THERMODYNAMICS OF VAPOR POWERPLANTS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES 1

IN this discussion of vapor cycles and powerplants for motor vehicles, the author recognizes that a new approach is essential to their serious consideration. He shows how accepted cycles can be modified for automotive purposes with advantage. He suggests that automotive principles of design and construction be used in preference to earlier designs utilized for engines of the vapor type.

Rather than attempting to revive steam vehicles, Mr. Neil aims to show that unless new knowledge is applied to the design of vapor powerplants and adequate consideration given to the thermodynamic and other factors involved, their advantages cannot be fully realized.

The paper summarizes a part of the research work incidental to the design of powerplants of the vapor type carried out before the war and since that time. The author, therefore, does not intend to present any complete and final conclusions, but rather to indicate the lines along which the work has so far progressed.