Sat, Nov 06, 2004
$11,000.00 total prize money for the winning engine
design(s)
So you don't have the
money to design a rocket to fly up in space, but you have an
urge to make history? Well, how about a steam engine? What? You say
it's already been done? Well, yes... but not for $11,000 and not
for a company that designs rocket engines to take
private SpaceShips into space!
The XCOR Steam Engine Prize is being offered to anyone who
delivers a “steam engine” that meets the requirements
of the rules of the content. Third place is $2,500.00 to the first
person or organization that meets all the requirements listed in
the rules. The $3,500.00 Second Place prize will be awarded to the
first person or organization that delivers a machine that meets all
the third place requirements plus the additional second place
requirements. The $5,000.00 First Place prize will be won by the
first person or organization who delivers a machine that meets all
the above requirements plus the additional first place
requirement.
XCOR Aerospace, Inc., has developed such a machine, but they
want to explore alternatives available in the large number of
inventive and creative people who inhabit the world of live
steam.
The rules are simple:
- The steam engine shall be a four-cylinder piston machine that
operates four water pump modules (provided by XCOR).
- The engine shall be compatible with the interface drawing
provided.
- The engine can be of any configuration (in-line, Vee, radial,
etc)
- Any materials can be used as long as they are in accordance
with the interface drawing
- Any type of valve train can be used (poppet, slide, sleeve,
etc).
- The engine shall be self-starting with the application of drive
gas (water steam or compressed air) at 500 psi.
- Exhaust is to ambient.
- Inlet valve cutoff shall be no more than 60% of full
stroke.
- Machine total lifetime shall be no less than one hour, with
overhauls not more frequent than every 10 minutes of
operation.
- Machine speed shall be not less than 3,600 RPM, and weight
shall not exceed 10 kg not including modules.
- Prizes may be won in any order.
Third Place: The First and Second place winners
are disqualified from winning Third place. The Third place prize
will be awarded to whoever provides a machine that meets the rules
first.
Second Place: The First and Third Place winners
are disqualified from winning Second Place. The requirements to win
Second Place are the same as for Third Place, except the speed
shall be not less than 7,200 RPM, and the exhaust shall be
collected in a manifold with attachable fitting(s).
First Place: The Second and Third Place winners
are disqualified from winning first place. Requirements to win
First Place are the same as for Second Place, except the weight
shall not exceed five kg (excluding the pump modules).
Ladies and gentlemen, start your grey matters, and may the best
engineer(s) win!
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