Advanced, Small, Internal Combustion Engine

Based upon the positive results of the SBIR Phase I effort and significant prior work, Kinetics Research and Development Inc. (KRD) proposes further development of a small internal combustion engine through the Phase II program. The proposed engine, theMeyer Nutating engine, can burn heavy diesel fuel, with a disk nutating around a rotating shaft. This novel arrangement permits the displaced volume of the engine to be used twice per engine revolution, corresponding to what in piston engines would beconsidered one power stroke per engine revolution. This feature enables the engine to produce the power/volume and power/weight in small power ranges as required in this solicitation, while the external combustion chamber permits burning diesel fuel as insmall gas turbines. The potential of the new technology is high, the risk is manageable, and the probability of success is high. The engine can exceed the power/weight and power/volume constraints of the proposal in engines under 10 kW power while burningdiesel fuel. KRD has formed a joint venture with Baker Engineering Inc. to continue the design/analysis effort incorporating two discs into the engine design, create detailed drawings, develop a prototype engine and perform initial testing during thePhase II program.This engine has very high potential for commercial applications ranging from engines for aircraft to power generation to land vehicles. Its power density is of great interest in aircraft applications. Also, higher thermal efficiency andlower manufacturing costs would ensure market success in all commercial markets.