What Is The Function of A Car Cylinder Head？

As one of the core components of the engine, the cylinder head plays a crucial role in power output and performance assurance. Its main function can be analyzed from the following three aspects:

1、 Build combustion space to ensure power output

The cylinder head is located at the top of the cylinder, together with the cylinder block and piston, forming the combustion chamber of the engine. It uses precise structural design (such as concave and convex shapes) to ensure that the fuel air mixture forms a reasonable vortex during combustion, thereby improving combustion efficiency. Taking a four cylinder engine as an example, the cylinder head needs to accurately cover each cylinder, in conjunction with the layout of valves, spark plugs (gasoline engines), or fuel injectors (diesel engines), to trigger the ignition or injection process accurately, thereby driving the piston movement and converting it into power for vehicle operation.

2、 Manage airflow and heat dissipation to optimize engine performance

There are intake and exhaust ducts inside the cylinder head, which are responsible for guiding fresh air into the combustion chamber and discharging the exhaust gas after combustion. The design accuracy of its airway (such as bend angle and cross-sectional area) directly affects the intake efficiency of the engine, which in turn affects power and fuel consumption performance. In addition, the cylinder head is usually integrated with a water jacket or oil passage, which takes away the heat generated by combustion through the circulation of coolant or oil, preventing the engine from overheating. For example, the cylinder head made of aluminum alloy material has good thermal conductivity, which can dissipate heat more efficiently and ensure the stability of the engine under high temperature conditions.

3、 Support key components to ensure system collaboration

The cylinder head is equipped with core components such as valve mechanisms (such as valves, camshafts, rocker arms), fuel injection systems, ignition systems, etc. It provides a stable installation foundation for these components by fastening them to the cylinder block with bolts. Taking the double overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine as an example, the cylinder head needs to accurately support the operation of the camshaft, while adjusting the valve clearance through hydraulic tappets and other components to ensure that the timing of intake and exhaust is coordinated with the height of piston movement. If the cylinder head deforms or cracks, it may lead to problems such as poor valve sealing and coolant leakage, directly affecting engine performance and even causing malfunctions.

In short, the cylinder head is not only the "top barrier" of the engine, but also the core hub that integrates combustion control, thermal management, and component support. Its design and manufacturing accuracy directly determine the power, efficiency, and reliability of the engine.