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RATE of wear in diesel engines has been found to correlate with the amount of sulfur present in the fuel. Nitrogen and naphthenic acid content have little effect on rate of wear. Wear tests conducted at 100 and 160 F showed that wear was considerably greater at the lower temperature. It is reasoned that, at the lower temperature, condensation of moisture in the presence of carbon dioxide leads to the formation of carbonic acid, which has a corrosive action. In the authors' tests, wear was determined by chemical analysis of crankcase oil for iron content.

WITH this portable electronic ignition analyzer, malfunctioning of the ignition system can be detected by observing primary-voltage wave forms shown on the screen. Some of the conditions which can be detected and identified are a short in the high-tension circuit, insufficient voltage to break down the spark-plug gap, an open-circuit primary due to insulated contact points or a broken primary connection, and excessive arcing at the breaker points. The instrument's dependability and utility have been proved for aircraft engines. With modifications it could be used with other types.

A SYSTEM of plots of wing loading versus power loading is developed for showing the effect on performance, of all combinations of wing area, aspect ratio, number of engines, and power rating allowed by the Civil Air Regulations for transport planes. C.A.R. climb requirements appear on the plots as boundaries defining allowable combinations of design variables and gross weight. The charts included give a fairly detailed consideration of weight limits imposed by climb requirements for 4-engine and 2-engine airplanes. The assumptions made are explained. Useful for initial design studies and comparisons of existing designs, the charts indicate relative performance of various designs. The system can be used to study field lengths required and cruising speeds obtainable as well as climb performance.

HIGH-compression engines for automobiles, Mr. Kettering predicts, are not far off if the petroleum and automobile industries cooperate in their development. An engine operating at high compression ratios, he points out, gives impressive gains in economy over the entire driving range, and without any sacrifice in smoothness. Mr. Kettering reaches this conclusion as the result of an extensive testing program of an experimental engine of 12.5 to 1 compression ratio. The tests were carried out both in the laboratory and on the road with the engine installed in a car.