I planned on wrapping the entire exhaust system to
keep the heat put of the engine compartment. You think thats a bad plan?
Bob Mears
Supermarine Spitfire
My opinion is that it is a bad idea.
It significantly increases the wall temps of the exhaust system, and makes
inspection very difficult. The one thing that I would consider is coating
of the inside surfaces; the primary benefit of which would be increased emissivity
(reduce radiant heating) since the insulating effect of the thin coatings are small.
The actual benefit is unknown since exhaust products would undoubtedly plate
out on the inside surface, and the emissivity may soon be quite the same as without coating.
Add radiation baffles between the
exhaust and any nearby surfaces that you do not want to be heated. Allow
air flow around the exhaust system for cooling. Just as an example, I
placed a SS baffle over the manifold/muffler as separation from the induction
system, small baffles protecting the engine mounts, and reflective heat shield
on the redrive, as well as on the inside of the top cowling. I added a small NACA
scoop in the bottom cowl with airflow directed on to the exhaust system from
below.
The exit air from the in-cowl radiator
goes into the cowling, and my measured in-cowl air temps on the exhaust system
side during flight are generally less than 150F – not an issue.
Hope this helps – works for me.
Al