Abstract：The objective of this study is to assess spark ignition (Otto cycle) and compression ignition (Diesel cycle) engines as heavy fuel aircraft piston engines. Spark ignition aircraft engines give a higher power to weight ratio, but have higher specific fuel consumption (SFC), knocking, poor starting, higher electro magnetic interference (EMI), lower reliability and narrower power regions. Spark ignition systems use direct injection, pneumatic atomizers and high energy ignition systems. Compression ignition aircraft engines have lower SFC, improved range, lower EMI, higher reliability and wider power regions, but have worse power to weight ratios and more vibration. Compression ignition engines have advanced electronic controls, fuel injection systems and variable high-pressure ratio superchargers. The assessments show that both approaches are feasible with some technical challenges, with compression ignition engines as the more promising approach.
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