Rotary engine design continues to be investigated as an
alternative mechanism to the conventional pistoncylinder
internal combustion engine. The considerable
interest results from the fact that the rotary engine
design eliminates many components found in a
reciprocating piston-cylinder engine. The key issues
slowing the rotary engine development are sealing
problems in the rotor-housing assembly, fuel economy,
and emissions.
A recent trend has seen designers concentrate on
various sealing methods to reduce the friction in the
rotor-housing assembly. Sealing improvement will help
achieve higher efficiency in each of the three main
problem areas involved with the rotary engine. Key
design areas will continue to be sealing areas that
should be looked at and include alternative materials
and seal placement. If this key issue could be resolved
the rotary engine will have a viable case in competing
evenly with the reciprocating piston-cylinder engine