"Fire The Laser!" | FerrariChat

"Fire The Laser!"

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by NeuroBeaker, Apr 25, 2011.

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  1. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
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    #1 NeuroBeaker, Apr 25, 2011
  2. 430man

    430man Formula Junior

    Jan 18, 2011
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    #2 430man, Apr 25, 2011
    Very interesting... I wonder how this would effect the use of alternative fuels like E85 etc... hmmm
     
  3. Far Out

    Far Out F1 Veteran

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    #3 Far Out, Apr 25, 2011
    This has been in development for ages, and everyone I know is not convinced it will ever make it to the market. Usual spark plugs are cheap and do the job very well.
     
  4. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
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    #4 NeuroBeaker, Apr 25, 2011
    It seems as though there might be some reason to do it. A spark plug failing and having bits break off it can do a fair bit of damage inside the cylinder to the pistons and valves, so on cars with low tolerances (exotics?) perhaps that little bit of added security to have fewer protruding/fragile parts is worth it.

    Also, if they do improve efficiency, as the article suggests, would they deliver improvements in performance as well as pay for themselves in the long-run with improved fuel economy? It seems a complicated and expensive solution for the short term, but I can see a long-term reason for doing it if the benefits over a traditional spark plug have not been exaggerated.

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  5. Far Out

    Far Out F1 Veteran

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    #5 Far Out, Apr 25, 2011
    Mechanics correct me, but I've never heard of an engine failing because the spark plug broke :D The valves need a lot more space than the tiny spark plug. The reason for the laser ignition would be extremely precise control over the ignition timing, which leads us to...


    ... yes, there is a long term benefit, but those in the industry I know don't think it will outweigh the cost and effort for a very long time, if ever. The ignition with spark plugs is one of the few things that has hardly changed since the dawn of the car, and the manufacturers are very reluctant to change something they have 100 years experience with and still works very well today.
     
  6. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
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    #6 NeuroBeaker, Apr 25, 2011
    Well, I can understand and accept those technical points. :eek:

    However, I think the industry is forgetting the "coolness factor" of having a car that fires lasers thousands of times a minute. ;) :D

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  7. Kieran

    Kieran F1 Rookie

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    #7 Kieran, Apr 25, 2011
    Oh boy....my Passport Escort is going to go crazy....
     
  8. Doctor7474

    Doctor7474 Formula Junior

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    #8 Doctor7474, Apr 25, 2011
    One question, how do they keep the lens from carboning up? As far as my knowledge of lasers they need a super clear lens in order to operate.... just saying.
     

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