<VV> Re: 6 stroke

[Kinzelman, Andy]

>The latest Autoweek has a story about a new 6 stroke engine - designed & 
>developed by Crower (Cams) - it functions like a normal 4 stroke for the 
>first four strokes, on the fifth stroke the intake does not open - near 
>TDC water is injected into the hot cylinder to form a steam stroke, and 
>the sixth stroke exhausts the steam.  Apparently the steam stroke also 
>removes enough heat that the engine requires no additional cooling.

*But the cam would need to turn at 1/3 instead of 1/2 engine speed. 
*Theoretically possible but now need a water tank. No cooling fins ? Sounds 
*like would also have 1/3 less peak power for a given displacement unless 
*the steam stroke adds some. Now on a 4-6-8 engine...

*Padgett

Actually, I should have written the steam stroke is an additional power stroke.  The story did mention that the cam had to turn at 1/3 crank speed.
The water tank is obviously a necessity - but may be worthwhile given the additional (free) power & the elimination of the cooling system.

I would be concerned about thermal shock - but the CC should stay clean.  All in all, it seems worthwhile for additional experimentation.

Andy K.