New Line in Oil-engine Research
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WITH the object of carrying out research work in connection with oilengined vehicles in the Commonwealth, the Australian Shell Co. has recently had built a special research vehicle, similar to its petrol research lorry. This new machine enables scientific comparisons to be made of fuels and lubricating oils and all phases of engine performance under widely varying conditions.
It is unique in Australia and has recently commenced an extensive tour of country centres to conduct research, and in order that questions raised by operators interested in oilers may be dealt with. Based on an Albion Valiant chassis, the research vehicle will be used largely for fuel-delivery work and the data obtained by its observers will be used by the cora
pany's chemists continually to improve Shell oil fuel and lubricating oils.
Behind the driver's cab there is a large observation cabin, fitted with a • wide range of instruments, including a Tapley gradient and performance meter, from which the vehicle's acceleration and the braking efficiency can be calculated. A combined barometer and altimeter shows the effect of barometric pressure and high altitudes on performance. From the use of pyrometers the effects of operating under varying temperatures can be determined.
In addition, there is a device which enables the observer to switch over to different fuels, without the knowledge of the driver, for purposes of comparison.