The data given in this paper were obtained from an investigation by the Bureau of Mines in cooperation with the New York and New Jersey State Bridge and Tunnel Commissioners to determine the average amount and composition of the exhaust gases from motor vehicles under operating conditions similar to those that will prevail in the Hudson River Vehicular Tunnel. A comprehensive set of road tests upon 101 motor vehicles including representative types of passenger cars and trucks was conducted, covering both winter and summer operating conditions.
The cars tested were taken at random from those offered by private individuals, corporations and automobile dealers, and the tests were made without any change in carbureter or other adjustments. The results can therefore be taken as representative of motor vehicles as they are actually being operated on the streets at the various speeds and on grades that will prevail in the tunnel. The information obtained can be applied also to ventilation problems of other vehicular tunnels and subways.
The vehicles comprised six representative classes which are stated, and the test conditions and methods are described in detail. The method of computing the results is outlined and the results are stated and analyzed in the text and in tabular form; a photograph and charts are presented.
The average composition of the exhaust gas, the completeness of combustion and the percentage of carbon dioxide are discussed in detail. A concise summary, in nine specific sections, concludes the paper.