3. (30 points) The concept of quasi-equilibrium is one we'll use on every single analysis throughout the
semester. In this problem, we're going to extend our analysis from class on the large ship engines to car
engines to determine whether a process can be considered quasi-equilibrium. Mazda is a company that
has been extremely innovative in the internal combustion engine space, working to get the most power
and highest efficiency of this technology. Their SkyActiv technology is a package that improves engine
efficiency significantly while still making the car a lot of fun to drive - do some research online to learn
how they do it. In this problem, let's consider the Mazda 3 SkyActiv (hatchbacks for the win) -
https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/2022-mazda3-hatchback.
a. First, explain what the quasi-equilibrium assumption is and why it's important.
b.
Next, use the Mazda website to find the bore (width of the cylinder), stroke (length the piston
travels over half a rotation), and maximum engine speed (referred to as "redline" on the website)
of the engine. Use this information to calculate the timescale of the compression stroke at a
highway driving engine speed of 2000 RPM.
c.
Use Excel or Matlab to plot the timescale of a compression stroke as a function of engine speed
from 0 to the maximum engine speed.
d. At what engine speed would the process no longer be quasi-equilibrium? Why?
