bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Fuelling Systems for Gas-Cooled Reactors
Authors: Gibbs K. P. , Weaving A. H.
Published: June 2010

The development of fuelling systems for the gas-cooled power reactors in the U.K. is discussed from the standpoint of the principal customer, the Central Electricity Generating Board. The paper concentrates on the developing philosophies of the various designs for the Magnox power stations from Bradwell and Berkeley to Wylfa, and for the new A.G.R. power stations—Dungeness ‘B’ and Hinkley Point ‘B’.
Paper 2: W.A.G.R. Fuel-Handling Equipment: Design, Operation, and Contribution to Future Designs
Authors: Slater E. , Packman G. , Weaden H. R.
Published: June 2010

The ability to charge and discharge fuel and other reactor channel components with the reactor on load is a key feature of all the British Electricity Boards' nuclear power stations. The system adopted on the Wind-scale Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (W.A.G.R.), where each core channel is provided with its own standpipe (single-channel access), simplifies the operation of locating a particular channel; there is no need to insert any moving parts into the reactor circuit, and the critical operation of coupling the fuel to the machine is carried out at ambient temperature with no radiation problems.

For five years the W.A.G.R. fuelling machine has demonstrated the ease of fuelling with a single-channel access system, and the integrity and reliability of the equipment is demonstrated by its record, which exceeds 7000 operations.

By taking advantage of this operating experience on the W.A.G.R. it is clear that changes can be made in the design of fuelling machines and equipment for future commercial stations to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Paper 4: Fuel Handling at Trawsfynydd Nuclear Power Station
Authors: Harding H. W.
Published: June 2010

The fuel-handling route at a Magnox nuclear power station such as Trawsfynydd may be conveniently divided into two parts—the charge face equipment dealing with the fuel and other items into and out of the reactor, and the auxiliary equipment for the discharge and disposal of irradiated items. This paper deals briefly with the complete fuel-handling route, but concentrates on the charge face equipment, which consists principally of two composite fuelling machines for each reactor with some extra items for servicing, standpipe preparation, etc. The design philosophy is discussed, and the functions of the various parts of the plant described, together with comments on the design and development experience and the lessons learned.
Paper 10: Refuelling Experience on the Chinon Power Reactors
Authors: Mizzi E.
Published: June 2010

This paper discusses the problems associated with the fuel-handling equipment for the reactors EDF 2 and EDF 3 at Chinon. Some interesting experiments have been carried out and have proved satisfactory.
Paper 11: Fuel-Handling Equipment for Dungeness ‘B’
Authors: Jerkins E. E.
Published: June 2010

The fuel-handling system for Dungeness ‘B’, the first commercial advanced gas-cooled reactor, is based on the well-proven concept of single-channel access. This provides individual standpipes for each channel in the core in which fuel elements are connected together to form a composite assembly that can be handled as a single unit by the fuelling machine without any of its components penetrating the pressure envelope below the charge face. A single fuelling machine provides the transportation between both reactors and the fuel services housed in the handling block. Fuel discharged from the reactor is handled in the irradiated fuel disposal facility which is capable of remotely dismantling and rebuilding fuel stringers on a routine basis. The prime object of the equipment design has been to provide single-purpose robust machinery, capable of satisfactory operation for long periods without maintenance.
Paper 13: Proposals for Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor Refuelling Machinery
Authors: Lawson D. S.
Published: June 2010

Careful consideration of the requirements for an A.G.R. fuelling system leads to the adoption of a fuelling machine capable of handling a single fuel assembly and a short shielded sealing plug. Examination of active handling and maintenance leads to a combination of several functions in one facility in order to save cost. Dry storage of irradiated fuel is preferable to storage in a pond.
Paper 2: Rolling Elements for Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Scott D.
Published: June 2010

Elevated temperature is one of the hostile environments in which rolling bearings are expected to operate. The problems that have arisen, the requirements of materials and lubricants for the solution of these problems, together with the work undertaken to investigate them, are discussed. Accelerated service simulation tests have been carried out to assess materials and surface treatments for elevated temperature and unlubricated rolling contact applications and to compare their liability to deleterious lubricant effects. The role of solid film lubricants and surface treatments that lubricate has been explored. Microscopical and metallurgical investigations of failed specimens have been carried out to aid the study of failure mechanisms. The paper reviews the results of rolling four-ball tests carried out at N.E.L. with materials, surface treatments, and lubricants potentially suitable for elevated temperature rolling mechanisms and materials for unlubricated rolling contact.
Paper 9: Lubrication at Low Temperatures and in Associated ‘Pure’ Gases
Authors: Tantam D. H.
Published: June 2010

Specialized techniques have been devised to facilitate the lubrication of components between which relative movement takes place in low-temperature environments. Although fundamentally similar to atmospheric temperature systems, the lubrication process can only proceed in a controlled manner if it is freed from the influences of low temperature on materials of construction and lubricants, and from the deleterious effects of freezing impurities in the surrounding atmosphere.

