| Re: OT Interesting video
On Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:40:11 -0500, Ken C. M. wrote:
> Michael Press wrote:
>> Can you can tell me why gas turbine engines are not practical? They
>> have run well in races.
> Ask Chrysler they tried to get one to work in a prototype back in 70s
> and it went nowhere fast.
Turbines are actually less efficient and pollute more than modern diesels,
so they're a non-starter for car/truck use.
On top of that, they're expensive, run at too-high RPM, and have a narrow
RPM operating range. They're more suited for constant speed, high load
applications, like generators and aircraft/marine propellers.
Turbines are well suited for aircraft because of their light weight,
compact size, reliability, and relative efficiency. Light weight and
compact size makes for a smaller plane which requires less power, etc.
An Indy race car is a relatively constant speed, high load application,
where light weight and compact size are important too. Thus Granatelli's
effort in the 60s, which would have won if not for a broken fuel pump.
Matt O.
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