Exploratory Development Program on the Rotating Combustion Engine Using the RC1-90 Test Rig

Testing of the stratified charge, spark ignited, combustion process in the rotating combustion engine was continued from that previously completed under contracts N00019-67-C-0643 and N00019-69-C-0182. A configuration having a dual injector system combined with a rotor having a modified pocket shape was tested and provided the best performance achieved to date, improving the previous best by 5 - 6% and bettering the specific fuel consumption goals established for the program by 3 - 9%. Further testing was conducted to investigate means of improving the low speed - light load performance. Operation to the no-load condition was demonstrated for the first time using showerhead type of injectors. Three additional rotor combustion chamber pocket shapes were designed and one configuration was procured for evaluation in a future program. Continued development testing is recommended to further improve the combustion performance, with emphasis placed upon the low speed - light load operation. (Author)