I designed and made this educational model of a Rotary Vane Engine. It functions much the same as a Wankel Rotary Engine, however the rotor instead has vanes that retract as it spins. The fundamental function is identical:

1. Air intake: cold air is pulled in (snowflake)
2. Fuel injection: An air-fuel mixture is added to the cold air (droplet)
3. Spark: A spark plug ignites this mixture under great pressure, forcing the vane round (lightning)
4. Exhaust: Hot combusted air is removed from the chamber (flame)

One of the benefits of this engine is a larger surface area for combustion after the spark, allowing for greater forces to be applied to turn the rotor. This also doesn't have apex seals like a Wankel engine, removing a very critical component that often is the cause of issues in a Wankel.

This model is functional, in terms of the handle at the back can be used to spin the rotor which causes internal compression springs to expand and contract. This allows movement of the vanes.

You may notice that the back is printed as a separate part, and that is because I plan on making a motorised version in the future. This means the back can be swapped out.

Important Information

1. The model spins nicely when a bit of grease is added to the springs, vanes and inner housing. Add grease if you want it to spin nicely. I used general purpose grease, and it made it much easier to spin. The intention with this is not to spin rapidly but rather to illustrate the function.
2. I used 30 mm compression springs, specifically, the ones from Maker's Supply (0.5x5x30 mm (5PCS) - BB015). You may get different results if you use different springs.
3. Glue - a little bit is needed. The graphics on each corner require glue. Additionally, you may want to put glue in the rotor hole that connects to the handle for stability
4. Other than these points, the model is simple and easy to print.