theoretical engine horse power

[lark2004]

We have been discusing at work, what the maximum hp would be from an engine (Hp per Cubic Inch). Assuming we were in a perfect world and there was no loss through friction, and we had perfect flow through the heads and exaust. This would be for a naturaly aspirated engine.<br /><br />Any thoughts would be of great interest

 

[snapperbait]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

In a "perfect world" (aka, no friction and 100% volumetric effiency), who knows?<br /><br />Saw an article somewhere in which someone was toying around with doing away with camshafts and related valvetrain components, instead using computer controlled solenoid operated valves.. As I recall they had a test engine at the time.. Unfortunately, never heard much more about it...<br /><br />That one thing right there opens up all kinds of crazy possibilties...

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

It depends on the density of air in the manifold, the rpm of the engine, the compression ratio, and of course the number of power strokes per revolution.<br />I think I can answer this, but it'll take some time to work it all out. But if anyone else wants to take a crack at it...

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

Originally posted by Paul Moir:<br /> It depends on the density of air in the manifold, the rpm of the engine, the compression ratio, and of course the number of power strokes per revolution.

and the type of fuel used, humidity in the air and operating temperature.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Scaaty]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

"doing away with camshafts and related valvetrain components, instead using computer controlled solenoid operated valves.. "<br /><br />Been around for quite a while without springs in F1 cars. F1 cars have pneumatic valves, and BMW has the solenoid technology...you will see it in the motorcycles soon I bet. And know (read) of a double sided piston that goes back and forth, with each a power stroke, making it a "one" cycle motor...weird stuff in the works!

 

[JB]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

As Robby said. <br /><br />Formula 1 engines are 3 liter (183ci) naturally aspirated 4 stroke V10s that redline at around 19,000rpm.<br /><br />They have been reported to put out around 700hp, but the teams don't release official numbers.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

Hey, those 4-strokes are slow. <br />The above F1 example puts out about 0.23 hp for each cc of displacement. You can order a 2-stroke rotax karting engine from Bombardier that puts out 33hp out of a 125cc engine, or 0.26 hp per cc. And it makes that at a leisurely 12000rpm.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

I think a modern turbine is about as close as your going to get. Minimal friction, large amounts of power, minimal moving parts. A rocket is about the only think more simple and powerful. Now, if you are talking massive power with little fuel usage, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

 

[ndemge]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

yeah JasonJ, but that rocket sure putts a nasty black coating on my boat when towing.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

The beauty of the Alison Turbine is hard to beat but harder to afford. Pulse jets are powerful too but too noisy. Consider the small 250 CC motorcycle motors make great power for their size but HP is only 1/2 the answer. In theory a motor can make tons of HP but sustaining the torque is key. Torque gets us moving HP only helps maintain the speed.<br /><br />The optimum would be with pure O2 and a pure fuel... with the proper mixture a lawnmower could pull building down. Keeping the motor in one piece would also be a challange.<br /><br />If you look at a rotary engine (mazda type) they make lots of power but poor torque so they compensate with very high RPMS.<br /><br />Bob

 

[JasonJ]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

If we are talkin' torque, its hard to beat an electric motor. Problem with that is you have to have something providing the juice. If I could only perfect that damn fusion reactor that runs on water and bird crap, I'd be rich...

 

[lark2004]

Re: theoretical engine horse power

But you can't measure Hp per Cubic inch in a turbine, rocket or electric motor.