Asked my Dad who was a rep with Pratt & Whitney (aircraft engines).
Following are some snippets to go into your 'fun facts to know
and tell' bag. Some interesting power gains and an interesting
way to introduce the water.
"Water injection was used on "take off". The Pratt & Whitney
R-2000 (cubic in. displacement) was a 14 cylinder, two row piston
engine rated at 2400 horsepower for military and commercial use
and could produce this horsepower almost continuously. During
World War II this engine, using water injection, could produce
3400 horsepower in fighter aircraft and combat conditions.
The P&W R-4360 Wasp Major was normally rated at 3500 horsepower
for military and commercial service - with water injection this
rating was increased to more than 4,000. If an attempt was
made to do this without water, the combustion temperatures
were such that detonation would be quickly encountered and
cause immediate failure of pistons, valves, etc. The cooling
effect of water was more effective than any other liquid.
An integral part the water induction system was the installation
of a spinner with small holes drilled 360 degrees around its
outer periphery. This spinner (about 3 1/2 to 4 inches in
diameter) was installed directly in front of the compressor
impeller and turned several thousand RPM at take off. Water
introduced through this spinner resulted in no problems
with water vaporization."
Thanks,
Jim W.
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