The rotary can survive a little detonation, but won't take much
preignition.

Lynn E. Hanover
     

OK, Lynn; now you've done it.  I understand that concepts that
preignition is ignition of the compressed fuel/mixture prior to the
normal ignition by the spark, caused by some hot spot or something; and
detonation is a sort of flash, or spontaneous combustion ahead, or away
from, the normal flame front caused sonic compression waves, or
whatever.  How can you tell the difference?  And what causes one or the
other? And does one lead to the other?  When the piston engine in my car
"pings" because the timing is too early or the octane is too low, which
is it.  I've never heard preignition or detonation in a rotary, but if I
ever do, now I'm going to want to know which it is.

Whenever you find the time.  Thanks,

Al Gietzen