2 major reasons limit ultimate absolute absolute high rev capability:

1. Fuel atomization and spray pattern

2. Fuel burn rate.

1st problem is solved via the engine part of the equation. High pressure, well atomized fuel is both easier to ignite and burns faster, highly beneficial for energy efficiency, power and lack of particulates. This is done mainly via high pressure, very atomized fuel spray. Technologies that allow smarter fuel spray timing and swirl pattern strategies will improve things in this respect.

The 2nd equation is actually easy to solve if biodiesel production and use becomes widespread and even more efficient. Countries such as Malaysia have HUGE supplies of excess palm oil, all of which when converted to biodiesel results in superior cetane to conventional petroleum diesel.

Diesel and petrol ICEs are exact opposites when it comes to desired fuel burn characteristics. Petrol engines prefer hard to ignite fuels that burn slowly coupled with aggressive ignition advance for maximum power and efficiency. Diesel engines run best on fuel that burns fast. 60 cetane biodiesel + 5500rpm redline + 3500rpm powerband(2000 to 5500) = BLISS.

^^ Why you say diesel burns fast, it burns slowly afaik, that is one of reasons why it does not like high rpm as there is no time for fuel to burn? Sure they would benefit from faster burning fuel, but I guess that is bit different?

Quote from JTbo :

^^ Why you say diesel burns fast, it burns slowly afaik, that is one of reasons why it does not like high rpm as there is no time for fuel to burn? Sure they would benefit from faster burning fuel, but I guess that is bit different?

I'm saying diesels PREFER fast burning FUEL for maximum power. As I said, diesels perform best using fuel that burns FAST. (Last sentence of my previous post).

For comparison, a 1990's 4D56 2.5L diesel has a minimum cetane requirement of 45. Most petroleum diesel isn't much better than that. However, 60 cetane high grade diesel is now available in some European countries.

If someone comes up with economically available 100 cetane fuel...

Quote from ajp71 :

What possible advantage can there be in bringing the heat up, assuming the ignition temperature stays the same you just make your heat engine less efficient.

I'm afraid I don't think I'm allowed to tell you that It's only an issue for Diesel engined road cars in any case.

Quote from Jamexing :

I'm saying diesels PREFER fast burning FUEL for maximum power. As I said, diesels perform best using fuel that burns FAST. (Last sentence of my previous post).

For comparison, a 1990's 4D56 2.5L diesel has a minimum cetane requirement of 45. Most petroleum diesel isn't much better than that. However, 60 cetane high grade diesel is now available in some European countries.

If someone comes up with economically available 100 cetane fuel...

Ah, you thought that way around, well it is +11.6C here, might be bit frozen at mornings

My Uncle runs a Performance TDi tuning shop for Volkswagens and Audi's, he currently has the Fastest TDi Golf in the world 1/4 mile of course, but he runs a home brew, of Methanol, or Alcohol, or something similar, its like the equivilant of constantly running N20 or something. Funny because Diesels are becoming REALLY popular in Dragracing now too, i would love to see a Top Fuel Diesel, imagine the sound!? and the smoke!!!!

...

Quote from Jamexing :

I'm saying diesels PREFER fast burning FUEL for maximum power. As I said, diesels perform best using fuel that burns FAST. (Last sentence of my previous post).

For comparison, a 1990's 4D56 2.5L diesel has a minimum cetane requirement of 45. Most petroleum diesel isn't much better than that. However, 60 cetane high grade diesel is now available in some European countries.

If someone comes up with economically available 100 cetane fuel...

I don't really know anything about it, but isn't biodiesel quite bad fro engines in the long run. Doesn't it gum things up?

Quote from BlueFlame :

i would love to see a Top Fuel Diesel, imagine the sound!? and the smoke!!!!

By definition you can't have a top fuel diesel engine

Quote from duke_toaster :

Did I hear that it was a turbodiesel? Rick Kerry's car - to the same rules in the BTCC - which is painfully slow isn't turbodiesel.

Interesting. Source?

I know it's a 120d based car and that is, obviously, turbocharged.

Quote from BlueFlame :

would love to see a Top Fuel Diesel, imagine the sound!? and the smoke!!!!

This is about as close as I can think of...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ry6Aom1VE7c

Quote from duke_toaster :

Did I hear that it was a turbodiesel? Rick Kerry's car - to the same rules in the BTCC - which is painfully slow isn't turbodiesel.

I just think that if diesels should be allowed to have forced induction, so should petrol cars.

The BMW M47 is turbocharged, like 99% of diesel engines produced in the last decade have been, do you ever stop to think before you post nonsense :doh:

Quote from Bean0 :

This is about as close as I can think of...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ry6Aom1VE7c

ooooooooo, thats the shizz right there!

try not to post race results in thread titles

I dont get to watch the races 'till acouple of days after the event. cheers

1st race was good except for the nasty crashes. 2nd race was also entertaining. Good to see Thompson up the front again