camshafts have been optimized for better performance, leading to variations like overhead camshafts (OHC) and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), which help in enhancing the efficiency of modern engines.