So a while back I got obsessed with engines and I really really wanted to see one in action so I decided I would build my own. Obviously with my limited resources and experience I wouldn't be building a typical combustion engine, and decided on using a solenoid, which would work just like the exploding part and the piston on a real engine, just magnetically. I also decided to make this super low power so that I could hook it up to any old 5 volt usb port and show it off to people. Then I ended up with the first version of this engine! (image to the right) This one was pretty decent but it didn't accomplish the goal of letting me bring it to school to show it off. I needed to build a more compact and more ruggedized design.
For the new design of the engine, I wanted to work more on those original goals, portability and a low power requirement. I didn't really succeed in the lower power requirement as I put the same amount of power in and I think the orientation made it worse.
Here are videos on the engines :)
Soooo I only have the video of the old engine sorry about that I will get one of the new one probably soon, enjoy!