Jerry Hey wrote:

I heard a new phrase (to me) in connection to the 13-B.  It is THERMAL RUNAWAY.
What it suggests is that there is an operating rpm and hp above which
cooling the 13-B becomes increasingly  much more difficult. Given the
space available for radiators in my Tailwind, this  sets the limit on
how much power I can hope to generate. Question:  Is 170 hp at 5500
rpm continuous a realistic goal? I have Tracy's ignition and fuel
injection.    Jerry

Not at all Jerry. 170 HP is well within reason and easy to achieve.
I think the term "thermal runaway" is misapplied to any internal combustion
engine. Are you putting the rad in the aft fuselage?

Paul Lamar

Dale Smith wrote:

My $.02 worth ... the only time I have heard the term "thermal runaway" in connection
with anything aeronautical is regarding ni-cad batteries.  An internal melt down
starts to occur that is self feeding ... a little like the "china syndrome" of a
nuclear reactor.

Accordingly, ni-cad batteries should have temperature sensing systems ... which sure
blows the KISS principle.  Most ni-cad systems get converted back to lead-acid or gel
cells, by maintenance departments that would just not rather have to do all the
ni-cad hassle ... drain the charge, recharge (in steps) ... monitor temperature, etc.

Dale Smith

 
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