Hi Bob,
I fly a Rv-6A with a
13B. I started out using 24 square inch opening for each of the radiator cores AND 24 square inch
opening for the oil cooler for a total of 3x24 = 72 sq inches.
I have since reduced the radiator openings to 18 sq inches each - leaving the oil cooler at 24
sq inches for a total of 60 sq inches, but I spent a lot of research
and experimenting with the ducts to get the best pressure
recovery I could.
I estimate (based on fuel burn) that I am producing
between 170-180HP. Naturally the more HP you make the more cooling you
need. So what may work fine for a 160 HP engine may be marginal (or
worst) for a 180-200 HP installation.
50 sq inches will
probably cool at cruise with no problem - however, it could be marginal
or worst on a hot day with a max power climbout. A lot depends on how well the ducting and exit
of the air is done. Ducting and associated detail is one
reason why seemingly identical installations may vary greatly in cooling
ability.
Its all about trade offs, given sufficient surface area
and airflow - IT WILL COOL. However, you may encounter lots of cooling
drag if you have not make an attempt to optimize your compromise.
Its possible that using one 50 sq inch duct (such as the James cowl) may be adequate (I
believe Tracy Crook is intending to use such with a 20 B - so if it will
cool a 20 B then there is little doubt it will cool a 13B). I am
eagerly awaiting the results of using such approaches .
Ed
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 9:22
AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Cooling air
inlets
Bob; The 40 sq. will not
cool the engine. Ed and others are using a 2 1/2 inch x 10 inch hole
under the spinner for the oil cooler, as more than half of the engine
cooling is through oil, as I understand it. I'm working on the oil
cooler opening as well as the round holes to cool the coolant. My
exit is currently 61.8 sq. inches, so
it appears that I need to add some type of cowl flaps to exit more
air. JohnD from the farm
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 9:19
PM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Cooling
air inlets
That's good to know that you think around 40 square inches of air
inlet will cool your motor. I'm planning to run an underbelly air scoop to the radiator that will
have 51 sq. in. inlet. I had no idea if that would be enough. but from
what you guys are saying, in should be sufficient for my 20B.
Bob Mears