Optimal manufacturing technology determination for the main parts of a rotary internal combustion engine

Abstract

The paper deals with the cutting technology determination and the optimization possibility of finishing process of a new type rotary internal combustion engine. The construction and the working of the engine were introduced in previous publications. These publications presented the innovative idea resulted in the new internal combustion engine that has three rotary parts only. This paper continues the work aiming the realization of the first engine prototype with the investigation of the technological aspects of manufacturing. Among them the most important and interesting ones are the cutting and finishing of the two main parts of the engine: the rotor and the rotary chamber. The outer surface of the rotor is non-equal pitch helicoids, which can be manufactured more easily than the rotary chamber that has similarly changing, but internal helicoids. The paper analyses the possibility of manufacturing of these parts using free form milling with ball end milling cutters, and/or using NC controlled milling with disk-shaped cutters. Then, as an optimal finishing process, the grinding of these very complicated surfaces will be studied. The research work was aided by the Surface Constructor software application. As a conclusion, the selection between the possible milling technologies and the required milling tools and a proper grinding technology will be documented.