An Evaluation of the Potential Performance Gain from Leakage Reduction in Rotary Engines

A brief description is given of a rotary engine analytical model which permits calculation of apex- and side-seal leakage. This model was used in conjunction with experimental results for the purpose of estimating the relative importance of apex- and side-seal leakages. Comparing analytical and experimental results, an estimate is made of the potential gain to be expected through leakage area reduction at both wide open throttle (WOT) and road-load operating conditions.