X-Virus-Scanned: clean according to Sophos on Logan.com Return-Path: Received: from qw-out-2122.google.com ([74.125.92.26] verified) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro SMTP 5.2.13) with ESMTP id 3542236 for flyrotary@lancaironline.net; Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:38:40 -0400 Received-SPF: pass receiver=logan.com; client-ip=74.125.92.26; envelope-from=rwstracy@gmail.com Received: by qw-out-2122.google.com with SMTP id 8so1116965qwh.25 for ; Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:38:03 -0700 (PDT) DKIM-Signature: v=1; a=rsa-sha256; c=relaxed/relaxed; d=gmail.com; s=gamma; h=domainkey-signature:mime-version:sender:received:in-reply-to :references:date:x-google-sender-auth:message-id:subject:from:to :content-type; bh=+sdRVa4ffLC/VWn0wY06QfYOO5EyTidN90sjoNTp8qQ=; b=wcLt3j6pOJOm44bC9TYIwNNiFGhwFoppzGPv/VXoD2WFWN+hm5iaFs/BtdZBMNCMO7 MfMAPJ7FJ5QTcCrrg5e2XEDOSxx6ClEkD/7DXNd4L+yz3LlNgSK2FjTFf9zTyxQWhahT wS5FJUtu2AJQ38eLrXWqLuZ0bVXp/YgJNzp/Q= DomainKey-Signature: a=rsa-sha1; c=nofws; d=gmail.com; s=gamma; h=mime-version:sender:in-reply-to:references:date :x-google-sender-auth:message-id:subject:from:to:content-type; b=WvzYHi2OJlBrcE4kn/Ry/TUugSbRMgjhW+GqxzXNn9iv14HBGjvq+PSs1+UbW9g/Tw kONDAUfyUWObbU/JT10khb7wmiEKT1DA6edau9BM5A7nbFj6ziOHSuKadskx+7FoQe+0 /BoJPB0V0izTwrLOc75/YzjdikQdF0dypnB7M= MIME-Version: 1.0 Sender: rwstracy@gmail.com Received: by 10.224.61.19 with SMTP id r19mr9512010qah.311.1236703082712; Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:38:02 -0700 (PDT) In-Reply-To: References: Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:38:02 -0400 X-Google-Sender-Auth: 32d997cfcddb5227 Message-ID: <1b4b137c0903100938r12c7cdfcubc588804fc40cc5c@mail.gmail.com> Subject: Re: [FlyRotary] Re: Ground Testing From: Tracy Crook To: Rotary motors in aircraft Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary=0015175cdfcaf00d070464c65fb0 --0015175cdfcaf00d070464c65fb0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit All good points, and yes, the RPM limitation on 4 port was due to lack of a torque converter rated above 7500 rpm. Now that all RX-8 engines are 6 port, the auto version is still rated at 7500 for that reason. Regardless, for our purposes it does not make much sense to design for anything above 7500 due to BSFC going down hill above 6000 rpm. A variable pitch prop would be nice to get the best of both worlds but it's an expensive option and $10,000 buys a lot of gas. On heavier airplanes it still might be worth the price to get the desired takeoff performance with the 13B. I'm hoping the fuel hit for going to the 20B will be small. Al G. is getting some pretty good results. If only we had the 16X engine now.... Tracy (RV-8 ready for inspection at last) On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 11:25 AM, William Wilson wrote: > I don't disagree with anything that you said, but note the lower redline on > the 4-port renesis is due to the automotive transmissions it is typically > attached to rather than any internal limitation of the engine itself. That > said I still would recommend a max of 7500 RPM for sustained use because of > (perceived) durability issues at higher RPM, plus you will probably not find > a reduction unit that can accomodate anything faster, anyway. > > > On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 7:25 AM, Ed Anderson wrote: > >> Hi Dave, >> >> The induction and exhaust system of any engine plays a (the?) major role >> in >> producing good power. When I first started flying with an 86 N/A 13B >> using >> a "Racers' induction" system, I was probably not producing over 130 HP on >> a >> good day. After developing a bit better understanding of induction >> systems >> match with engine operating regime, I ditched the "Racers" induction >> system >> and build one of my own. >> >> I now consistently and reliably produce 175-185 HP on take off. I turn a >> fairly large prop 74x88 and get 6000-6200 static rpm with a fuel flow of >> from 17.5 to 20 gph (depending at least partly on OAT). A key factor in >> producing good power is to match your operating rpm and induction system >> parameters - that was my failing early on. >> >> I had a undoubtedly good 9000+rpm induction system (I mean the rotary >> racers >> were using it successfully), but I was only turning 5200-5500 rpm on take >> off. So the induction system best operating