In plants or distribution systems where high purity gases are involved, freedom from contamination influences the choice of lubricant and the method of application; it also imposes strict controls on the design and assembly of the machine and, in particular, the clearances during assembly, maintenance, and running.

The importance of safety limits the range of materials that may be used, and demands strict observance of the safety standards and codes of practice that have been derived from data obtained on test equipment and full-scale operations.

The monitoring of machine performance and the reliability and effectiveness of protection systems are essential if incidents are to be avoided where the working fluid is in a liquid or gaseous state.

The paper examines these problems and the practical methods used to overcome them. The references provide access to specific data.
Paper 12: Self-Lubricating Composite Materials for High-Temperature Applications
Authors: Houghton J. E. , Mitchell L. A.
Published: June 2010

Two-phase self-lubricating composites have been produced by ( a) hot-pressing mixtures of powders, ( b) flame-spraying mixtures of powders, and ( c) vacuum impregnation of a porous matrix using a molten lubricant. Impact strength of the bulk composites and friction and wear behaviour of all composites has been determined at 400°C in a dry carbon dioxide atmosphere. Composites produced from lubricant powder pre-coated with nickel by hot-pressing or flame-spraying appear most promising. A simple model has been proposed for the wear of two-phase composite materials.
Paper 2: The Powered Limb and Component Network: A General Theory concerning Their Design
Authors: Wilson A. B. Kinnier
Published: June 2010

The designing of any powered limb confronts the designer with a mass of interacting variables. Really worthwhile long-term results can only emerge from a systematic attempt to define an overall problem, with subsequent research of its component parts, both in their own right and in relation to the whole. It seems likely that unless this is done the rate of improvement of hardware will gradually diminish.

Mapping out of the various aspects of the problem produces a network which demonstrates the manner in which the variables interact. From this, the most important areas for research can be deduced. The discovery of numerical relationships between the parts is making the design process steadily more precise.
Paper 7: Hydraulic Powered Arm Systems
Authors: Stevenson D. A. , Lippay A. L.
Published: June 2010

This presentation outlines the basic considerations and design objectives established for a modular artificial arm system activated by hydraulic pressure, and energized by a storage battery driving a miniature pump aggregate. The effects of physical disability and the clinical need for functional devices are presented in the light of previous experience with powered artificial limbs at the Rehabilitation Institute of Montreal and elsewhere. As a working example, the prototype hydraulic arms developed and constructed by the Northern Electric Research Laboratories are described in some detail. The engineering philosophy pointing toward the use of hydraulic power was evolved in an effort to exploit the advantageous characteristics of the pneumatic and the electromechanical system, without inheriting some of their innate drawbacks. The main function of the arms is to deliver the terminal devices to the work site; the design of a multifunctional cosmetic hand, developed specifically to be operated by external power, forms an integral part of a total-system approach.
Paper 1: Design and Control of Powered Artificial Arms
Authors: Lambert T. H. , Hall M. J.
Published: June 2010

The development of artificial limbs has often been as a result of clinical experiece rather than by engineering design. This paper discusses the design problem from first principles in the light of current research. Topics presenting special difficulties are isolated—in particular, methods of control for artificial limbs, which are discussed in more detail. As a result it is possible to specify priorities for further research, urgently needed if powered artificial arms are to be worthy of modern engineering technology.
Paper 3: Ends and Trends in the Training of Engineers
Authors: Vickery D. S.
Published: June 2010

The views of an employer of relatively small numbers of non-university engineers are presented. These arise from a process industry which, because it is capital-intensive, demands high standards of technical and administrative ability.

Some experiences with non-university courses are given, going back to the late 1950's covering school-leavers recruited both for H.N.D. and Dip. Tech. courses. Some indications are given of the experience provided for engineers during their first few years in the organization.

