From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Page from an automotive journal featuring articles on engine economy, the new Heine-Velox car, and Danish military aviation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 50\3\ Scan047 | |
| Date | 27th January 1921 | |
| 170 AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES THE AUTOMOBILE January 27, 1921 We are a long way from the point where we utilize even the economy that is possible with our present engines. Fig. 27 gives a comparison which throws some light on what is meant. This chart is based on the actual engine economy existing at 60 m.p.h. when using 2.5 to 1 axle gears and 5 to 1 compression pistons. The economy is 0.513 lb. per b.hp. hr. Using this economy and the brake horse-power required to drive the car at each speed, we derive a curve that we have termed the “ideal” economy in terms of miles per gallon. It is not meant that this curve is practical with our present system of transmission of the power, but, if the proper gear ratio and engine size are used for any given speed, this economy can be obtained for the size of car used in these tests. From the ideal curve it will be seen that it is possible to get 49 miles per gal. at 10 m.p.h.; 45 at 20 m.p.h., 39 at 30 m. {Mr Moon / Mr Moore} p. h. {Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} , and 31 at 40 m.p.h. The comparison is made with the results of 2.5 to 1 and 4.5 to 1 axle gears, in connection with the 5 to 1 compression pistons. The increase in the miles per gallon over that of the results with 2.5 to 1 axle gears is 76 per cent at 10 m.p.h. and 45 at 30 m.p.h. The increase over that of the results of 4.5 to 1 axle gears is 146 per cent at 10 m.p.h., 115 per cent at 30 m.p.h. and 36 at 60 m.p.h. Further, the ideal economy comparison with the results obtained from 4.5 to 1 axle gears and 4.25 to 1 compression pistons is an increase of 104 per cent at 60 m.p.h.; 163 per cent at 30 m.p.h., and 199 per cent increase in miles per gallon at 10 m.p.h. These figures certainly are emphatic enough to arouse several changes in viewpoint of our present methods of applying our engines. Evidently there is room for very considerable progress and it is hoped it will be forthcoming in the near future. Means should be developed making it possible to use very high piston compression ratios. It seems certain that it can be done and to great advantage in increased economy. It is hoped that very decided progress will be attempted in piston development with a view to overcoming knocking and increasing the general efficiency. As engines are made smaller to increase the load factor, carburetters will be made larger to avoid pumping losses and loss of maximum power. The fallacy that large carburetters are not as flexible or as economical as small ones is based, it seems, on the failure of certain types of large carburetters which it is thought are working on incorrect principles. It is recommended that we try the plan of using large carburetters to operate small engines, rather than using large engines to operate small carburetters. The possibility of securing higher mechanical efficiency should be studied from every angle. The tests show that an absurd waste is rampant in our present method. How far our ingenuity can go in this direction is hard to predict. One thing is certain, we must analyze carefully the gains that can be made. A close study from the brake-horsepower standpoint may justify changing both our transmission and our rear-axle drives. The latter combinations, together with engine developments, look the most promising at present. The progress we make undoubtedly will be measured by the extent to which we expand our engineering viewpoint. New High-Priced Twelve A NEW high-priced car, the Heine-Velox, is announced from the Pacific Coast, the manufacturer being the Heine-Velox Engineering Co. One of the chief aims in the design of this car was to combine a low center of gravity with a fair road clearance, to insure easy riding qualities, freedom from skidding tendencies and long tire life. The car has a 148-in. wheelbase and can turn in a 53-ft. circle. The floor of the car is only between 22 and 23 in. from the ground where the car is loaded, and the drive from transmission to rear axle is then straight. The engine has 12 cylinders, and is built partly by the Heine-Velox Engineering Co. from parts supplied by the Weidely Motors Co. It is said to be the same type as used on the H. {Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} A. {Mr Adams} L. car. One of the power plant features is an oil cooler, a desirable asset for a car used in mountainous districts. The weight of the sport model illustrated is 4500 lb. The oil level gage is in plain view of the driver. The windshield is of the clear vision type, without supports to obstruct the driver's view. The body is hung from the sides of the frame, instead of being suspended above it, and the floor is entirely inside the frame, making the top of the frame channels level with the top of the floor. The radiator front is in line with the rear side of the front axle. Four hydraulic brakes are fitted. The instrument board and the brake and gear levers are placed in an unusual position, so that the driver can reach any part without inconvenience from his seat. The following instruments are used: oil pressure and level gages, Radi-meter, speedometer, clock, gasograph, ammeter, voltmeter, battery gage and altimeter. This car will be furnished as a sport model, limousine sedan and racing runabout. The standard models sell at up to $17,000, and special models at up to $25,000. All bodies will be custom built in the Heine-Velox plant. The Heine-Velox twelve with sporting type body Muck-Raking in Demand IT appears that the Danish Government has had the military flying service investigated by a committee appointed for the purpose, and that the latter is about to issue its report, concerning which some information has leaked out in advance. According to Svensk Motortidning the report will unequivocally condemn the whole service, which is declared to be unworthy of any consideration. One of the first steps taken was to forbid the use of all military aeronautic material, comprising about twenty planes, and the Commission announced that all the equipment would be destroyed, notwithstanding the fact that much of it has never been used. Severe criticism is also passed upon the construction of a flying field and the training of military fliers, which is regarded as quite inadequate. | ||