Felix Wankel

Dr. Felix Heinrich Wankel (August 13, 1902–October 9, 1988) was the German inventor of the Wankel engine.

Related Topics:
August 13 - 1902 - October 9 - 1988 - German - Wankel engine

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Wankel was born in Lahr, Germany. Since his mother was widowed in World War I, Wankel received no university education or even an apprenticeship. However he was able to teach himself technical subjects and conceived the idea of the rotary engine in 1924. In the 1930s, he had a disagreement with Adolf Hitler, and was imprisoned by the Nazis for some months. During World War II, he developed seals and rotary valves for German air force aircraft and navy torpedoes. After the war, he was imprisoned by the Allies for some months, his laboratory was closed, his work confiscated, and he was prohibited from doing more work. In 1951, He began development of the engine at NSU, leading to the first running prototype in 1957.

Related Topics:
Lahr - World War I - University - Apprenticeship - 1924 - Adolf Hitler - Nazis - World War II - Allies - 1951 - NSU - 1957

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In later years, Wankel was granted an honorary Doctorate of Engineering (Dr-Ing). He was known for his championing of animal rights and opposition to the use of animals in testing. Felix Wankel died in Heidelberg, having never been issued a driver's license.

Related Topics:
Animal rights - Heidelberg - Driver's license

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