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Lasers to replace sparkplugs?

NetGod3Com

NetGod3Com

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This is interesting. I can't wait to get hold of one of these. I like the sound of what they are describing in the article.
 
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Ill believe it when I see it.

1) you will need an extremely strong beam as the whole length of the spark ignites the fuel.

2) a combustion chamber is a dirty place, good luck keeping the lens clean
 
Yes, I have seen something about this before, but I do like YAG lasers and this time it is the Japanese and Toyota backing the project. Maybe they are getting closer to being a reality now... One can only hope. When that kind of power and durability becomes available at a price inexpensive enough to integrate into an internal combustion engine to replace the venerable spark plug, it is a win for the laser hobby IMHO.:beer:
 
lpstealth said:
Ill believe it when I see it.

1) you will need an extremely strong beam as the whole length of the spark ignites the fuel.

2) a combustion chamber is a dirty place, good luck keeping the lens clean
Click to expand...

The whole length, all .06 inch of it.:whistle: I do agree that an internal combustion engine cylinder is a dirty place, that is one of the things that the more complete combustion is supposed to combat.;)
 
Maybe it would be more applicable in a LP or natural gas engine where there is less carbon deposition.
 
Who cares about the cars :D

The laser is much more intersting - by the sound of it, its a Nd:YAG with passive q switching, and probably the mirrors are coated onto the rod was well. The only thing new about that is that they would be cheap enough to use as engine ignition, which is great for hobby use.

One thing i did not find in the article is what they use to pump it with. Diode? Flashlamp?

Its certainly intersting since they will be 1064 nm, and high power density too with the pulsed operation. I see potential for building very nice 532 if we can get doubler crystals that can take the heat :D
 
dyethor said:
Maybe it would be more applicable in a LP or natural gas engine where there is less carbon deposition.
Click to expand...


i don't think you have seen a fork lift engines combustion chamber. it's about a million time dirtier than a cars

michael.
 
you have to ask yourself, why bother?

Its like creating a laser toothpick, sure it'll clean better...but is it worth the hassle? just use a bloody toothpick ! :)
 
spark plugs are like the katana sword. you just cant make a better version sometimes.
 
Really? I would think otherwise though I have never torn a forklift apart. I never see exhaust gasses from them.
Yea the spark plug is a device that's hard to replace.
 
I agree with Chip. They say that LP powered engines are cleaner, but I have torn down forklift engines as well. It's pretty grody in there. Maybe not all are like that, but, with any mechanical object, maintenance is key for proper function. A well maintained LP engine may well be cleaner, I haven't seen one though. :D
 
ped said:
you have to ask yourself, why bother?

Its like creating a laser toothpick, sure it'll clean better...but is it worth the hassle? just use a bloody toothpick ! :)
Click to expand...

I'm thinking exactly the same thing. Why re-invent the wheel?

Spark plug: Generates its own spark voltage, keeps itself in time, and consists of a bit of ceramic and metal
Laser spark plug: Complex driver systems, with precise timing control and the ability to keep its own lenses clean, with access to enough power to run them all, with low efficiency.

I think a spark plug is about as efficient as you can get.
 
I meant as in, it doesn't require complex electronics to keep the timing under control and make sure the laser pulses at exactly the right time.
 
^^^ well it does now. i think all cars have gone with the "e distributor" but that is fine and a technology that is solid. if lasers did replace spark plugs i am sure they would utilize existing "e dist"

but to give another example of how great spark plugs are lets use my personal car as an example..

my car is 305 hp, 320 fptq. on the highway it is faster than a stock corvette but at cruising speed i get over 30mpg. and on top of that i now have over 140,000 miles on it and i have never replaced my spark plugs
one thing my car has that is still a new technology is 2 spark plugs per cyllinder. why might you ask... for the reason they claim the laser plugs are better. they create a more even and completer combustion. just imagine if all cars utilized this.

michael.
 
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