A Prediction of Weight Reduction and Performance Improvements Attainable through the use of Fiber Reinforced Composites in I.C. Engines

Fiber Reinforced Composites (FRCs) offer the possibility for reduced mass and increased performance in internal combustion engines, yet the automotive and aerospace industries have been slow to adopt these materials. Extensive research has been done over the past 25 years, producing nearly every components of an internal combustion engine out of some form of FRC. This Previous work is summarized herein. A prediction of engine weight reduction is made for direct substitution of FRCs. An additional prediction is made to quantify the additive effects of mass reduction on component mass, and power. It is estimated that engine mass might be reduced by as much as 70% using FRCs and reciprocating mass might be reduced by as much as 90%. In addition, increased mechanical efficiency on the order of 2% may be possible from reduced inertial and frictional loads.