Post by patrickI read on a defence news website that a tech university in Russia
has developed an all aluminum AC engine (crankshaft too!). Supposed
to be the first one ever. Anyone have knowledge of other attempts of
a non ferrous based component engine? Supposed to be used on a yak
52 trainer which has a 9cyl radial. Ther's no mention of the layout
for the new engine but a pic on one website shows what might be a
radial with prop attached in a test cell. I though alum was fatigue
prone... Regards, Pat
The only thing I can think of is that the Russians are using alloys
developed for car engines over the years. More car engines these days
are being made with aluminum parts.
I wonder if the Russian engine will use steel liners for their
combustion chambers? Some car engines do.
Pretty neat advance, it might breathe some new life into the piston
area of aviation.
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Liners aren't necessary. The aluminum casting alloy contains a
significant percentage of silicon which gives a hard wear surface.
I'd like to know which alloy they used for the crank. Aluminum has 1/3
the density of steel and also only 1/3 the strength and stiffness, and
its high strength alloys crack more easily.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/aluminum-crankshaft-120596.html
-jsw