Originally posted by: Howard
With a 100% volumetric efficiency (meaning in theory) and all else equal (this includes fuel type, head and block material, compression ratio, heat loss from coolant, rod length/stroke ratio, piston/piston crown coating material, cylinder liner material, flame front speed, etc.), torque depends solely on cylinder displacement and compression ratio.
Torque = r cross F, so let's assume that r is perpendicular to F for ease of math so
Torque = r*F
F = combustion pressure * piston crown area
Piston crown area is dependent on bore
Combustion pressure is dependent on the temperature of the gas inside the chamber, whose temperature rise can be calculated from the displacement (since we're assuming 100% volumetric efficiency) and compression ratio (more displacement = more energy, higher compression = higher pressure)
Since combustion pressure stays the same, now
Torque = r * piston crown area
r * piston crown area = displacement
Am I doing the math right? Now, to get 100% volumetric efficiency at lower speeds you can use forced induction, or variable valve timing/lift.
Variable lift can be taken care of by this infinitely-variable-lift system:
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The animations are self-explanatory. I'm not sure how one would achieve infinitely-variable timing (and equivalently, duration) - electromagnetic/hydraulic actuation might work.