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What is EDC and TDC?

Published in Engineering 2 mins read

EDC and TDC are abbreviations used in various fields, particularly in engineering and manufacturing. They stand for:

  • EDC: Engine Dead Center
  • TDC: Top Dead Center

These terms refer to specific positions within a reciprocating engine's cycle.

Engine Dead Center (EDC)

EDC refers to the position where the piston is at its lowest point in the cylinder. It is also known as Bottom Dead Center (BDC).

Top Dead Center (TDC)

TDC refers to the position where the piston is at its highest point in the cylinder. This is the point where the combustion chamber has its smallest volume.

Importance of EDC and TDC

EDC and TDC are crucial for understanding engine operation and timing. They are used to:

  • Determine the timing of events such as valve opening and closing, spark ignition, and fuel injection.
  • Calculate engine displacement and compression ratio.
  • Diagnose engine problems such as timing issues or piston damage.

Example:

In a four-stroke engine, TDC marks the beginning of the compression stroke and the power stroke. EDC marks the beginning of the intake stroke and the exhaust stroke.

Conclusion

Understanding EDC and TDC is essential for comprehending how reciprocating engines work. These positions are critical for determining engine timing, calculating key parameters, and diagnosing engine problems.

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