Utilizing polymeric composite materials in the construction of a diesel engine has the potential to reduce the diesel's weight, noise and acquisition cost. An exploratory development program is presently underway to demonstrate the technology and benefits at a 37 kW scale. In order to establish the feasibility of larger composite diesel engines, an initial concept for a 200 mm bore V-6 engine has been formulated. The bearing and major bolt sizes have been determined and configuration of the block and crankshaft established.
