ORIGINAL: ChuckC
All right then, why haven't mfgr's picked up on and started exploiting the "thrust augmenting" tail pipes? Instead of loosing anything, you GAIN thrust (something like 3-5%).
It's not like they're difficult to build or a mystery or patented (I believe the inventor posted the formula in public forum/GTBA). Heck, there's no more material involved...
Even Gary Baker made one. :-) I don't know at this point if anyone's figured how to apply the theory to bifurcated pipes yet though.
What's a good thickness stainless for pipes? 0.007"?
Chuck,
Pipes are like props....Everyone has their opinion and every defferent model is best suited with a different, particular size/shape. How long has it been since an engine manufacturer made props?...50+ years?? I believe that if we raced jets or competed in aerobatics with jets then we would see some improved tailpipes. Not just ones "that work" as we have presently. How much cutting edge prop design do we see among the scale crowd? Same with pipes on the turbines...Buy what's available and use it. That's what I do. I have been using Wren pipes for 5 years. My 25 lb. A-7 flies fine with the 18 lb. Super Sport and Wren pipe.
No patent on them though. In fact, John Wright (the "W" in MW) published the design with dimensions a couple years ago....no one bought into it...............Just install a bigger engine to get the performance..............
Tailwinds,
John