Iron Plates, why still Iron?
 

I searched but didn't find anything I believe that answers my question. How come the plates in between the rotor housings are still iron, but not make the whole engine out of aluminum? Maybe even make some sections with magnesium in it like BMW does now.

Cost of production is my only answer. This is a gripe I've commonly had also. A lot of weight could be saved by doing this.

I'd heard the reason for iron rotors is because of the properties of the metal and the process by which the rotors are cast. Also, if the rotor is too light perhaps it would be harder to generate torque? I'm really not sure about that, though.

metallurgy probably have a lot to do with it... the rotary engine is an interesting 'sandwich' of all types of metals, perhaps Mazda found a 'sandwich combo' that provides the best durability/performance within a set cost??

I wonder if heat has to do any with it, now that I think more about this.

Any of the rotary guru's have any thoughts on this?

cost...


Racing Beat sells Aluminum $ide plate$ for only $1200 EACH

http://racingbeat.com/resultset.asp?PartNumber=11072

Isn't it because iron withstands heat much better than alluminum? Aluminum warps in intense heat. And rotary engines produce a lot more heat than an engine with cylinders.

Steel warps too. Cost is the most likley factor. Aluminum is much more expensive then steel. Heat capacity and wear resistance probably have something to do with it as well.