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Radial Engine main internal components
(split crank shaft, crank-pin bearing and disk, piston-cylinder, sliders,
electronic valve actuators)
The engine is a radial engine with five piston-cylinders extending radially
from the center using an internal disk and slider configuration. The particular
model selected for the BEAVER project is rated at 800 cc, 44 kW @ 5000 rpm, (60
HP) mainly because of the requirement of lightweight, power density, efficiency,
simplicity and balancing. A 42 Volt starter-alternator system is used to power
the Electromagnetic Valve Actuator (with 5 valves per cylinder). The engine is
air/oil cooled.
The engine is analogous to old aircraft piston engines. However the slider and
disk configuration replaces the master connecting rod and slaves of the older
generation of radial engines. The result is a vibration-free lightweight engine
specifically adapted for the BEAVER project. Its relative lightweight results
from the minimal block mass required because of the negligible inertia forces
acting on the block. The engine is to be placed horizontally, flat, centrally of
the chassis at the level of the double-clad floor. The axis of the driving shaft
is vertical and communicates with the CVPST all within the space defined by the
central bulkheads. The forward air intakes communicate cooling air to the engine
through the passages formed in the double-clad floor.
Click on the picture for engine animation
Key Benefits
- Simplicity and therefore low fabrication cost, modularity,
- Low weight (high power density),
- Perfect balancing of all inertia forces (primary and any higher order),
low noise level,
- Low BSFC due to better mechanical efficiency.
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