The results are surveyed from the industrial viewpoint. The importance of social factors on a national scale, and the contribution of behavioural scientists to more effective utilization by industry of new systems of education for engineers, are considered.
Paper 14: The Engineering Industry Training Board and the Training of Professional Engineers
Authors: Fredericks J. A.
Published: June 2010

The Engineering Industry Training Board's Booklet No. 5, ‘The training of professional engineers’, defines the five essential elements of planned courses of training for student engineers. These elements are outlined and their application to various patterns of engineering education and training is discussed. Some problems arising with certain types of sandwich courses are examined and the need for flexible interpretation of the Board's recommendations is stressed.
Paper 2: Aerodynamic and Thermal Considerations in Designing Axial Flow Turbine Blades
Authors: Barnes J. F. , Dunham J.
Published: June 2010

The first part of this paper reviews the progress made in improving the aerodynamic design of axial flow turbines and describes experience at the National Gas Turbine Establishment (N.G.T.E.) in the use of some of these techniques. The second part of the paper discusses the present status of internal air cooling for turbine blades and shows how some of the design techniques established for aero-engines might be exploited in the field of power generation.
Paper 10: Cast High Temperature Materials
Authors: Stephenson N.
Published: June 2010

Trends in alloy development, alloy production and casting technique are reviewed in relation to material requirements for gas turbine components.

In alloy development, improvements in strength and temperature capability are still sought, but depending on the application, emphasis is placed increasingly on other aspects, including density, melting point, ductility, impact strength, fatigue strength, thermal endurance, resistance to oxidation and hot-corrosion, castability, coatability, weldability, stability of properties in service, reproducibility of properties, alloy cost and availability. Investigations aimed at improving such characteristics and obtaining an acceptable balance of properties are outlined.

Vacuum melting, now well established in alloy production, and vacuum casting, improve the reliability of components by increasing cleanliness and have further promoted the development of strong alloys. Control of grain size is regularly achieved in investment casting, and attention is also being given to directional solidification and single crystal growth, with significant improvement in mechanical properties in some instances. Attention is drawn to the use in this paper of the following trademarks and tradenames: ‘Nimonic’, ‘Nimocast’, ‘Udimet’, ‘Mar-M’, ‘Nicrotung’, and ‘Airesist’.
Paper 2: Pre-Commission Acid Cleaning of Boilers and Heat Exchangers
Authors: Gillis A. W.
Published: June 2010

Until the 1950s it was generally sufficient to clean new boilers or heat exchangers before commissioning by boiling out with alkali to remove traces of oil and grease and by subsequent flushing to remove debris.

However, with the great increase in heat transfer ratings in recent years, it is shown that deposits a few thousandths of an inch in thickness can cause high internal tube temperatures which in turn can lead to corrosion of the tube metal.

It is therefore obvious that the feed water quality must be very high and that it must be treated to maintain correct conditions in the heat exchanger. It is also essential to ensure that the plant enters service in a meticulously clean condition with the minimum layer of magnetite on the heating surfaces to ensure freedom from attack.

The method which would be adopted at the present time to acid clean a new boiler is summarized together with precautions which should be taken. In addition, the necessity for laboratory trials before acid cleaning heat exchangers containing exotic materials is emphasized.
Paper 3: Nuclear Wet-Steam Turbines
Authors: Harris F. R.
Published: June 2010

Turbines which operate on steam initially slightly wet are required by several varieties of nuclear reactor at present in service. Such turbines differ substantially from conventional fossil-fuel turbines and special measures are necessary to avoid erosive damage and to achieve reasonable efficiency. Water separation by various methods during the expansion is universal, and steam-to-steam reheat is common. Some reactors produce radioactive steam with a high oxygen content, requiring further precautions. Examples are given of wet-steam turbines already in service, and under construction, and estimates are made of the limiting ratings that can at present be contemplated.
Paper 4: Progress in Quality Control and Some Aspects of the Quality-Control Problem
Authors: Kerr C. P.
Published: June 2010

The paper begins by quoting some fundamental definitions in quality control. Changes are then noted in some of the basic B.S. specifications applied in boilermaking. Co-operation between C.E.G.B. and boilermakers in producing detailed specifications is outlined and also progress by the boilermakers in establishing improved quality control organizations. Brief reference is made to an economic balance between the possible cost of service failure in boiler plant and the amount of non-destructive testing imposed during construction; a case for 100 per cent testing is also advanced. In conclusion the review suggests that, as a result of the actions outlined, a basis has been laid for notable achievements in plant reliability.
Paper 6: Design Features in Conventional Boiler Plant for the 1970s
Authors: Bagley R.
Published: June 2010

This paper refers specially to current and future possible developments in the design of conventional steam plant in Britain. Trends in unit size and choice of steam cycles are discussed, and a comparison of generating costs with nuclear, oil, coal, and gas fuels is made.

The design of these large units involves the parallel development of fuel-firing equipment which must be closely integrated with the design of the whole plant. The mills being supplied to plants which will be commissioned in the early 1970s are described, with reference to possible future development. Developments in oil and gas burners for large steam generators are outlined.

Significant features of boiler designs for the 1970s are summarized. Welded-wall construction for drum-type and once-through steam generators, superheater and reheater designs, and auxiliary plant developments are discussed.

