Titanium and its alloys have really low thermal conductivity. which could
limit
it's use for the rotor which has thick sectiond that must be cooled. We
actually
used titanium for thermal isolators in some rocket applications - it has
lower
conductivity than ceramic alumina - Vance

Vance,
While I'm sure your correct about thermal conductivity of Ti. The other side
of the coin is that it retains it's strength to a much higher temperature
than
many light alloys. Since the rotor is oil cooled as well I believe it could
be
done, with the problem being the cost of course. I think Doug is being
really optimistic if he thinks $500.00 per rotor is possible. $2000.00 would
be more likely. Not logical when you could run an engine hard and replace
the entire "block" for less than that!

Yes

I am aware of the thermal characteristics of Ti. Actually I thought it might
be a benefit though of course that would mean more heat has to be absorbed
through the housings even if we do go with aluminum side housings.

As soon as I can get an estimate on the inner gear weight I'll ask our
diecast people to give me some numbers. Higher revs for aircraft rotaries
may not be so desirable at this point in the game as it tends to introduce
so many variables.

I should know by tomorrow if Mazda has tried Ti or flame sprayed AL.rotors
in any tests so far.

Doug in Japan

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