The author describes the research work on the internal-combustion engine done recently in his laboratory in England, and presents his deductions therefrom, based upon an analysis of the evidence he has obtained to date.
Fuels are discussed at length under three specific headings, many tabular data being included and commented upon, and the calculation of thermal efficiency described. Mean volatility and detonation are discussed and the author's present views regarding turbulence are stated, this being followed by a brief summary of the conclusions reached by Mr. Tizard, a colleague of the author, following recent investigations.
The influence of the nature of the fuel upon detonation is presented, a lengthy discussion of the subject of stratification being given under three specific divisions, inclusive of comment upon the benefits derived from using weak fuel-mixtures. The paper itself is concluded with a discussion of turbulence with reference to combustion-chamber design, many charts and photographs having been included throughout.
The paper is supplemented by nine appendices, which include discussions of mechanical efficiency, under three specific headings; piston experiments, inclusive of four specified deductions; air measurement, with a description of equipment and methods; the total internal energy of the working fluid over a wide range of temperature; the influence of compression-ratio upon power output and efficiency; the influence of cylinder size on performance; the influence of cylinder temperature on power output; the distribution of heat in a high-speed internal-combustion engine; and the efficiency of a single-cylinder engine under reduced loads. This supplementary information is copiously illustrated.