The real limit to RPM in a rotary is the weight of the rotor and the
distance the rotor orbits around the center of the e-shaft. In the case
of the Mazda the rotor weighs about 9 pounds and that distance is on
the order of 1-1/2 inches. This mass rotating on a radius of 1-1/2 inches
causes centrifugal loads on the rotor bearings. These loads become
excessive around 10,000 RPM. A lighter rotor  would have a much higher
theoretical RPM limit.

Jeff Spitzer wrote:

Can you recheck this Paul.  I think the eccentricity is more on the order
of 1/2" not 1-1/2.

Jeff Spitzer

I was guessing. After just looking at the sahft with my tape measure
it looks around about one inch. I will look it up soon. 

Paul Lamar
 
The Aircraft Rotary Engine Newsletter.              Powered by Linux.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rotaryeng/            http://www.linux.org