RCU Forums - View Single Post - If Nitro is going to keep up with Electric
Old 10-14-2008 | 06:43 PM
  #17  
SAVAGEJIM's Avatar
SAVAGEJIM
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 10,544
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: Torchy the Fiery Fast RC Turtl
Default RE: If Nitro is going to keep up with Electric


ORIGINAL: gravediggerracing

Instead of multi-cylinders, I'd like to see more stable nitro engines. Stable as in consistent tuning, consistent starting and consistent running. This would make these engines much less trouble-prone and more like the plug and go electrics. Think gasser engine and you'll understand what I'm referring to. Add fuel, start it and drive it. Repeat as necessary. If someone could develop a nitro engine that did just that, they'd be RC legends.
Unfortunately, I hate to say that our nitro fuel's volatility is teh root of that instability. Yes, carb and fuel metering techniques have tamed it, but I seriously doubt that teh enginemakes can tame that instability any further without putting in some expensive technology (such as computer controlled direct fuel injection, going 4-stroke, etc.).

4-strokes are possible, but the inertias and frictions of the additional parts dampen acceleration and even reduce top RPM capability. The simplicity of non-valved loop scavenging 2-strokes allows these things to turn 40000+ RPMs

Computer controlled direct fuel injection with propper nozzle spraw pattern can ensure a much higher efficiency in the use of fuel as well as potential power increases if employed propwerly. But, how will the engine be lubricated if it is not taken in through the crankshaft, into the crank case to coat the pistion, conrod and crank? Lubricating oils in the crank block cmight be a solution, but the viscosity of the crank & conrod hitting the puttle of oil at 30000+RPM will do nothing but cause more anti-work. Dry-sump? Yes, but moer moving parts to work an oil pump. More parts = more inertias and friction. Not to emntion cost.

So, as for controlling the instability of our engines, we would have no choice but to go with a fuel that is less volatile. Gasoline for example. I wonder how much we would have to redesign a .21ci engine to burn gasoline? It would have to be made of much stronger materials, gasoline has a way higher BTU count than nitrofuel, so it will make a stronger bang. Reduce the amount of gasoline going into the engine? Then you lose lubrication, classic effect of running too lean. Unless they invent a much better lube additive for gas