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ON the basis that it is impossible to state the case for either the airship or the heavier-than-air machine without some comparison of the two, the author discusses relatively features, points of merit or superiority and the fields of usefulness thus far disclosed in the rapid development of the craft. Progress since 1914 is outlined, a brief history to date is included and the way prepared for consideration of the possibilities of long-distance flight. A comparison of the features given emphasizes strongly the point that the airplane is mainly a high-speed, short-distance carrier, while the large rigid airship is essentially a medium-speed long-distance carrier. Each type has a distinct sphere of activity; the airship in transcontinental, transoceanic traffic; the airplane in feeding the terminals of the airship with passengers and, possibly, certain kinds of freight.

THE rapid development of heavy-duty trucks and farm tractors has made it necessary for manufacturers of engines used in such automotive apparatus to face problems regarding which there is no past experience to fall back upon. The necessity in both types of engine for maximum strength in all parts carrying excessive loads constitutes a problem of great importance, but in addition to it are others of the proper utilization of fuels at present available, lubrication under excessive load conditions over long periods of time; and, of nearly as much importance, the relation of fuels to lubricants and the effect of fuels upon lubricants. Moreover, information is to be acquired regarding the value of prospective fuels as power producers, the effects they have upon engines, lubricants, etc., comparisons of cost and the like. The tests recorded in the paper were made in an endeavor to ascertain some of these unknown values.

BUREAU of Mines refinery statistics for the calendar year 1918 show a production of different types of petroleum fuel products represented by the following approximate figures: Added to this are 3,100,000,000 gal. of crude oil, used as fuel without refining. The statistics do not distinguish the different classes of fuel oils, and the following provisional estimate has been made: Processing or refining costs for the different oils are difficult to estimate and of little significance in determining the selling price, which is controlled by the law of supply and demand. All types in the last list can be used in so-called heavy-oil engines, but the gas oil and light residuum are most desirable in the order given. They are less plentiful than the heavy-residuum type which generally cannot be used without special equipment for preheating. The proportionate yield of gas oil can be increased if a sufficient demand is developed.

Naval aircraft are distinctively American types. Only one foreign seaplane was copied by the United States during the war, and when finally put into production it resembled the British prototype in externals only. While the Navy does a large part of its own designing and building through a corps of naval constructors, its theory of manufacture is to assemble parts procured from separate makers, and private design and construction are encouraged by contracting with builders. Available talent both in and out of the service and the facilities of parts makers, the new materials developed during the war and organized engineering which drove the entire process toward speedy results were appropriated by the Navy. The NC flying boat is typical of U. S. Navy practice. In the same way the dirigible C-5 is a purely American type. The development of really large flying craft before 1917 was held back because no suitable engine had been designed. When the 350-hp.

Progress toward a single standard type of car is not being made. Many different styles will continue to be needed to satisfy requirements of taste, ability, power and speed. Open cars, the backbone of production in the early days, are less in demand. Enclosed cars are already to be had in practically every grade. While there is a trend toward lighter weight the demand for increased luxury and greater safety makes it seemingly impossible to reduce weight in either equipment or body. Just what the result of this conflict of ideas is to be is not easy to predict. The author foresees considerable improvement in design and workmanship, a gain in economy of fuel, greater use of oil in lubricating chassis parts besides the engine, increased durability and fewer objectionable noises.

The limit of acceleration has been reached. What may well be considered a maximum for practical service has been secured. The present seven-passenger body is as roomy as could be desired. There should be no need for further increase in size. The author believes the total weight of this large car will be reduced to between 3500 to 4000 lb. To make this reduction without sacrifice of durability greater use must be made of alloy steels and aluminum alloys. The tendency in body design and style is toward smoother lines, fewer breaks and a more graceful contour. The number of closed cars is increasing. There will be a general simplification of detail throughout, better wiring, better lubrication, an increased use of oilless bushings and fewer grease-cups. Brakes and wearing parts will be made more accessible and easier of adjustment. The take-up points for the various adjustments will be placed so that they can be reached with ease.

THE author presents a brief description of the design of some of the principal vehicles used in motorizing the artillery, as developed by the Ordnance Department. A few of the vehicles are described, including gun mounts that were being developed at the time of the signing of the armistice. The relative merits of the different types of equipment are discussed.

THE production of gasoline in this country could be increased through the following changes in refinery practice: (1) Universal adoption of a high “end-point,” or upper volatility limit for gasoline (2) General use of more efficient distillation methods and equipment (3) Recovery of gasoline now lost in refinery operation (4) Wider use of cracking processes Other possible methods of increase are not considered of sufficient importance to merit discussion in this connection. Some of the details of the four methods of increase are discussed and it is estimated on the basis of the evidence now at hand that the maximum percentage increases in production under the four heads listed are as follows: (1) 15 to 20 per cent; (2) 10 per cent; (3) 10 per cent, and (4) 100 per cent.

The efficiency of the automobile engine, as operated on the Otto cycle, is thought by the author to be too low, and he therefore suggests a method of improving it. He considers the various losses by which heat is dissipated in internal-combustion engines and finds that the best opportunity for increasing thermal efficiency is by an increased expansion of the charge. The author suggests that this expansion be carried 50 per cent further than is ordinarily done. In order to obtain higher efficiency at part load, the suggestion is made that instead of throttling the mixture, the admission valves be closed earlier. In case the expansion is 50 per cent longer than the induction stroke and the cut-off takes place earlier as the load becomes lighter, it will be necessary to vary the fuel opening inversely with the air induced. It is suggested that the fuel valve and cut-off lever be connected together and operated by the accelerator pedal or hand lever on the steering wheel.

After a brief consideration of airplane-engine practice in France, England and Germany, the author outlines the problems encountered in designing a twelve-cylinder aviation engine. He explains at some length the difficulties in determining the connection between propeller and engine and shows why valve-in-head location was chosen. Such features of engine design as the mounting of carbureter and exhaust pipes, methods of fuel and lubricant supply and details involved in selecting the lighting, starting and ignition equipment are considered.

This paper is mainly an argument in favor of the use of large, single rear wheel truck tires instead of smaller dual tires. Although the practice of using large singles is comparatively new, the author gives the results of experience and research to show the advantages of the newer method of rear tire equipment. In developing his arguments in favor of single tires, the author goes into the history of dual tire application to show why it was necessary to use two tires in the earlier days of truck operation. As the necessity for increased carrying-capacity grew, tire manufacturers found the then existing single tire equipment inadequate, and they set about to develop suitable equipment to meet the new condition, the result being dual practice. The method of attaching the earlier dual tires is shown to have been poor, resulting in circumferential creeping of the whole tire to a much greater extent as the width of the dual equipment increased.

The author points out the diversity of opinion on what constitutes desirable car performance in the minds of engineers and of the public generally. He believes this is largely due to the great diversity of claims which have been made in advertising literature and decries the sort of tests which have been made the basis of this publicity, pointing out that a majority of them are conducted under such conditions as make it practically impossible for the car owner ever to duplicate or confirm them. The kind of an expression or test which will inform the buying public most is one which will tell what the car will do in the hands of the average owner, and define the conditions under which a demonstration of this ability can be made, such conditions to be relatively simple and easy of fulfillment.