V10 Engine, the Middle Ground between the V8 and V12
V10 Engine is a good type of engine type for being lighter than the V12. This also offer more torque and is more powerful than the V8. Even though this is popularly used in exotic cars, some American muscle cars also have it. Just like the V6, V8 and V12, the V10 configurations are commonly seen in motorsport application designs.
As a V-Type Configuration
The 10 cylinders of the engine are arranged in two banks of 5. This is also primarily the result of mating 2 firing straight-5 engines. This straight-5 engine demonstrates first and second order rocking-motion. This only means that the first order is balanced by the balance shaft. And then, the crank shaft features a low second-order vibration. Unlike the V12 engine, the V10 does not have a balanced design.
In terms of application, it is just until recently that the configuration became more common among road cars. As an engine configuration, it allows for a smoother operation. This is also quite complicated while V8 is even more economical and less complicated. But despite this fact, the modern engineering made it possible to use the configuration. This is also when V8 can only offer less. And thus, V12 would serve as an even bulkier and even more complicated option.
As stated, the engine is commonly used in exotic cars such as Dodge Viper and Bristol Fighter Coupe. These are only some of the examples of the car models on where it proves to be useful. Other famous car companies and models that also apply the configuration include of Ford in their Triton engine, the Lamborghini, the BMW, the Audi and Porsche.
The Role of V10 Engine in Formula One
V10 Engine played its essential role in F1 racing. This is also known as the sector has become common due to its application. In 1995, the era of the 10-cylinder V-type configuration started in Formula One. During this era, the V10 engines are simply a perfect fit in F1 cars.
However, it is the V10s built by BMW that is the best in the F1 racing industry. BMW only started building V10 engines in 2002. From then on, the innovations started out including an engine with lower gravity. This is also followed by the more compact and even lighter V10. But later on, the use of V10 engines ended up. Its use was downsized to V8 configuration.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are a lot of reasons why V10 a great engine is known to be better than the F1 racing. Its balanced forces are mainly due to the 2 I5s. These are mated to a shared crankshaft. It also has its less reciprocating mass. This is also simply because of its fewer cylinders. There is also its high revving capability.
However, the V10 does not have a smoother engine layout. It also does not come with its balancing shafts. These are essential in eliminating the vertical moment vibration caused by the plane imbalance. As this is made up of 10 cylinders, this is even more a complicated option. This is also due to its moving parts. Therefore, this makes the engine more expensive to build as well.