region was poorly match to my >> operating regime (or vice versa). It simply was not producing the >> air/fuel >> mixture velocity at that rpm needed for good "stuffing" of the combustion >> chambers. >> >> After I got rid of the short large diameter induction system and switched >> to >> a set of longer, smaller diameter runners, power increased remarkably. >> One >> reason is, of course, the lower operating rpm I desired maximum power at >> (I >> designed my system for max power at take off) needed a smaller diameter >> set >> of induction tubes to create and maintain good runner mixture velocity. >> >> So, while the Renesis is capable of producing more power than the older >> 13B >> out of the box, you will fail to achieve this potential if your induction >> and exhaust system are not well matched to your operating regime. For >> example, the 6 port Renesis can wind to 9000 rpm in the automobile >> installation producing gobs of HP. However, in aircraft use a more likely >> top end is 7500 rpm (that's the limit listed for the 4 port Renesis.) For >> that reason, I would opt for the 4 port over the six port Renesis, as the >> six port is really not going to buy you much (in aircraft usage) except >> more >> difficult in trying to build a six port induction system rather than a 4 >> port. Just my opinion, of course. >> >> I do not plan on putting Renesis in my aircraft simply because it would >> really not buy me anything over the older 13B (other than perhaps more >> available parts) because my induction system is tuned for max power at >> 6000 >> rpm (take off). I don't fly at max power in cruise so there was no reason >> for me to tune for max power at 6800 rpm (my max rpm). So design your >> system for the operating regime you most want the power. Some folks want >> it >> at WOT in cruise, as for myself - getting in and out of small grass >> strips, >> I wanted the power at take off. Therefore, the next rotary I hope to put >> in >> my bird with be the new developmental engine the 16X. Hopefully it will >> be >> out in the 2011 model year. >> >> Your mileage may vary. >> >> Ed >> >> Ed Anderson >> >> Rv-6A N494BW Rotary Powered >> >> Matthews, NC >> >> eanderson@carolina.rr.com >> >> http://www.andersonee.com >> >> http://www.dmack.net/mazda/index.html >> >> http://www.flyrotary.com/ >> >> http://members.cox.net/rogersda/rotary/configs.htm#N494BW >> >> http://www.rotaryaviation.com/Rotorhead%20Truth.htm >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On >> Behalf Of Dave Wilenius >> Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:54 AM >> To: Rotary motors in aircraft >> Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Ground Testing >> >> >> "A normally aspired Renesis will work well, but I think will need very >> careful attention to intake and exhaust optimization to get the power >> you're probably hoping for." >> >> This seems to go against what I thought was conventional wisdom where the >> Renesis is lighter and doesn't have the same level of exhaust bark, making >> it a good choice. If you want between 180-200 hp is this really that >> difficult? >> >> I was also under the impression that the placement of the exhaust ports >> on >> the side >> housings improved fuel efficiency. >> >> If you design goal was fuel economy with 180hp would you still opt for a >> turbo REW? >> >> regards, >> >> Dave >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net]On >> Behalf Of John Slade >> Sent: 2009-03-09 01:20 >> To: Rotary motors in aircraft >> Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Ground Testing >> >> >> Welcome, Jim. >> You will get differing answers to that question. Mine is "not much >> beyond the integrity of the engine itself". >> >> Installation of a rotary in a Cozy is fairly tight and, by the way, in >> my opinion a 20b is a little too big, long and heavy. Apart from test >> running the engine to be sure that it's been correctly rebuilt, most of >> what you do on a test stand will be a waste of time and effort. When >> installed on the plane the engine is dependent on many systems that >> either can't be effectively duplicated on a test stand, or will have to >> be re-engineered when installed in the plane. Sure, if you can get your >> hands on a dyno you can test power and tune, but once you put the engine >> on the plane you'll have to wire the engine into the plane's systems and >> implement