Glossary “latent heat” Definition:
Amount of heat required to cause a change of state of a substance without changing its temperature.
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latent heat of condensation
Glossary “latent heat of condensation” Definition:
Quantity of heat given off while changing a substance from a vapor to a liquid.
lapping
Glossary “lapping” Definition:
Valve grinding process using a paste-like grit on the face of the valve.
lapping compound
Glossary “lapping compound” Definition:
A paste-like grit used for lapping valves, no long used on modern engines.
laser
Glossary “laser” Definition:
1). Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation. 2). Device that produces a concentrated, coherent light beam by stimulated electronic or molecular transitions to lower energy levels.
lash
Glossary “lash” Definition:
Clearance between two parts.
lash pad adjusters
Glossary “lash pad adjusters” Definition:
Small round metal pieces of various thickness used to adjust valve clearance.
lands
Glossary “lands” Definition:
Areas of a spool valve that control the opening and closing of hydraulic passages.
lap belt
Glossary “lap belt” Definition:
A seat belt that extends across a person’s lap.
lap joint
Glossary “lap joint” Definition:
Joint between two overlapping members in parallel planes. A type of weld joint made by overlapping two pieces of metal and jioning them with a beed along one or both edges,
lap shear strength
Glossary “lap shear strength” Definition:
The maximum force per unit area that a lap joint can withstand in shear before failure ocurrs. Commonly expressed in kilopascals.
lap weld
Glossary “lap weld” Definition:
Welding process between two overlapping members in parallel planes.
lamp
Glossary “lamp” Definition:
Device to convert electrical energy to radiant energy, which is normally visible light.
land
Glossary “land” Definition:
1). That part of a piston between the ring grooves that separates and supports the rings. 2). The raised surfaces on a valve spool.
laminate
Glossary “laminate” Definition:
1). A structure consisting of two or more layers of material, such as fiberglass. 2). To fabricate a structure of two or more layers of material, such as fiberglass.
laminated case
Glossary “laminated case” Definition:
A container, such as a safety fuel cell, with walls of two or more layers of material.
laminated core
Glossary “laminated core” Definition:
Assembly of steel sheets for use as an element of magnetic circuit having the property of reducing eddy-current losses. Found in ignition coils.
laminated plate glass
Glossary “laminated plate glass” Definition:
Two thin sheets of glass with a layer of clear plastic between them. It is used for windshields.
laminar airflow
Glossary “laminar airflow” Definition:
1). The smooth, continuous movement of one layer of gas or liquid over another. 2). The movement of a body of A/F mixture through the intake manifold and ports as it flows over the boundary layer.
lambda sensor
Glossary “lambda sensor” Definition:
A European auto maker’s term for the oxygen sensor.