Jim Warman Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 on holidays that is... I do have an extra special amount of time spent as lazy (read that as not doing the chores I should be doing). For those that feel the modern diesel is overly complex, I figured I would post this pic of the sleeve valve drive train on the Bristol Centaurus engine. Some of these old engines are just too friggin' cool for words... Another view - And a link to a pic of the "valves" on the engine. A very large image I am loathe to shrink to fit... is located here. Why sleeve valves, one might ask? While poppet valves are, by far, the most common method of controlling cylinder events, they are far from the "best" method. (One of the attractive features of a 42 volt automotive electrical system is having enough power to operate valves electrically). But that is a tale for another thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Browning Posted July 10, 2010 Share Posted July 10, 2010 As impressive as the complexity of this engine appears, it is equally un-nerving when you consider it is in an aircraft. I proclaim to know absolutely nothing about it and it's safety or reliability. I fear flying, have never flown and that pic is not helping the possibility of me ever flying!!! And as for shrink to fit, bite me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Warman Posted July 10, 2010 Author Share Posted July 10, 2010 You might be happy to know that (AFAIK) there are no reciprocating engine "commercial" aircraft currently being produced (with either sleeve valves or poppet valves). Any propeller driven aircraft are likely to be powered by turboshaft engines. (You really need to visit our local airport during forest fire season... Sadly we haven't seen any B26s for a few years... but they have been replaced by aircraft equally fascinating). The question goes begging. If aviation has forsaken piston power.... what is happening in automotive circles? Several automobile manufacturers have experimented with turbine engines - but???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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