Most of the rotaries were "monosupape" (one-valve) motors. The inlet was a
bypass port from the crankcase (were the gas-oil vapor mixture lived (think
of two-stroke model airplane engines), and the exhaust was in the top of
the (non-detachable) head and was "operated" by atmospheric pressure. When
the piston was going down relative to the cylinder, it "sucked" the exhaust
valve open.
Note that W. O. Bentley considered his crowning achievement to have been
the design of the BR2 (Bentley Rotary type 2) used in the Sopwith Camel.
Clay L.
;67 Sprite
At 03:10 PM 10/6/01 -0400, Michael Lupynec wrote:
>Non-rotating crank has severe rpm limitations (but what a way to
>reduce valve float) and huge gyroscopic effect causing interesting
>spin non-recovery characteristics. My failing memory says they did
>not survive WW1.
>
>Mike L
>60A,67E,59Bug
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Larry B. Macy <macy@bbl.med.upenn.edu>
>
> > My understanding is that this was a fairly common practice in
>the early days
> > of aircraft radial engines. Unless my memory fails me some of
>the WWII navy
> > fighters still used this type of engine. The F4F Wildcat falls
>to mind (but
> > I did preface my remark with a failing memory)
> >
> > Larry
> >
> > On 10/4/01 4:44 PM, "Bill Hunt" <BillH@aaai.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Here's a picture of one of those "radial rotaries", a Gnome.
>Really
> > > remarkable piece but didn't get a chance to hear one in
>action.
> > >
> > > http://www.herbytoys.com/Vaca_Images/gnome.jpg
> > >
> > > Herby
> > > 64 MK II Sprite - HRBYTOY (under construction/de-construction)
> > > 62 MK II Sprite - HRBYTOY2? (My new driver)
> > > billh@aaai.com
> > > www.herbytoys.com
> > >
> > >
> > >>>>> Some engines even have the crank stationary
> > > and the cylinders whirl around...oh it's grand.<<<
> >
> > Larry Macy
> > 78 Midget
DISCLAIMER: JPL now requires notice in all electronic communication that
all personal and professional opinions presented herein are my own and do
not, in any way, represent the opinion or policy of JPL.
|
