Paul, I will wait until you get back from Sn'F and can get some final
measurements before we go do anything further. On another note, your idea of
aluminum end housings seems logical and workable. Got a drawing of the face?

Why would you want a thinner steel plate? Would not the lower heat transfer rate
of a 3/16 plate be better and not transfer as much heat to the coolant?
Blake

True but then the rotor might run hotter. Good question however.
Save a  bit of weight. That is the reasons for the two piece in the first place.
Paul Lamar

Let's go about this in a different manner...

What is the side housings approximate average thickness in this area. My Pratt
materials handbook lists thermal conductivity for 4130 (when I find where i put it
down  :), we get cast iron's numbers (funny it isn't listed in PW manual) and whammo
we can make a plate that has similar thermal properties to something that is known
working.

What is your SnF time table?

Blake

My guess for the stock casting is 1/4 inch. I could only measure it in one or two places. 

The only thing we have to worry about is membrane deflection but it is backed
up by the aluminum ribs (in our two piece case) that direct the water flow around 
inside the end housing.

I'll get there on Sat hopefully and  Sunday for sure and be there through Wednesday.
In the morning we hang out on the flight line west end in the auto engine
area. Afternoon we hang out in the engine work shop tent. We usually arrange
at least one or two rotary dinners in town.

Paul Lamar
 
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