The application of automatic starting and shutdown to new boiler plants is reviewed and comment is made on future development. The possible introduction of combined gas and steam cycles, and the effect on the design of the steam plant, is considered. The paper also describes typical designs for steam-generating plant of 250 MW and 660 MW capacity.
Paper 7: Design of a Range of Condensing Steam Turbines for the Petrochemical Industry
Authors: Whitehouse D. , Schoenmakers A. J. A. , Goldsmith T. J.
Published: June 2010

To meet the requirements of the industry for condensing turbines capable of high speeds, the turbines need to be specifically designed for the purpose. The authors deal with straight condensing turbines, and show the powers, speeds, and steam conditions which are required. A range of turbines is set down covering speeds up to 20 000 rev/min and powers up to 15 000 hp.

A 12 000 rev/min turbine is illustrated, and some design aspects are discussed in more detail. Particular reference is made to the design of the h.p. and l.p. blading, the rotor system, and the governor system.
Paper 9: Boilers for Nuclear Plant
Authors: Holmes R. L. , Southwood J. R. M. , Whitehouse P. R.
Published: June 2010

This paper traces the development of heat exchangers for gas-cooled reactors, indicating the influence that the reactor design has had on the Magnox system and, more recently, on the reactors of the advanced gas-cooled type. It also discusses the possible line of development of boilers for the proposed High-Temperature Reactor which is the logical development of the present A.G.R. system.

This survey highlights particular problems such as the choice of tube surface and the preferred method of fabricating individual units, i.e. whether boilers should be contained in separate pods within the reactor vessel or in a single compartment around the core. Other items discussed are the choice of tube material for the developing gas conditions, the problem of control in once-through systems, and the problem of operation with varying load conditions which will arise when the installed nuclear capacity exceeds the base load. Reference is also made to the degree to which boiler units of the above type can be fabricated in other countries.
Paper 10: Commissioning of Power Plant
Authors: Hernen B.
Published: June 2010

This paper discusses some of the major organizational and technical problems encountered in commissioning modern power plant. The way in which these problems were approached at the 2000-MW Fawley Power Station are discussed.

The author advances the view that the advent of complex and high capital cost plant necessitates the development of commissioning expertise as a specialized branch of engineering on an equivalent basis to the related skills of design, construction, and operation.

The adoption of this further specialization requires careful integration with the other project functions and one way of achieving this is outlined.

Most plant items are first subjected to their designed operating conditions when a unit is initially operated at its rated load. Failures of components at this time can impose heavy revenue losses on the operator, and it is therefore advisable to subject components to their designed operating conditions before a unit is put on load. This procedure enables repairs or modifications to be carried out before components are required for service.

Commissioning of computer control equipment can be integrated with other commissioning activities, but a logical sequence must be employed. Techniques used at Fawley are outlined.
Journal Bearings without Circumferential Symmetry under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Lloyd T. , McCallion H.
Published: June 2010

Since the advent of computers, considerable work has been done on the analysis of journal bearings under dynamic loading. Most of this work has been restricted to bearings with circumferential symmetry, since departure from this assumption increases the computation time very severely. Fortunately, this assumption satisfies most of the cases encountered in practice in the field of reciprocating machines, where the majority of bearings have centre circumferential grooves or oil holes in their lightly loaded regions. However, bearings have been proposed with circumferential grooves over part of the circumference and it has previously been difficult to evaluate such designs.

This paper describes a new computer programme which takes advantage of the experience gained in earlier work to analyse the performance of journal bearings without circumferential symmetry under dynamic loading. A practical diesel engine design is evaluated and the results are presented. It is found that the programme requires a 40-fold increase in computing time and therefore cannot be economically used as a routine design tool. However, it is shown that the simpler programme, which assumes circumferential symmetry, may be used to put bounds on the performance of such bearings.
Distortion of a Squeeze Film Bearing
Authors: Brighton D. K. , Hooke C. J. , O'Donoghue J. P.
Published: June 2010

The paper shows theoretically the influence of elastic deformation of a long bearing on the squeeze action of a full oil-lubricated journal bearing. Thick liners and those with a thickness radius ratio of 0–2 (Poisson's ratio of 0–4) are considered at constant load. For a given dimensionless load value a decrease in the peak pressure is predicted, together with increases in the eccentricity ratio and minimum film thickness. The time to squeeze from the centre of the bearing to a given film thickness is also increased.