fuel, ignition, injection, cooling and exhaust systems that >> fit in the cowl. Testing those systems in the "real world" is really >> only possible with air flowing through (and over) the cowl into a prop >> at 200 mph and at various attitudes. >> >> A normally aspired Renesis will work well, but I think will need very >> careful attention to intake and exhaust optimization to get the power >> you're probably hoping for. Next you will need some sort of muffler that >> can hold up. I wasn't keen on hanging a muffler below the fuselage like >> the RV guys do. There isn't much room for that in a Cozy and it would >> look very ugly and draggy. Putting a red hot muffler inside the cowl is >> a heat radiation problem, plus there's very little room. A turbo is >> relatively small, circular and easily screened for heat. My approach was >> that the easiest way to silence the roar was to install a turbo. This >> way you don't have to bother with an exhaust system, and the intake >> system is much less critical. This gives added (and exciting) benefits >> in take-off and cruise power, but comes with its own complexity. The >> trick seems to be to use the right turbo. Then, if you use a turbo, the >> Renesis is a little high in compression ratio and you might be better >> with a 3rd generation 13B. I'm working with another builder right now on >> his Cozy project. We are duplicating my 13B exactly. That might be a >> useful indication of whether I consider it a success. The Cozy Girrrls >> are very knowledgeable on this rotary stuff, and they also are >> installing a 3rd gen 13B with a big turbo. >> >> In general, I'd say the rotary is more risky to start with - say the >> first 50 hours - because every installation is different and errors WILL >> occur. After the first 50 hours I think the rotary is well worth it. >> It's safer, faster, quieter, very much smoother, and much cheaper to >> maintain. The devil is in the peripherals. Redundancy is key. I have >> redundant fuel tanks, filters, pumps, injectors, plugs, ignition >> computers, batteries. Failure of any item is survivable because I have a >> spare. The problem is that redundancy breeds complexity - this is where >> the extra build and testing time comes from. I'd recommend the IVO >> in-flight adjustable prop. >> >> I've seen too many failed rebuilds by people who have much more >> experience and talent than I, to risk applying my skills to this most >> critical part. Also, there's enough to do with the peripherals and I >> didn't need the learning curve. Unless you're determined to rebuild your >> own you might consider using an expert who's done it 1000 times and >> knows what to modify for aviation build your engine. Given your >> investment in the plane, a professionally rebuilt engine is cheap >> insurance. Instead, I'd suggest concentrating your effort on getting the >> peripherals perfect, adding redundancy everywhere you can get it. >> >> Having said all this, my take, for what its worth, would be to forget >> the engine for a while and spend every spare waking moment building >> yourself an airframe. Given that you have a few years to make the engine >> decision, use those years to see what happens with other installations. >> >> I hope this helps in your decision process, or at least starts yet >> another heated discussion you can learn from :). >> Regards, >> John Slade >> Turbo Rotary Cozy, N96PM. >> 98 hours and purring like a kitten. >> >> >> -- >> Homepage: http://www.flyrotary.com/ >> Archive and UnSub: >> http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/flyrotary/List.html >> >> >> -- >> Homepage: http://www.flyrotary.com/ >> Archive and UnSub: >> http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/flyrotary/List.html >> >> __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus >> signature >> database 3267 (20080714) __________ >> >> The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. >> >> http://www.eset.com >> >> >> >> -- >> Homepage: http://www.flyrotary.com/ >> Archive and UnSub: >> http://mail.lancaironline.net:81/lists/flyrotary/List.html >> > > --0015175cdfcaf00d070464c65fb0 Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable All good points, and yes, the RPM limitation on 4 port was due to lack of a= torque converter rated above 7500 rpm. Now that all RX-8 engines are 6 por= t, the auto version is still rated at 7500 for that reason.

