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Aviation History
1916
1916 - 0330.PDF
l/ycSf] AfRIL 2C, 1916, SOME AMERICAN AERO ENGINES. THE VAN BLERCK IN our issue for March 9th last, we described and illustrated the 8-cyI. 124 h.p. Van Blerck aero engine, and this week we are able to give particulars and illus trations of the i2-cyl. model, and as in its predecessor one of the principal features is the extensive use of steel. This latest engine, which is the result of experiments spread over several months, has its twelve cylinders Side view of the 185 h.p., 12-cyl., Van Blerck aero engine. arranged in the usual 6o° V, and staggered to provide for independent connecting-rod bearings on crank-pins, as in the 8-cyl. model. The cylinder bore is 4^ ins. and stroke 5 £ ins., giving a piston displacement of 1,0497 cubic inches; the rated power of 185 h.p is delivered at a speed of 1,400 r.p.ra. Without propeller, radiator, self-starter, lubricating oil, water, and fuel, the TWELVE." extend a sufficient distance outside of crankcase to permit adequate means for firmly mounting motor on supporting members of the fuselage. The crankshaft is of chrome nickel steel, drop forged and double heat-treated machined all over, and carefully balanced. The drive end is taper turned to receive propeller flange, and the shaft is drilled hollow for the forced feed lubrication system and for lightness. All bearings are of high-grade babbitt, easily replaced, the bearings in the crankcase having an interchangeable bronze shell. The camshaft is of high-grade machine steel, drop forged with cams integral, and drilled hollow for the forced feed lubrica tion system and for lightness. All gears are of nickel steel, cut from solid drop forgings, and heat-treated. Forged from special high-grade steel, the cylinders, which have the heads integral, are carefully heat-treated and ground to size. They are bolted to the crank-case with chrome nickel steel studs passing through the flange at lower end and securely nut-locked. Both inlet and exhaust valves, of the mushroom type, are made of tungsten steel, and together with the valve cages are easily removable. The roller push rods, ball and socket tappets and drop forged rocker arms operate the valves, which are fitted with helical springs. The water jackets are of spun copper, and their capacity is ample to insure efficient cooling at all times. The pistons are of cast-iron turned and ground to size and carefully balanced, and each is fitted with three concentric rings of semi-steel. The connecting-rods are of chrome nickel steel, tubular in section, drop forged, heat-treated and carefully balanced. The crank-pin end is fitted with two chrome nickel steel retaining bolts and nuts to secure the bearing cap, whilst the piston end is fitted with bronze bushing which oscillates the gudgeon-pin held stationary in piston. m ai m m m ra S H B B HI m Two views of the 185 h.p. Van Blerck aero engine, showing, on the left, tlie two magnetos and carburettors, and the water pump. OH IS m • a ID ® m BHB^BBBB weight is 600 lbs. The crankcase is made of high grade steel stampings, with the supporting arms of steel tubes passing through a tubular section of the drop forged web and nut-locked in place. These tubes, three in all, Thrust and radial bearings of the ball type with unit housing are employed. Lubrication is effected by means of a pressure system as follows :—Oil from the reservoir, which is of sheet 330
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