Lasers could replace spark plugs in car engines

PEW PEW PEW

Gonna have to come up with some massive gains to make them a justifiable alternative to a spark plug that costs all of about 50p to make, though.

No doubt the economy and cleanliness drive may help them in that respect, mind.
 
If they can be fitted to a standard petrol engine & improve performance/economy then some people will start using them, regardless of how much they are initially, then of course prices will drop as they gain popularity.

If motorsports begin using them its just a matter of time before they become standard on road-going petrol vehicles.
 
I do wonder about their potential applications. The thing that gets me is that you can easily assess both the condition and firing quality of a plug with simple tools - but how are you going to work out whether one of these is actually working properly? For that reason alone I can't see them ending up in anything soon.....

They do interest me, though. No doubt something that'll maybe raise its head in the future.
 
Woudn't the lasers go through? I mean i thought that was one of the problems with lasers it had no mass, least i think it didn't.
 
Ford and Liverpool University were messing with this a few years ago.

I can't see it being better than a spark plug in a flooded engine.
 
Well, you could fire it constantly, heating up the chamber and burning off all the fuel - cleaning the cylinder out, unlike a plug (which would just foul up).

Basically its operation would not be impeded by the conditions in the chamber itself.
 
Lashout_UK said:
I do wonder about their potential applications. The thing that gets me is that you can easily assess both the condition and firing quality of a plug with simple tools - but how are you going to work out whether one of these is actually working properly? For that reason alone I can't see them ending up in anything soon.....
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Similar to the transition from dizzys and other spinning bits of metal to ECUs?
It's progress :confused: gonna happen isn't it.
 
Lashout_UK said:
Well, you could fire it constantly, heating up the chamber and burning off all the fuel - cleaning the cylinder out, unlike a plug (which would just foul up).

Basically its operation would not be impeded by the conditions in the chamber itself.
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That assumes it can focus when covered in soot and petrol...
 
BigglesPiP said:
That assumes it can focus when covered in soot and petrol...
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Focusing was my first thought as well. It doesn't have to remain in focus for that long of a distance though, so maybe its not much of an issue.

Anything to improve efficiency will be welcome by everyone I'm sure
 
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