The use of concrete for models
Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 4:59 am
Hi List,
Thanks Daryl for setting this forum up especialy for tincan engine enthusiasts.
I'd like to pass on my experience of the use of concrete in my engines.
I started out using silicone to seal and to make my displacers and displacer cylinders because of the lack of equipment in my shed.
I have always needed to re-invent the wheel so I didnt follow anyones plans for my first engine. It took three rebuilds before I managed to get it to work. I only managed to demonstrate it about three times before I cooked it. It was from my frustration at having to virtualy start from scratch after every breakdown that I decided to make an engine that I could take apart and modify easily.
I now make my displacer cyinders in two parts ( hot end , cold end ) I have made up a reusable mold to cast a flange on the open end of two cans with dowels to ensure correct location and bolt holes to enable quick assembly. Silicone is still used as a gasket material but by oiling one of the surfaces before assembly the ends come apart easily when required.
If this is usefull to other builders I will post photos etc on request.
The system also gives better performance to the engine by providing a signifcant barrier to the exchange of heat between the ends.
regards
Terry
Thanks Daryl for setting this forum up especialy for tincan engine enthusiasts.
I'd like to pass on my experience of the use of concrete in my engines.
I started out using silicone to seal and to make my displacers and displacer cylinders because of the lack of equipment in my shed.
I have always needed to re-invent the wheel so I didnt follow anyones plans for my first engine. It took three rebuilds before I managed to get it to work. I only managed to demonstrate it about three times before I cooked it. It was from my frustration at having to virtualy start from scratch after every breakdown that I decided to make an engine that I could take apart and modify easily.
I now make my displacer cyinders in two parts ( hot end , cold end ) I have made up a reusable mold to cast a flange on the open end of two cans with dowels to ensure correct location and bolt holes to enable quick assembly. Silicone is still used as a gasket material but by oiling one of the surfaces before assembly the ends come apart easily when required.
If this is usefull to other builders I will post photos etc on request.
The system also gives better performance to the engine by providing a signifcant barrier to the exchange of heat between the ends.
regards
Terry