I remember watching a documentary about the University of Florida or some Florida University that developed a plastic engine that ran off of kerosene.
Ford was into plastic engines about 20-30 years ago.
Interesting concept. I would think sealing the tops of the cylinders would be tough. Also, the bottom end has a lot of direction forces being applied to it.
[This message has been edited by carnut122 (edited 05-25-2014).]
We had a presentation/discussion on alternative engines last month, including the Duke engine.
Here’s links to a few of video clips of some engines we discussed. Google any of the names or terms for more information.
What’s most amazing is that some of the “new” technologies being promoted today were invented/patented in the late 1890s/early 1900s (bracketed information).
I remember seeing a Ford prototype "X 8" engine configuration that was later abandoned for the flatty, iirc. Very similar to the Paut design, if not, identical.
So what is the shaft RPM? If the entire cylider bank rotates, what is its RPM? How much "lag" does it have to spool up that much mass, and how long does it take to slow it down when you "blip" the throttle? Oil starvation seems like a possability at the inner sides of the cylider walls? Are those HUGE roller guides for the swash plate? That could be a bumpy ride for the rotating/reciprocating swash plate? Is vibration an isuue with out the counter weights of a crank shaft to balance out the reciprocating mass?
[This message has been edited by Rickady88GT (edited 05-28-2014).]
Interesting but I see this havaing a lot of problems before it achieves perfection.
I was thinking the same thing. Primarily, cylinder to head seal wear seems like it would be an immense challenge. Like the Mazda, rotor seals were a nightmare.
I was thinking the same thing. Primarily, cylinder to head seal wear seems like it would be an immense challenge. Like the Mazda, rotor seals were a nightmare.
Yes, and the spinning cylinder block. What will centrifugal forces do to the piston skirts and rings? Seems like that would add massive friction and oil problems?
I was thinking the same thing. Primarily, cylinder to head seal wear seems like it would be an immense challenge.
We watched the Duke engine video a half-dozen times and still didn't quite "get it". Looking like a lot of moving mass. We agreed on "how the heck do they seal the head gasket". Obviously, they've figured something out. I'm OK to admit they may have smarter people than me working on it.
