What is swept volume?

Swept volume refers to the volume that is displaced by the piston as it moves from the top dead center (TDC) to the bottom dead center (BDC) in a cylinder of an engine. This measurement is crucial in understanding an engine's capacity, as it directly relates to the amount of air-fuel mixture that can be drawn into the cylinder, influencing the power output and efficiency of the engine. The swept volume is essentially the cylinder's working volume and is usually calculated with the formula:

Swept Volume = π/4 × Bore² × Stroke,

where the bore is the diameter of the cylinder and the stroke is the distance the piston travels.

This understanding is essential for power engineers as it impacts engine performance metrics, including horsepower and torque output, making it a critical aspect of engine operation and design.