Maximizing Power in Nitro 2 Stroke Engines: A Question on Crankcase Size

  • Thread starter Thread starter THORPE
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Power
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential benefits of modifying the crankcase size in nitro 2 stroke engines, specifically in the context of RC cars. Participants explore the implications of crankcase volume changes during the intake and compression strokes and their effects on power output.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that increasing crankcase volume during the intake stroke and decreasing it during the compression stroke could lead to more horsepower by allowing more fuel to be drawn in and reducing the volume to compress.
  • Another participant suggests that the exhaust port's timing limits the ability to charge the cylinder beyond normal levels, indicating that tuned exhaust systems might be necessary to improve cylinder filling.
  • Some participants discuss the relationship between crankcase volume and piston displacement, noting that crankcase compression ratio affects power output.
  • There is a suggestion that redesigning the engine with valves could be a solution, but concerns are raised about the feasibility due to high RPMs and added complexity.
  • One participant mentions that tuning the power curve may be more beneficial than a general increase in power across the board, highlighting the role of tuned pipes in managing exhaust flow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and effectiveness of modifying crankcase size, with some supporting the idea while others question its practicality. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to enhance power output in these engines.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations related to the timing of exhaust and intake ports, as well as the challenges posed by high RPMs in potential redesigns.

THORPE
Messages
41
Reaction score
0
Quick questions but want to let everyone know up front I'm no physics expert I just think a lot. :)

I understand that a small nitro 2 stroke engine (RC cars) pulls the fuel into the crankcase when the piston is on it's up stroke.
I am curious if say I developed a way to make the crankcase larger during the intake stroke and smaller during the down stroke (when it pushes A/F into the combustion chamber), Would there be any added power benefit?

It would seem to have more volume to suck fuel and less volume to compress it to the cylinder equaling more HP.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
THORPE said:
Quick questions but want to let everyone know up front I'm no physics expert I just think a lot. :)

I understand that a small nitro 2 stroke engine (RC cars) pulls the fuel into the crankcase when the piston is on it's up stroke.
I am curious if say I developed a way to make the crankcase larger during the intake stroke and smaller during the down stroke (when it pushes A/F into the combustion chamber), Would there be any added power benefit?

It would seem to have more volume to suck fuel and less volume to compress it to the cylinder equaling more HP.

After research I've answered my own question.
You can't charge the cylinder anymore than normal because the exhaust port is open longer than the intake on these style engines.

The only way to get more cylinder fill is with tuned exhaust to reflect some of the mixture back into the cylinder before the port is closed.

I'm sure there is a way to redesign it with valves but it would probably fail to support the high rpms these engines produce (30-40,000rpm) and would be heavier and more complicated.
 
The internal volume of the crankcase vs the displacement of the piston as it comes down determines the crankcase compression ratio and will affect the power output for several reasons.
 
mender said:
The internal volume of the crankcase vs the displacement of the piston as it comes down determines the crankcase compression ratio and will affect the power output for several reasons.

Ok so it may be worth a shot?

I was under the assumption that it would not be feasible much like turbo charging or super charging with sleeve port engines doesn't work.

Seems the only way to get benefits is to come up with a way to get the exhaust port to open first to let exhaust out and also close first so you don't lose the added fuel & air brought into the crankcase then forced into the cylinder.
 
It's more for tuning the power curve than for an increase across the board.

Using the tuned pipe is effectively a way to close the exhaust valve earlier in that it inhibits further flow as well as the mild charging effect that was noted.
 

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 123 ·
5
Replies
123
Views
33K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K