At 03:49 PM 12/4/2009, Aristotle Sagan wrote:
>So how does doubling the amount of friction on your cylinder wall
>translate into better efficiency?

Assuming that it does...no valve train, higher specific output (one
revolution per power stroke instead of two) hence less weight to drag
around.  And with the two-engines-inline idea you don't have any
parasitic losses (except for mass) from the extra cylinders when you
don't need them.  Takes Cadillac's Northstar idea to its logical conclusion.

>Beware of anyone trying to sell you a Carnot Engine solution.

Not to worry, I bet nobody on my street has even heard of one.  I
understand they're very common in Erehwon, though -- I'll pick one up
next time I'm there. ;-)

Yours,
David