A new type of lightweight, highly efficient, diesel engine is currently being developed under a joint Navy - Caterpillar program. The ReJen Company is the originator of this new regenerated engine approach and is a major partner in its R&D.Current programs are directed toward large, four stroke, marine engines. However, there is reason to believe that smaller and two stroke versions of these regenerated engines can be developed. If so, they would be a new type of powerplant for general aviation aircraft that would provide: (1) fuel efficiency superior to the best current diesel engines, (2) very much smaller size and weight engines, (3) an air cooled engine, (4) an engine that utilizes cheap and readily available fuel, and (5) the potential for reduced emissions. The objective of this Phase I SBIR program is to determine the feasibility of applying this regenerated engine technology to general aviation propulsion. This will be accomplished by (1) analytically investigating the performance of two stroke regenerated engines, (2) analytically investigating the scalability of the regenerated engine, and (3) experimentally and analytically investigating the structural integrity and thermal performance of the most critical new component of these engines, the regenerator. Ultramet, Inc., is a major subcontractor in this Phase I program. Regenerated engines could replace other powerplants in many applications, including general aviation propulsion. The improved performance, greatly reduced operating cost, lower weight, air cooling, and smaller volume of these engines could have substantial impact on the general aviation industry. If this SBIR program successfully demonstrates the applicability of the regenerated engine to general aviation propulsion applications, then it will initiate a new area of aircraft engine R&D with very high payoff.
Keywords: Phase_I, NASA, Abstract, FY94
