Online Catalogue last updated 17th of September 2023
Opposed Piston Engines: Evolution, Use, and Future Applications explores the opposed piston (OP) engine, a model of power and simplicity, and provides the first comprehensive description of most opposed piston (OP) engines from 1887 to 2006. Design and performance details of the major types of OP engines in stationary, ground, marine, and aviation applications are explored and their evolution traced.
The OP engine has set enviable and leading-edge standards for power/weight refinement, fuel tolerance, fuel efficiency, package space, and manufacturing simplicity. For these reasons, the OP concept still remains of interest for outstanding power and package density, simplicity, and reliability; e.g., aviation and certain military transport requirements.
Using material from historic and unpublished internal research reports, the authors present the rationale for OP engines, their diverse architecture, detailed design aspects, performance data, manufacturing details, and leading engineers and applications. Comparisons to four-stroke and competitor engines are made, supporting the case for reconsidering OP engines for certain applications.
Jean-Pierre Pirault worked in the R&D laboratories of plain bearing manufacturer Vandervell Products, moved to Ricardo, Ford Motor Company, Jaguar, and AVL. He is now with Powertrain Technology Ltd, an engine consultancy in the south of England.
Martin Flint is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He trained as an indentured apprentice at AEC, Southall, Middlesex, United Kingdom, who were designers and manufactures of commercial vehicles and diesel engines. During his career he has worked for Deutz AG (both in Germany and Canada), BICERI, Perkins, Rolls Royce, and Ricardo, experiencing most aspects of manufacture, design, R&D and engine testing.
Code No. 015764, 563 pages, ISBN 9780768018004, $190.00