CHT's when running LOP
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Hello Nick!
I've been doing a lot of testing out various leaning parameters in the Bonanza, and I've found what appears to be an issue with the modeling of CHT response to LOP vs ROP conditions. From my real world experience, as well as general knowledge shared amongst real world pilots, CHT's should generally be lower when running an engine LOP, as the power generated is reduced. In the real world in a 172SP, I've seen CHT's around 320 when running LOP vs the same cylinder running around 350-360 when running the engine ROP.
When testing this in the Bonanza, I have found no change in CHT when running ROP vs. LOP. This particular test was done around 12,000ft over New Mexico. When running 25 degrees LOP, my cylinder 4 CHT was about 395 (quite high for 19" MP and cruise speeds, but it was hot out). When running 75 degrees ROP at the same altitude and engine parameters, the CHT was... 395. I only gained about 5 knots of speed, so I'm pretty sure that additional airflow wasn't responsible for the ROP CHT's running at the same temp.
Everything that I know about this subject suggests that this behavior is inaccurate. Now, whether or not this behavior is subject to MSFS limitations... I don't know, nor am I aware of if running CHT's high (but under the max limit) matters in this addon. Also, if I'm missing something, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Keeping CHT's low is a major part of real world engine management, as you no doubt know, so I figured I'd bring this up. Love this addon and I will continue to fly it, even with the questionable CHT's.
