The Duke engine four stroke "axial" reciprocating engine.

"Alfi " (Alfi) 05/12/2014 at 01:37 • Filed to: None

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Is this the next new type of engine? The new Wankel? Its certainly interesting and worth keeping an eye on. Check out the impressive video.

Duke Engines are in an advanced stage of developing a unique high-speed, valve-less 5 cylinder, 3 injector axial internal combustion engine with zero first-order vibration, significantly reduced size and weight, very high power density and the ability to run on multiple fuels and bio-fuels. The Duke engine is suited for many uses including marine, military, automotive, light aircraft and range extender applications.

http://www.dukeengines.com/

Singhjr96 > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 01:40

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I've seen this, and the only thing i'm wondering about is how quick will the seal between the cylinder heads and the ports wear out. So while it's a really cool concept, it could possibly just end up being the next wankel engine.

Axial > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 01:46

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I've seen this concept before. What's funny to me is that it's exactly what the mechs in the Heavy Gear universe use for power plants.

Big Bubba Ray > Singhjr96 05/12/2014 at 01:47

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I was wondering the same thing while watching the video. How long would an engine like this last in an every day application?

I also wonder how it would preform at sustained high RPM, say at highway speed, for hours on end. Extremely cool engine, nonetheless.

Singhjr96 > Big Bubba Ray 05/12/2014 at 01:50

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True, but another thing I'm wondering is how high does the rpm's get?

Singhjr96 > Big Bubba Ray 05/12/2014 at 01:56

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Also why not just try and improve on the swash plate design. Same idea, just a little less moving parts.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Singhjr96 05/12/2014 at 01:56

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I'm wondering if any part fails, will it need a rebuild to replace said broken part?

Singhjr96 > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 05/12/2014 at 01:57

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If a piston breaks, you would pretty much have to take out all 5 or so cylinders. plus as the number of cylinders grow so will the diameter, not really effective beyond 5 cylinder imho.

Big Bubba Ray > Singhjr96 05/12/2014 at 01:57

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That's something I hadn't thought of. This reminds me a lot of a rotary but I can't imagine it would rev as high because it looks to have a lot more moving parts.

Singhjr96 > Big Bubba Ray 05/12/2014 at 01:58

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A lot more moving/ rotating mass. Still a cool idea nonetheless.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Singhjr96 05/12/2014 at 01:58

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thats what I was thinking

Dogapult > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 02:41

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This could be the new MYT engine. hear anything about that anymore?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 02:42

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And you though Wankels were made of black magic.

Jobjoris > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 05:27

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With the new (European) standards for pedestrian security, this could be an option as this engine also seems to be smaller when it comes to the height. No need for immense engine-hoods to create a buffer between engine and bonnet or pedestrian airbags as with the Volvo V40. Also a lower center of gravity seems to be a side-effect. Not certain about the durability though but there's been enough comments about that already.

Alex87f > Singhjr96 05/12/2014 at 06:35

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Not a very relevant point though. Any conventional engine with a broken piston will need to be completed dismantled before being repaired. If it can be repaired.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 07:36

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John Deloreon originally thought of this design, but he used 3 cylinders not 5.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 08:43

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Axial engines actually aren't anything new - though the Duke brings some new things to the table, it's been in development for years and years. Some of the same issues with mechanical losses still apply, but it has promise... probably. The development time should hint to you that it's not all sunshine and roses, there are issues they're working to overcome they're not covering in depth.

Regardless how well the issues are worked out, there should be a place for axial engines again at some point. I think production and manufacture limitations were the biggest reason they didn't catch last time - and they're a very compact way to get power.

Alex from Toronto > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 09:19

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Mazda seems crazy enough to build it.

Imirrelephant > Singhjr96 05/12/2014 at 11:02

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Just a guess on this one, but the opposite rotation of the counterbalance/output shaft on the reciprocator assembly looks like it is what cancels engine vibration. With vibrations dampened, higher RPMs are possible. I'm with you on the combustion chamber seals, too.

Daniel MacCabe > Alfi 05/12/2014 at 17:47

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It's cool, but it's hardly new. It's just a vickers type hydraulic pump with fuel and ignition added. In hydraulic pump form they run forever and are pretty darn cool - they always run the same speed but vary their displacement to keep pressure the same regardless of load. Very nifty.

I'm not sure how it's going to perform as an engine, but I'm interested. :)

Singhjr96 > Imirrelephant 05/12/2014 at 19:31

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Well yeah that'll cancel vibration, but the fluid with still go to the outside. unless they figured out a way to pump it to inside, or create a vacuum on the inner halves of the cylinders.

Imirrelephant > Singhjr96 05/13/2014 at 09:35

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Good point. I didn't think about that!

Singhjr96 > Imirrelephant 05/13/2014 at 16:23

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They probably have someway figured out to keeps it from starving of oil.