Regardle= ss, for our purposes it does not make much sense to design for anything abo= ve 7500 due to BSFC going down hill above 6000 rpm.=A0 A variable pitch pro= p would be nice to get the best of both worlds but it's an expensive op= tion and $10,000 buys a lot of gas. =A0 On heavier airplanes it still might= be worth the price to get the desired takeoff performance with the 13B. = =A0 I'm hoping the fuel hit for going to the 20B will be small. =A0 Al = G.=A0 is getting some pretty good results.=A0 If only we had the 16X engine= now....

Tracy (RV-8 ready for inspection at last)
=A0

On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 11:25 AM, William Wilson <fluffysheap@gmail.com&= gt; wrote:
I don't disag= ree with anything that you said, but note the lower redline on the 4-port r= enesis is due to the automotive transmissions it is typically attached to r= ather than any internal limitation of the engine itself.=A0 That said I sti= ll would recommend a max of 7500 RPM for sustained use because of (perceive= d) durability issues at higher RPM, plus you will probably not find a reduc= tion unit that can accomodate anything faster, anyway.


On Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 7:25 AM, Ed Anderson= <eanderson@carolina.rr.com> wrote:
Hi Dave,

The induction and exhaust system of any engine plays a (the?) major role in=
producing good power. =A0When I first started flying with an 86 N/A 13B usi= ng
a "Racers' induction" system, I was probably not producing ov= er 130 HP on a
good day. =A0After developing a bit better understanding of induction syste= ms
match with engine operating regime, I ditched the "Racers" induct= ion system
and build one of my own.

I now consistently and reliably produce 175-185 HP on take off. =A0I turn a=
fairly large prop 74x88 and get 6000-6200 static rpm with a fuel flow of from 17.5 to 20 gph (depending at least partly on OAT). =A0A key factor in<= br> producing good power is to match your operating rpm and induction system parameters =A0- that was my failing early on.

I had a undoubtedly good 9000+rpm induction system (I mean the rotary racer= s
were using it successfully), =A0but I was only turning 5200-5500 rpm on tak= e
off. =A0So the induction system best operating region was poorly match to m= y
operating regime (or vice versa). =A0It simply was not producing the air/fu= el
mixture velocity at that rpm needed for good "stuffing" of the co= mbustion
chambers.

After I got rid of the short large diameter induction system and switched t= o
a set of longer, smaller diameter runners, power increased remarkably. =A0O= ne
reason is, of course, the lower operating rpm I desired maximum power at (I=
designed my system for max power at take off) =A0needed a smaller diameter = set
of induction tubes to create and maintain good runner mixture velocity.

So, while the Renesis is capable of producing more power than the older 13B=
out of the box, you will fail to achieve this potential if your induction and exhaust system are not well matched to your operating regime. =A0For example, the 6 port Renesis can wind to 9000 rpm in the automobile
installation producing gobs of HP. =A0However, in aircraft use a more likel= y
top end is 7500 rpm (that's the limit listed for the 4 port Renesis.) = =A0For
that reason, I would opt for the 4 port over the six port Renesis, as =A0th= e
six port is really not going to buy you much (in aircraft usage) except mor= e
difficult in trying to build a six port induction system rather than a 4 port. =A0Just my opinion, of course.

=A0I do not plan on putting Renesis in my aircraft simply because it would<= br> really not buy me anything over the older 13B (other than perhaps more
available parts) because my induction system is tuned for max power at 6000=
rpm (take off). =A0I don't fly at max power in cruise so there was no r= eason
for me to tune for max power at 6800 rpm (my max rpm). =A0So design your system for the operating regime you most want the power. =A0Some folks want= it
at WOT in cruise, as for myself - getting in and out of small grass strips,=
I wanted the power at take off. Therefore, the next rotary I hope to put in=
my bird with be the new developmental engine the 16X. =A0Hopefully it will = be
out in the 2011 model year.

Your mileage may vary.

Ed
-----Original Message-----
From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net] On
Behalf Of Dave Wilenius
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:54 AM
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Ground Testing


"A normally aspired Renesis will work well, but I think wil= l need very
careful attention to intake and exhaust optimization to get the power
you're probably hoping for."

