An Update of Applicable Automotive Engine Rotary Stratified Charge Developments

Curtiss-Wright's rig results to support development of a large Rotary (Wankel-type) direct injected stratified charge multi-fuel Military engine are related to earlier automotive -sized engine data. The comparisons indicate similar thermal efficiency of the larger 350 C.I.D. single rotor rig and the 60 C.I.D. size. However, improved configurations and basic technology advances have been realized during development of the larger module which have not been tested on the smaller engine.

Relevant growth studies for General Aviation engines are summarized and test data indicating directions for significant improvements in specific fuel consumption at lean mixture strengths, via turbocharging, are presented and reflected in automotive model Rotary engine projections. System analysis shows sizeable fuel economy gains of naturally aspirated and turbocharged Rotary stratified charge over existing automotive engines. These improvements would be additive to refining and increased energy yield benefits that accrue to use of a broad-base middle distillate fuel by an engine configuration of demonstrated wide fuel tolerance.