Hi Day
On (24 Aug 97) Day Brown wrote to Elvis Hargrove...
[about heat engines]
 DB> Could you make a piston big enough cheap enough to do anything 
 DB> useful with 15 PSI?
I have never worked with these [air] engines but I once understood steam
engine cycles and practical working examples.
The old SS "Great Britain" which is now permanently in Bristol, UK was the
world's first ocean liner to be driven by propellor. A beaut prop, about 30 
t
diameter. I *think* the engine was a vee two, with reduction chain drive to
the prop shaft.
The engine was non- condensing, and the steam condition 15psi gauge- 
aturated
of course.
So the answer to your question is YES. But I guess you may want to change the
question!!
I haven't read any engineering assessment of the boiler or engine but I can
tell you that the boiler feed water was taken straight from the ocean, I 
uess
they either strained the fish out at the intake, or maybe diverted same to 
he
galley!
The gentle boiler conditions- cool, low pressure would have assured a long
life with minimum corrosion and stressing. Brunel the designer, was a rather
practical guy. Not driven by accountants, managers or other visionaries!
Cheers....ALEC
... Wunce i coodn even spll ingineer. Now i are wun!!
--- PPoint 1.92
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