=A0This seems to go against what I thought was conventional wisd= om where the
Renesis is lighter and doesn't have the same level of exhaust bark, mak= ing
it a good choice. If you want between 180-200 hp is this really that
difficult?

=A0I was also under the impression that the placement of the exhaust ports = on
the side
housings improved fuel efficiency.

=A0If you design goal was fuel economy with 180hp would you still opt for a=
turbo REW?

regards,

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Rotary motors in aircraft [mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net]On
Behalf Of John Slade
Sent: 2009-03-09 01:20
To: Rotary motors in aircraft
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Ground Testing


Welcome, Jim.
You will get differing answers to that question. Mine is "not much
beyond the integrity of the engine itself".

Installation of a rotary in a Cozy is fairly tight and, by the way, in
my opinion a 20b is a little too big, long and heavy. Apart from test
running the engine to be sure that it's been correctly rebuilt, most of=
what you do on a test stand will be a waste of time and effort. When
installed on the plane the engine is dependent on many systems that
either can't be effectively duplicated on a test stand, or will have to=
be re-engineered when installed in the plane. =A0Sure, if you can get your<= br> hands on a dyno you can test power and tune, but once you put the engine on the plane you'll have to wire the engine into the plane's system= s and
implement fuel, ignition, injection, cooling and exhaust systems that
fit in the cowl. Testing those systems in the "real world" is rea= lly
only possible with air flowing through (and over) the cowl into a prop
at 200 mph and at various attitudes.

A normally aspired Renesis will work well, but I think will need very
careful attention to intake and exhaust optimization to get the power
you're probably hoping for. Next you will need some sort of muffler tha= t
can hold up. I wasn't keen on hanging a muffler below the fuselage like=
the RV guys do. There isn't much room for that in a Cozy and it would look very ugly and draggy. Putting a red hot muffler inside the cowl is
a heat radiation problem, plus there's very little room. A turbo is
relatively small, circular and easily screened for heat. My approach was that the easiest way to silence the roar was to install a turbo. This
way you don't have to bother with an exhaust system, and the intake
system is much less critical. This gives added (and exciting) benefits
in take-off and cruise power, but comes with its own complexity. The
trick seems to be to use the right turbo. Then, if you use a turbo, the
Renesis is a little high in compression ratio and you might be better
with a 3rd generation 13B. I'm working with another builder right now o= n
his Cozy project. We are duplicating my 13B exactly. That might be a
useful indication of whether I consider it a success. The Cozy Girrrls
are very knowledgeable on this rotary stuff, =A0and they also are
installing a 3rd gen 13B with a big turbo.

In general, I'd say the rotary is more risky to start with - say the first 50 hours - because every installation is different and errors WILL occur. After the first 50 hours I think the rotary is well worth it.
It's safer, faster, quieter, very much smoother, and much cheaper to maintain. The devil is in the peripherals. Redundancy is key. I have
redundant fuel tanks, filters, pumps, injectors, plugs, ignition
computers, batteries. Failure of any item is survivable because I have a spare. The problem is that redundancy breeds complexity - this is where
the extra build and testing time comes from. I'd recommend the IVO
in-flight adjustable prop.

I've seen too many failed rebuilds by people who have much more
experience and talent than I, to risk applying my skills to this most
critical part. Also, there's enough to do with the peripherals and I didn't need the learning curve. Unless you're determined to rebuild= your
own you might consider using an expert who's done it 1000 times and
knows what to modify for aviation build your engine. Given your
investment in the plane, a professionally rebuilt engine is cheap
insurance. Instead, I'd suggest concentrating your effort on getting th= e
peripherals perfect, adding redundancy everywhere you can get it.

Having said all this, my take, for what its worth, would be to forget
the engine for a while and spend every spare waking moment building
yourself an airframe. Given that you have a few years to make the engine decision, use those years to see what happens with other installations.

I hope this helps in your decision process, or at least starts yet
another heated discussion you can learn from :).
Regards,
John Slade
Turbo Rotary Cozy, N96PM.
98 hours and purring like a kitten.


--
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus si= gnature
database 3267 (20080714) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com


--0015175cdfcaf00d070464c65fb0--