Emmett, Eric wrote:

  Paul,  I'm admittedly a neophyte when it comes to the rotary
engine.  But I like what I read about it and plan to use one in my GlaStar.
I am wondering why the crank, which I understand runs  3 times the RPM of
the rotors, can't be geared differently to say 1.5 times the RPM of the
rotors.  This would do away with the PSRU with all its problems and wt. and
make the Mazda rotary a direct drive.   It seems so simple.  I've never seen
the issue talked about.  Can you enlighten me?

                Eric

Is is real hard to explain but perhaps if you study this animation
it will dawn on you. Note the white marks on the e-shaft. 

The shape of the trochoid and the gear ratio
between rotor and e-shaft are tied together. If you change
the gear ratio the shape of the rotor housings changes.
A whole new thirty year development period may be required.

Another factor (and I am guessing now) the configuration will
affect the speed of the e-shaft which will determine the load
on the rotor bearing.

Felix Wankel did an extensive study on this and he concluded
the three to one configuration was best.

Vance came up with a scheme of driving the prop off the rotor
directly. We also discussed some of this at length so get the
ACRE NL CD. Ordering instructions are on: 
http://home.earthlink.net/~rotaryeng/

Paul Lamar
 
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