Next, a thick bearing and shaft, or bearing alone, are considered at constant squeeze rate, and at a given value of dimensionless load a decrease in peak pressure, an increase in eccentricity ratio, and an unaltered value of minimum film thickness are predicted.
Changes in Surface Topography with Running-In
Authors: Østvik R. , Christensen H.
Published: June 2010

The paper will describe the results of an experimental study of changes in surface roughness and contact conditions as running-in and wear take place. Line contacts under conditions of mixed lubrication in both sliding and sliding with rolling have been studied.
Performance of Oscillating Bearings
Authors: Jakobsen K. , Christensen H.
Published: June 2010

Some experimental performance data for plain radial oscillating bearings are presented. In particular their run-in characteristics, friction loss, thermal instability, and wear are considered. The work is part of an investigation of crosshead bearings in large two-stroke marine diesel engines.
Relationships between the Wear of Polymers and their Mechanical Properties
Authors: Lancaster J. K.
Published: June 2010

The influence of some mechanical properties of polymers—hardness, elastic modulus, breaking strength and elongation to break—on their wear rates against a metal counterface has been determined at various temperatures. Many polymers exhibit a minimum wear rate at a particular temperature. The relative proportion of plastic to elastic deformation, characterized by the ratio of hardness to elastic modulus, is almost independent of temperature for most polymers. Variations in this ratio are therefore insufficient to explain the observed changes in wear rate. In contrast, the product of the breaking strength S and the elongation to break is a very significant parameter. In conditions of abrasive wear, there is an approximately linear relationship between the room temperature values of 1/ Sε for a large number of polymers and their wear rates. In steady-state sliding conditions, however, this relationship no longer applies because of the complicating effects of transfer of polymer to the counterface.
An Experimental Study of the Apparent Area of Contact under Nominally Hertzian Contact of Rough Surfaces
Authors: Refaie M. El , Halling J.
Published: June 2010

For bodies in contact it is usual to assume that the real area of contact is proportional to the applied normal load. For Hertzian type contacts the apparent area of contact is also dependent on load. Thus, in contacts of the latter kind the divergence of the apparent contact area from the classical Hertzian predictions leads to further understanding of the actual nature of contact of rough surfaces. In the work reported in this paper, results are presented for experimentally determined values of the apparent contact size in Hertzian conditions over a wide range of applied load. It is demonstrated that the Hertzian values are generally valid at higher loads, provided bulk plastic yielding does not occur. At lower loads the size of the contact zone is greater than that predicted by Hertz, the discrepancy being greater for rough surfaces and the contact being almost independent of the normal load. This confirms the general theoretical prediction for the contact of rough surfaces. The results of such a study, therefore, demonstrate the regime in which the usual Hertzian analysis is valid for defining the apparent contact size. Nonetheless, even where agreement exists, the actual contacts occur only over a discrete population of the surface asperities.

The effect of ball size is also shown to be of reducing significance in defining the contact size at small loads, again justifying the basic theoretical arguments. At higher loads it is found that the Hertz solution is substantially valid even where a marked geometric conformity exists between the ball and its track.
An Experimental Study of the Thermal Aspects of Sliding Contacts and Their Relation to the Unlubricated Wear of Steel
Authors: Quinn T. F. J.
Published: June 2010

Experiments are described in which low-alloy, medium-carbon steel (AISI 4340) pins were slid against discs of the same material under various loads, at a speed of 625 cm/s. The bulk temperatures of the pins and discs were measured continuously, as also were the frictional forces and the volumes of wear. Similar experiments were also carried out, at a much lower speed (about 5 cm/s), in which the bulk temperatures of the specimens were due almost entirely to externally supplied heat. As far as possible, the bulk temperatures, and the corresponding loads, were maintained at the same values as for the initial, frictionally heated, experiments. The wear debris produced during both sets of experiments was examined by X-ray diffraction in order to identify the various components and to analyse their relative proportions. The variation of the proportions of α-iron, rhombohedral oxide, and spinel oxide with measured bulk pin temperature was used to give an estimate of the temperatures occurring in the regions of true contact. This estimate was approximately of the same magnitude as those temperatures measured in recent dynamic thermocouple experiments.

The wear results are discussed in terms of oxidation of the real areas of contact at the temperatures indicated by the proportional analysis of the wear debris. It is shown that reasonable values of the activation energy can be obtained from a direct comparison between frictionally heated and externally heated experiments carried out under the same load and the same bulk temperatures. It is concluded that the contact temperature is the factor governing the wear behaviour of steels rather than the ambient temperature of the whole surface.
Design of Inherently Stable Hydrostatic Bearings
Authors: O'Donoghue J. P. , Hooke C. J.
Published: June 2010

Inherently stable bearings have an adequate stiffness because of the pad geometry and therefore require no external control device such as a capillary or orifice flow restrictor. This results in a more economical bearing with less danger of failure due to blockage by dirt in small bore fluid passages. Previous papers have demonstrated three types of suitable bearing pad: the step bearing, the tapered land bearing, and the grooved bearing. This paper gives a comparison between conventional bearings and inherently stable bearings, together with the design data necessary to evaluate the performance of the latter.
The Role of Oleophilic Surface in Lubrication
Authors: Groszek A. J.
Published: June 2010

Surfaces of MoS2 and graphite are composed of ‘oleophilic’ regions, which have a strong affinity for long-chain normal hydrocarbons, and polar regions. The oleophilic regions adsorb hydrocarbons in preference to polar compounds, such as water and alcohols. Conversely, water and alcohols easily displace hydrocarbons adsorbed in the polar sites.

