Is there a limit to air intake volume?

[tinoproductions]

I am not an engineer, so excuse if it sounds silly but, was wondering the following:

If you have a large enough engine, spinning fast enough, with forced induction/whatever, is there a limit to how much air can be provided to an engine?!
(say a 6L+ twin turbo spinning at 18,000+ rpm = I understand the feasibility but let's be theoretical here)


I would have thought that turbulence or similar would come into effect.

Anyone know if there is a limit?

[kambites]

Well the air can't break the speed of light so there is definitely a theoretical limit for a given size of engine. That one would be quite a high limit though.

I can't think of a limit for a suitably large engine though. I suspect big ship engines draw in tens of thousands of litres of air per revolution.

ETA: Thinking about it, in a spark ignition engine, you'll be limited by the flame-front speed of fuel you're using unless you start using lots of spark plugs.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 19th January 15:11

[thinfourth2]

After being stood next to a 75,000Bhp 12 clyinder engine with 4 turbos each the same size as a small van

I'd say not really

[Caulkhead]

kambites said:

Well the air can't break the speed of light so there is definitely a theoretical limit for a given size of engine.

Air entering an engine at the speed of light? Friction would dictate quite large intercooler I think!

[kambites]

Caulkhead said:

kambites said:

Well the air can't break the speed of light so there is definitely a theoretical limit for a given size of engine.

Air entering an engine at the speed of light? Friction would dictate quite large intercooler I think!

You might have minor problems breathing in its vicinity, too.