| Based on the premise that current surface-bound, automobile-based transportation systems are becoming saturated, the need for a new form of air transportation vehicle has been identified. A primary obstacle to the development of such vehicles is the absence of a suitable powerplant. A brief survey of existing power generating mechanisms has been conducted. In addition to identifying benefits associated with these mechanisms, detriments have been identified which make them appear infeasible for future use in small vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft.; A new form of rotary mechanism has been conceived which eliminates the troublesome Wankel mechanism apex seals but appears to retain the potential for high power density. Basic embodiments of this mechanism have been identified. The most promising of these has been selected and examined in greater detail. A mechanism design module has been developed to generate feasible mechanism geometry within package constraints. In anticipation of the imposition of expected life span constraints, the rolling element fatigue problem, considered to be critical to further mechanism development, has been formulated.; As an illustration of its utility, the design module has been used to generate: solid models of mechanism components to assist in the visualization of mechanism operation, and finite element models to examine heat transfer and elasticity phenomena in major components. A physical model of the mechanism is also being constructed to verify kinematic feasibility. |
