Duke axial engine

Duke axial engine, intro. , advantages and applications.

1. DUKE 4 STROKE AXIAL ENGINE

2. LAYOUT Introduction Flexibility in fuel Advantages Applications

3. WHAT TYPE OF ENGINE IS THE DUKE ENGINE The Duke engine is a four stroke "axial" reciprocating engine. "Axial" because the axis of each cylinder is aligned with the axis of the output/crank shaft. Axial engines are sometimes called 'barrel' and 'Z-crank' engines. The Barrel shape is a result of the pistons being spaced evenly around the central Crankshaft and aligned parallel to the Crankshaft axis.

4. The cylinder group rotates counter to the crankshaft, at about 20 percent of crankshaft rotational speed. The counter-rotating design allows the engine to partially supresses torque reaction and cancel vibration. The five cylinder engine requires only three fuel injectors and three spark plugs. The absence of exhaust valves reduces the potential for pre-ignition or spark knock when operating on low-octane pump gas.

5. OFFERS COMPLETE FLUE FLEXIBILITY Development  will allow  operation on all appropriate fuels, including ethanol/methanol and blends, bio-ethanol, LPG, CNG, hydrogen, kerosene and diesel. Spark ignition Duke engines are currently successfully running on 91 octane gasoline and kerosene/jet-A1.

6. ADVANTAGES OF ENGINE The Duke engine is the world’s only viable axial, 4 stroke, spark ignited piston engine. It is lightweight, small, valveless , vibration-free, has very high power density, and runs on most fuels, including kerosene/jet fuel. The Duke engine is a great fit for aerospace applications, including ultralight , experimental and UAV platforms.

7. APPLICATIONS MARINE The axial arrangement of the duke engine lends itself well to marine outboard(vertical shaft) and inboard(horizontal) applications. In general, the Duke engine would be best suited to marine applications with approx 50kW or greater, with the low vibration providing good performance.

8. LIGHT AIRCRAFT APPLICATIONS Aerodynamically friendly cylindrical shape, with output shaft on centre line Simplicity of design Low weight Small size Near perfect balance for low vibration