Robert F. Bourque, Ph. D., P.E.
Bourque Engineering LLC
Los Alamos, New Mexico USA
bob@rfbourque.net
505-412-0194

The Bourque Steam Engine

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Chapter

Title

1

Background

2

Motivations For This Engine

3

Requirements and Constraints

4

Progress

5

Prototype Development

6

Description of the Bourque Cycle

7

Features of the Cycle

8

The Complexity Issue

9

Fuel Requirements

10

First Example Engine in a Vehicle

11

Description of the Expander

12

Expander Hot Cylinder Lubrication

13

Expander Piston Structural Analysis

14

Two More Engine and Vehicle Examples

15

Other Engine Components

16

Materials

17

Safety

18

Water Freezing

19

Control System

20

Starting Time

21

Summary

 

Acknowledgments

 

Some Unit Conversions

 

Notes and References

A Compact Pollution-Free
External Combustion Engine
with High Part-Load Efficiency

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Acknowledgments

It is a pleasure to acknowledge the following individuals for their technical support, encouragement, and assistance:

John Clarke, Chief Consulting Engineer (now retired) for the Caterpillar Engine Research Division, whose support coaxed me to revisit this engine after several years’ hiatus.

The late Roy Renner (see Ref. 4 below), who encouraged me at the very beginning.

Professor “Lou” London of Stanford University (see Ref. 26) who also provided early advice and encouragement.

Professor James Rizza of California State University at Fullerton, who collaborated with me on a Partially-Condensing Cycle, which preceded this engine.

Dr. Ken Schultz of General Atomics for his ongoing support over all these years.

Mr. Mark Bibeault of Los Alamos National Laboratory for graciously offering to read and critique this manuscript.

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