Oil temp threshhold for engine breakage? (Mainly Merlin engines)

[*Buzzsaw*]

Originally Posted by Crumpp

That is wrong.

The higher you go, the less effective the cooling due to pressure and density reduction despite the cooler temperatures.

So while the temperature does get cooler IAW the lapse rate, the density is reduced so we end up with less molecules to transfer heat away from our engine.

I can't say I am an expert on this matter. I made the assumption there is enough flow with the higher speeds at altitude and the cooler temps to cool the aircraft faster. Ie. IAS at sea level and 6000 meters may read the same, but TAS is much higher at altitude, and therefore airflow is much higher.

Anyone else want to comment?