CERAMIC ENGINES

By: Pinal Shah.

Problems with the current Engines:

Less fuel efficient. Pollution. Cannot perform at high temperatures. Requires lubrication and not wear resistant.

Alternatives and their limitations:

Fuel-cell electrical engines.– Very heavy. 300kW engine weighs 8000kg.

Solar cell electrical engines.– 100kW power requires 1000sqm.collecting surface.

Steam-powered turbine engines.– Coal is very polluting.

Electric engines.– Cannot run a great distance and need recharging.

Gay-Lussac’s Law:

P.V = n. R. T. High pressure is required to get maximum

power. By increasing the temperature, high pressure

can be obtained. Metal cylinder operates about 1000K. Ceramic engine can operate about 3000K. Increase in power by factor of 3!!!

Properties of Ceramic Engine:

No lubrication. No cooling. 150% more power. More life. 75% lower fuel consumption. No pollution.

Pictures:

References:

Callister, William D., Material Science and Engineering: An Introduction.

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1614 http://www.memagazine.org http://www-rpl.stanford.edu