General
Reciprocating Piston Engines are modeled in X-Plane using anywhere between ? and ? PlaneMaker parameters, depending on the engine, prop and induction configurations. The following sections below discuss the various reciprocating engine configurations that may be modeled in X-Plane and how they are set up in PlaneMaker. The Basic Settings section immediately below discusses parameters that are common to all reciprocating engines and subsequent sections discuss optional configurations and tweaks that may be utilized with the engine.
Basic Settings
The following parameters in PlaneMaker constitute the basic, minimum parameters that must be entered in PlaneMaker to define a reciprocating engine
- Num Engines
- Num Props
- Engine Type
- Max Power
- Top of Green
- Redline
- Prop Dimensions
- Prop Design Point
- Location
- Orientation
The following parameters in PlaneMaker are fundamental design parameters for a recip engine installation, but have default values
Carburetor Induction
Carbureted engines are simulated by first selecting the carb recip pulldown option on the Locations tab.
Fuel Injection
Turbocharging
Engine Canting
Max Power Limits
Thrust Point Offsets
FADEC / Control
For Reciprocating Engines
Reciprocating Engine Power is a function of air density (among other things). The less dense the air, the less power an engine can make because there are less air molecules to mix with fuel, ergo less heat generated. Air gets less dense in the following situations:
- An increase in altitude
- An increase in air temperature
- A decrease in local air pressure
This is why warm temperatures at a high altitude can be dangerous, because you are getting a double-whammy, with lower air density from both the altitude AND the temperature effects.
Engines generally put out less power at high altitude due to thinner air, but turbocharging can keep packing in air even at high altitudes. The critical altitude is the highest altitude at which the engine can still put out FULL POWER. This altitude can be above sea-level either by putting a turbocharger on a reciprocating engine. Enter 0 for the critical altitude here if you don't have a turbo.