Development and Application of the Cathode-Ray Engine Indicator 360150
THIS paper describes a number of applications of the cathode-ray tube to the solution of engine problems, such as indication of pressures in the cylinder and in Diesel fuel lines; mechanical vibration of moving parts; torsional oscillations of shafts; whip of shafts; and time of arrival and duration of flame at any point in the cylinder-head. The different technique involved when hard-vacuum cathode-ray tubes are used instead of the gas-filled variety, is also indicated.
An outline is given of some of the work rendered possible by its aid. This includes observations on the nature of the octane scale in so far as its relation to combustion pressure is concerned. A contribution is made to the theory of the mechanism of Diesel knock intensity together with some information on improving the power output and cleanliness of running of a C.F.R.-Pope Diesel engine.
It also is shown how different blending agents in a fuel affect the combustion rate after ignition has occurred, and some general conclusions are drawn with regard to detonation in gasoline engines.
