Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #36542
From: Russell Duffy <rusty@radrotary.com>
Subject: RE: [FlyRotary] Re: single rotor testing
Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2007 09:01:34 -0500
To: 'Rotary motors in aircraft' <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Message

Maybe the low idle problem is related to the mixture problem.

Hi Bob,
 
The low speed problem is known as "torque reversals" and would also effect single piston engines I believe. 
 
As I understand it, the rotor fires, and accelerates the engine forward.  Once the thrust from the exhaust is over, it has to coast around part of the revolution to get back to where it can fire again.  While coasting, the compression for the next cycle hits, and the engine starts decelerating, only to suddenly accelerate again when it fires the next time.  This torque reversal is what causes the shake.  
 
As you add more rotors (or cylinders), then you get to a point where acceleration is being generated by one rotor, while another is trying to decelerate from compression.  Since the firing pulse is so much greater than the compression force, the net result is that you always have forward torque.  
 
The only way you can smooth out a single rotor at low rpm would be to have a heavy flywheel.  The inertia from the flywheel would help you "coast" through the compression stroke, and significantly reduce the deceleration.  The downside is obvious for aircraft applications. 
 
Cheers,
Rusty   


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