"Richard Lamb" wrote in message
k.net...
Peter Dohm wrote:

"Bill Daniels" bildan@comcast-dot-net wrote in message
...

The basics:

Piston engines produce more power per pound if they rev higher. (HP =
RPM

x

torque/5252)
Propellers are MUCH more efficient if they turn slow.
This begs for a PSRU.
BUT, a PSRU adds weight, cost and complexity.
Resonances, particularly torsional resonances are a real problem.
Lots of examples of PSRU's on 12, 14 and 18 cyinder engines
Few workable examples with fewer cylinders suggesting PSRU's don't like
power pulses.
If a shaft has a strong resonant fundamental, don't excite it or lower
the
fundamental below the input frequency.
Tuning a PSRU/shaft/propeller system is like tuning a piano - it's an
art
not a science.


The 9 cylinder 1820 and 1840 CID radials used on B-17's were geared
approximately 16:9. However, your point is well taken, and I also am
unable
to name any 4 or 6 cylinder engines that have stood the test of time
with
reduction drives.

I also believe that tuning any drive system, including a PSRU, is a
science--when fully understood. And therein lies the rub: There's
plenty
left to learn--especially if it must also be light. So, in practice,
you
are right--it is still an art. :-(

Peter




Rotax - the 912/914

Jabaru - (but the 6 cylinder will be a better seller - IMHO)

Believe it or not, a few VW's with belts.

And a couple of Subes with Rotax B boxes scabbed on.

The one that DIDN'T work was the Geo Metro 3-banger (broke the crank).

But that issue was already known - don't cut off any flywheel on 3 holers.
With the full flywheel, the 3 cylinder runs fine.


Richard

OK, you caught me fair and square on poor phrasing. I tend to think of
higher power applications, but you are right that some of the more
conservative and lower powered systems with flywheels still in place and a
little looser coupling seem to run quite reliably. I don't know how much
power is lost to friction, but some of the v-belt reduction drives even seem
to work quite reliably without any external crankshaft support!

Peter