A study of MoS2 and graphite having different proportions of oleophilic and polar sites shows that the lubricating effectiveness of these solids increases with the proportion of oleophilic sites on their surfaces. For MoS2 the sites consist of regularly disposed sulphur atoms in the basal planes of individual crystallites, and it is postulated that they can become chemically bonded to steel surfaces. When one basal plane side of a MoS2 crystallite is bonded to the steel surface, the other side presents an oleophilic surface to the surroundings, which has a low surface energy and high affinity for mineral oils. The oleophilic ‘sites’ produced in this way on the metal surface are believed to be instrumental in increasing the load-carrying capacity of the steel surfaces in sliding and rolling contact, especially in the presence of mineral oils.
Paper 6: Fuel Feed Pumps and Filters for Low-Pressure Fuel Supply
Authors: Clarke F. W.
Published: June 2010

The main essentials of power units and their accessories have not changed significantly over the last 40 years, and fuel feed pumps come into this category. The basic requirements are well established, but there has been a continual striving for improved performance and strenuous efforts to reduce costs in order to meet the vehicle manufacturers' demands.

The author has endeavoured to indicate the trends in developments of the various types of fuel pumps, mechanical and electrical, with particular reference to application and performance for petrol and diesel equipment. The importance of correct installation is related to performance and reliability; design materials are discussed, particularly in relation to the influence of fuels and temperature and the need to meet the demands of modern high-output engines.

Mention is made of the relationship of fuel feed systems to safety and evaporative emission control and the special requirements of fuel injection installations. The need for efficient fuel filtration is discussed and the application and design details of filters are outlined.
Paper 13: Developments in Starter Motor Application to Diesel Engines
Authors: Hutcheon K. F. , Marks R. L.
Published: June 2010

The greater precision required today, for technical and economic reasons, in the application of starter motors to diesel engines has prompted a closer examination of the factors involved in effective cranking. The results, when taken in conjunction with recent trends in engine design, suggest that some detailed changes may become necessary in the design and application of starter motors.
Paper 15: Recent Research and Development in Truck Engine Cooling
Authors: Taylor S. R. G.
Published: June 2010

To improve economically the cooling performance of trucks an analytical approach was used to assist development. The component tests undertaken included the complete net pressure and power characteristics of two engine water pumps and four engine fans, the heat transfer and pressure drop performances over appropriate flow ranges of some 14 radiators, the additional resistance to air flow offered by two noise shields, and studies of the effects of pump speed, coolant temperature, system pressure, thermostat resistance, and by-pass resistance on radiator water flow with three different engines. The apparatus and methods used for each type of test are outlined.

Using the above and other existing data, cooling performance was predicted for some 80 different configurations and conditions, and fan power consumption was predicted for several of these. These results enabled component design and manufacturing problems to be identified and the selection of the most promising configurations for actual development testing. The agreement between the predicted and actual cooling performances is discussed. The use of computer programmes in component testing and analytical prediction is mentioned, and various possible developments in future cooling systems of still higher performance are discussed.
Paper 4: Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
Authors: Godfrey J. W.
Published: June 2010

The primary objective of this paper is to describe the arrangement, operation, and features of the present-day General Motors heaters and air conditioners which have achieved a high degree of customer acceptance. The discussion will be limited to General Motors systems, and to equipment of past and present production. A brief historical review will be provided to show some of the highlights of the heating and air conditioning development, leading up to the present mixed-air heaters and the ‘Four-Seasons’ air conditioners. The basic design and advantages of automatic control systems will be described, and, finally, a look at some of the production components of a ‘Four-Seasons’ air conditioner.
Paper 17: Power Take-off Systems
Authors: Shaw F.
Published: June 2010

This paper deals with power take-off systems, but not with design details of the units being driven, or of the take-off mechanisms. Shaft stresses, gear teeth, and bearing selection are covered in existing literature, and handbooks issued by various authorities give the established standards for coupling and aperture dimensions. The paper gives information about the least well-known systems, and some of the major problems are highlighted.
Paper 1: Component Failures in Generating Plant
Authors: Weeks R. J. , Hodges N. W.
Published: June 2010

The availability of his plant is of prime interest to an operator; in general, this will be governed by the net effect of individual component reliabilities. As the number of components incorporated in a plant increases, there is a tendency for the availability to drop, and thus simplicity in design is frequently favoured. This paper will, however, be principally concerned with the complementary factor, namely the causes of failure or unreliability in individual components.

