An excellent start, Terry, but this design is effective only in the
subsonic flight regime.
For transonic and supersonic regime, we would need to upgrade to an
aero-spike (aero-cone, in this case) inlet. A variable geometry
(shorter, movable) traffic cone (small side facing impact airstream) is
moved
coaxially with, ahead of and the original cone. This decelerates the
trans/supersonic airstream and keeps the associated shockwave generated
by the aero-spike resident in the inlet of the original cone. This
raises ram inlet temperature, pressure, efficiency and power.
The second traffic cone and associated dynamic controls needed move and
maintain proper cone geometry adds to cost, of course, but will
double the volume of cone orders, which ought to drive down unit costs,
and anyway since we are talking breakthrough research here, cost is
secondary.
While we're on the subject, we'll have to look into beyond-Z-rated
tires, a bit more tankage for JP-7 fuel (a.k.a. "perfume"), and
heat-resistant paint for leading edge of hood, valence and D-A-T-S-U-N
lettering... I would also suggest that low windshield models might fare
better in the supersonic windtunnel.
- Bob Mann, subsonic '69 2000 Solex
Terry and Donna Cost wrote:
>
> I see that my supercharger is getting the attention it deserves. I will
> license it for production, if any of the vendors out there want to sell it.
> I tried the gerbil and there are problems with interchangeability of parts.
> Also, parasitic power losses are higher in gerbils.
>
> I have been experimenting with "stealth" technology, specifically the power
> systems of the SR-71 Blackbird, which as you know has "Ram-Jet" engines. I
> have developed a "Ram-Flow" supercharger using a traffic cone, a length of
> vacuum cleaner hose, and a stock 2000 air cleaner. I will post pictures on
> the TDROC website, and I have given my West Coast Distributor, Calspeed
> Carrion, permission to post them on his website. The system is a simple
> one, and has no parasitic drag or exhaust restrictions. Bolt the traffic
> cone to your front bumper (wide side to the front), run the hose through the
> engine compartment to the modified air cleaner, and prepare to feel the rush
> of power as you accelerate. The unit is most efficient at high speed, but
> you can tune the system for lower speeds by selecting larger traffic cones
> as the "scoop". Pricing will depend on the volume of orders Calspeed and I
> receive.
>
> Leisure Suit Terry
--
R.W. Mann & Company, Inc. > Airline Industry Analysis and Consulting
Port Washington, NY 11050 > tel 516-944-0900, fax 516-944-7280
mailto:info@RWMann.com > URL http://www.RWMann.com/
|