Alternative Engines—Curiosities or Competitors?

Abstract

This paper describes different types of engine used for transportation purposes. Some of the more interesting developments in spark ignition and diesel engines are outlined, but the paper is mainly a review of some of the alternative power plants that have been studied over the past 40 years. These include vapour cycle engines, free-piston engines, compound engines, Stirling engines, gas turbines, stratified charge engines, the catalytic engine, rotary engines and two-stroke spark ignition engines. The paper concludes by discussing possible future developments for some of these alternative engines.