Components normally fail through some deficiency in the design of the plant or component, in the manufacture and erection stages, or due to operation. These ‘time’ bands, to which the root cause of an individual failure may be attributed, also indicate the general nature of the actions to be taken to prevent a recurrence of the fault.

The authors have drawn upon their experience as the operators of power plant and find that the ‘time’ bands can be further subdivided into various categories of failure cause. For example, design-stage faults may be due to environmental factors not taken into account, and perhaps unknown to the designer, or they may be due to the use of components unsuitable for the job specified. These various categories are considered and will be illustrated by examples taken from the authors' experiences.

The implications of the various categories of failure on plant maintenance and operation will also be discussed.
Paper 2: Safety and Failure Analysis of Large Diesel Engine Pistons
Authors: White D. J. , Enderby L. R.
Published: June 2010

This paper describes investigations that were undertaken to identify the reasons for fatigue failures in cast iron and aluminium pistons of large diesel engines. The work involved experimental and theoretical stress analyses, and fatigue tests were made on specimens cut from actual pistons. It was found that four pistons which suffered fatigue failures had safety factors of 0·60, 0·68, 0·94, and 0·96, while three modified designs which performed satisfactorily were assessed to have safety factors of 1·1, 1·24, and 1·57. Special attention is drawn to the method of fatigue testing in which features typical of the piston are retained.

While it is considered prudent to design for safety factors substantially in excess of unity, the results presented should promote confidence that this approach to the design of components is valid not only in this case but more generally.
Paper 5: Non-Destructive Testing Techniques and Their Relationship to Design Problems
Authors: Birchon D.
Published: June 2010

The range and sophistication of non-destructive testing techniques now available is capable, with a few exceptions, of finding defects far smaller than those which need to be eliminated from a structure if it is to perform its function satisfactorily. Nevertheless, some unacceptable defects do slip through the present nondestructive testing processes, and these errors must be prevented. One of the principal causes of unnecessary ambiguity and expense in non-destructive testing arises from the sophistication of some of the NDT techniques available today. As a result, the reaction of engineers to non-destructive testing techniques varies between the extremes of blissful confidence in their efficacy, and wary (or even ‘weary’) concern over their uncertainties, limitations, and cost.

This unfortunate situation has arisen just at a time when our increasing precision in non-destructive testing techniques, and our better knowledge of material characteristics and sophistication of design procedures, should enable the gap between non-destructive testing and engineering design to be closed. This paper will therefore argue the case for a simple, formalized method of validating non-destructive testing in a way which, it is hoped, can help to rationalize and integrate some of the factors involved in the difficult compromise which lies at the heart of engineering design.
Paper 10: Basic Design—Design for Safety
Authors: Wilks P. M. , Shaw F.
Published: June 2010

To consider the basis of incorporating safety and reliability into design, it is necessary to understand the design function. We must think in terms of a complete activity, not one concerned only with the safety of automobiles. This is the narrow, present-day popular aspect of safety. It is equally important that safety and reliability shall be of vital concern whether the article being designed is a can-opener or a battleship; both are for the use of people, who must have neither their lives nor their comforts jeopardized by a careless fundamental approach.

Good basic design depends on a sound knowledge of the engineering principles, and a clear picture of all available data and facts about the case being considered. It is essential that design begins by giving engineers training in basic principles, and making quite certain that they are able to get at all the relevant facts and knowledge which gives a background to the correct approach. They must also be freely advised of any new methods which may influence the thinking process.

The next important aspect of safety and reliability in design is prediction. Without the ability and knowledge to predict how a part will function in practice, even moderately good design is impossible.
Paper 17: Diagnosis of Service Failures
Authors: Field J. E. , Scott D.
Published: June 2010

The importance of correct diagnosis is explained, and reasons given why primary failure may have to be isolated from secondary damage. The importance of prior information on design, manufacture, and service conditions is discussed, and also how much information is often yielded from a close inspection of the failed components, by eye and with the aid of optical and electron microscopes. The need for careful cleaning of fracture surfaces is stressed. Cases when metallographical investigation, mechanical tests, and chemical analysis may be required are considered, and occasions when crack detection techniques may be useful. Types of failure are listed, with causes and examples. As prevention is better than cure, inspection techniques useful in the diagnosis of impending failure are described.
Paper 18: Management Influence—Economics of Failure
Authors: Weinberg S.
Published: June 2010

