Testing Lasers to Replace Spark Plugs

www.carthusiast.com said: Ford and scientists at Liverpool University are currently testing a newly developed technology where lasers and being used to ignite fuel within the combustion chambers rather than spark plugs. The new technology is supposed to offer more benefits than what we currently have available. With laser technology, it can be focused and directed to multiple points in the piston chamber to ignite many sources of fuel. Also, it is much more stable than spark plug technology, making it easier so crank up a car in cold and damp conditions. Because of the stability achieved, they also say that is uses a lot less gasoline to ignite the fuel, which will save money in the short and long term.

Ya Buddy!!

1974 called, they want their computer back.

Is that a picture from the movie "Weird Science'?

I believe the movie is "My Science Project", which had a bitchen Mopar with a blower.

The lasers replacing spark plugs thing is pretty interesting. Thinking outside the box is cool.

EricM wrote: 1974 called, they want their computer back. Is that a picture from the movie "Weird Science'?

Real Genius

Ah, I was close, all those 80's movies run together for me

all I want, is some spark plugs, WITH FRICKEN LASER BEAMS!

Mini Me ...quit humping the laser

Can I get Iridium lasers with 5 focal points at Pep Boys? And some extra thick laser plug wires.

ZOMG can I has teh lazer beam ignitor for my fake NAWZ fogger on my tight dorifto car yo?

Pulse compression ion ignitors for me thank you, Laser opticals will be too hard in a combustion chamber ;)

DILYSI Dave wrote: Thinking outside the box is cool.

My problem: I keep thinking outside the wrong box.

Multiple ignition points is exactly what a rotary engine needs!

Set my phasers to "accelerate".

This is pretty cool. I wonder what kind of fuel efficiency increases there could be?

They are great except the trailer required to cool the lasers.

wouldn't combustion damage the lens?

it snot called the allan parsons project is it?? "LASERBEAMS"....LOL

why fix something that isn't broken...I see a benefit, but the cost would be outrageous...especially long term replacement parts...though the Laser would last longer theoretically.

maroon92 wrote: why fix something that isn't broken...I see a benefit, but the cost would be outrageous...especially long term replacement parts...though the Laser would last longer theoretically.

Exactly my thoughts. Sounds cool but at what cost? Could it be done inexpensively? It would have to significantly increase power or fuel mileage or both to offset the possible increase in initial cost. Still it's an interesting concept.

maroon92 wrote: why fix something that isn't broken...I see a benefit, but the cost would be outrageous...especially long term replacement parts...though the Laser would last longer theoretically.

Why? You could have just one. Fire it into a prism or a mirror or something and have it focused into a lens at the top of each cylinder head.

Or, you can ditch the 700 pounds of engine, drive train, and fuel, throw in a 70 pound motor and 600 pounds of batteries and be done with the whole thing.

maroon92 wrote: why fix something that isn't broken...I see a benefit, but the cost would be outrageous...especially long term replacement parts...though the Laser would last longer theoretically.

I know the same thing was said about the horse and buggy but I'll bet the same thing was said about distributors and points as well.

confuZion3 wrote:

maroon92 wrote: why fix something that isn't broken...I see a benefit, but the cost would be outrageous...especially long term replacement parts...though the Laser would last longer theoretically.

Why? You could have just one. Fire it into a prism or a mirror or something and have it focused into a lens at the top of each cylinder head. Or, you can ditch the 700 pounds of engine, drive train, and fuel, throw in a 70 pound motor and 600 pounds of batteries and be done with the whole thing.

This man speaks the truth.

That was a GTO in "MY Science Project."

I have taken my wife to a junkyard...

i dont see it as that far fetched.. i can download instructions to make a $9.99 green pointer into a burner. I see no reason why the dudes with the super craniums cant expand upon that concept until it becomes practical for a combustion engine...

and when they do, i can wire up an extra spark plug , mount it in the front bumper, and disintegrate left lane cruisers with a push of a button on my dashboard!