Transport is fundamental for today's lifestyles. Speed andreliability demand powered propulsion, which is why suitable fuelsare so vital. This volume contains preliminary reviews of the basicsciences, followed by in-depth discussions of the sources,processing, properties, handling, combustion performance, andemissions of both conventional and alternative fuel types. Itconcludes with a reasoned assessment of transport prospects for thefuture.

8 Chapters Cover:

Hydrocarbon Chemistry--outlines the configurations of thevarious groups of hydrocarbon molecules, illustrating thestructural bonding involved and demonstrating the influence ofthese factors on fuel properties and reactions.

Engineering Thermodynamics--details the construction ofcyclic processes that can be followed by gases in order to acceptheat and then convert a substantial proportion of it to mechanicalwork.

Combustion Principles--examines the principlesunderpinning combustion processes and the concept offlammability.

Conventional Fuels--discusses conventional fuels such asgasoline for spark-ignition piston engines; kerosine for gasturbine engines in large aircraft; gas oil for high-speedcompression ignition piston engines; diesel fuel and residual fuelfor low-speed compression-ignition engines in ships and for thegeneration of electrical power; and coal in regard to its use inpower stations and its potential for conversion to liquids.

Combustion Performance--draws together the main featuresof the first three basic chapters by illustrating the combustionperformance of fuels burnt in heat engines.

Alternative Fuels--examines the remaining lifetimes ofthe major hydrocarbon sources, such as petroleum, natural gas andcoal. It also outlines the manufacture, properties, and performanceof various alternative fuels.

Overview of Conventional Fuels--provides a review of theconventional fuels used in various sectors of light vehicletransport, motor racing, aerospace, fleet operation and railtransport, and the marine world.

Global Issues Affecting Transport--presents methods ofenergy prediction that reflect the dynamics of global supply andthe influence of new technologies.