This paper discusses the benefits to be gained from the use of quality and reliability techniques in industry. The disadvantages that may result through an improper administration or complete neglect of reliability methods are also mentioned. The paper finally reviews industrial economic policy in its relation to production methods and customer satisfaction, and suggests that adequate quality and reliability specifications can prove beneficial to all concerned.
Paper 20: Methodic Investigation of Failures
Authors: Meyer M. L.
Published: June 2010

Steps in failure investigations are enumerated in a systematic sequence for the benefit of engineers having to conduct failure investigations without the benefit of expert specialist advice or of long personal experience. The generalized systematic approach described stems from accounts of special investigations given in literature or communicated by specialists in various fields on post-experience courses held in the last eight years on the subject of ‘Analysis of failures of machines and structures’.
Paper 22: Some Causes of Fatigue Failures in Service
Authors: Smedley G. P.
Published: June 2010

The greater proportion of fractures of engineering components in service display evidence of fatigue crack propagation. Although the fractures are referred to as fatigue failures, it is shown by example that the true causes are: (1) neglect of cyclic service loading; (2) resonant vibrations; (3) increase in service cyclic loadings due to wear or maloperation; (4) material defect; (5) sharp notches; (6) welds and unsound surface deposits; and (7) corrosion or fretting fatigue.

Many breakdowns caused by failures involving one or more of these causes could have been avoided at the design stage or during manufacture, operation, or repair of the affected parts.
Paper 28: The Role of Managerial Practice and Analytical Method in the Reduction of Defect and Failure Losses
Authors: Truscott W. T.
Published: June 2010

The level of continuing financial losses due to defects and failures is often dependent to a large extent on the tolerance level of management and the degree of technical competence shown in dealing with large numbers of singularly trivial, but collectively significant, faults to good effect. Some practices for the manager and analytical techniques for the engineer which have been successful in reducing such faults on a wide range of industrial product are reviewed.
Paper 32: Things Going Wrong
Authors: Roberts Miss E.
Published: June 2010

The author defines quality and enlarges on the necessity of both quality and reliability from the consumer's point of view. She gives examples of ( a) their failure and of how this affects the consumer, ( b) the experience of Which? when testing new products in the laboratory, and ( c) surveys carried out by Which? on their members' experiences in this field. The paper mentions the comparatively frequent appearances on the market of new models of major consumer durables, and the manufacturers' apparent belief that customers will not pay a higher price for quality and quality control schemes. The use by some manufacturers of their unknowing customers as test engineers on new products is also discussed. The paper concludes with the reactions of the consumer organizations to sample differences and how the consumer should be protected against defective samples, both by the manufacturers and by the law.
Gravity Flow of Solids down Vertical Pipes
Authors: McDougall I. R.
Published: June 2010

Only a small amount of literature has been published on the gravity flow of particulate solids down pipes. Earlier work showed that in such conditions considerable volumes of air could be entrained with the solids, often resulting in considerable air-pressure difference across the ends of the pipe.

A model is developed which makes possible prediction of the pressure differences for known flow rates from system parameters. Considering the rather large number of basic assumptions required and the paucity of experimental data, the agreement between theory and practice is fairly good. The model, however, throws little light on the problem of predicting solids flow rates, emphasizing that further work, both theoretical and experimental, is needed.
Boiling Flow Instabilities in Parallel Channels
Authors: Veziroglu T. N. , Lee S. S.
Published: June 2010

The instabilities in a two-parallel-channel forced-convection boiling upward flow system have been investigated using Freon-11 as the test fluid. Two major modes of oscillation, similar to those encountered in single-channel boiling flows, have been identified. The first, the density-wave mode, occurs with relatively high exit vapour fractions for one or both of the channels, and also when the working fluid is completely evaporated and superheated. The second, the pressure-drop mode, occurs when the pressure drop across the test section decreases with increasing flow rate and the exit vapour fraction for one of the channels is low. Whenever both of the criteria are met, the two modes of oscillation are found to be superimposed on each other. The system could be stabilized by introducing pressure drop(s) at heater inlet(s) of either channel or both channels. An analytical study has been made of the pressure-drop oscillations by linearizing the governing equations and using Routh's criterion. The conditions for occurrence of these oscillations are predicted by the theoretical analysis.
Speed of Sound in Bubbly Liquids
Authors: McWilliam D. , Duggins R. K.
Published: June 2010

The variations of density and sonic velocity with gas content have been calculated for a liquid containing gas bubbles. Taking liquid compressibility and surface tension into account, the effects of pressure and bubble size have been assessed. Particular attention has been focused on air-water mixtures, and very good agreement has been obtained with the limited amount of experimental data available.