| Abstract | In a renewed search for original subjects of future research in mechanical engineering, the scientific staff of the Laboratory met recently to discuss possible projects for suggestion to the Director. The consensus of opinion, predictably enough, was that the suggested projects should have a Canadian application and be related to engines. Out of a wide list of varied suggestions, six projects appeared to meet the above conditions.The most favoured idea was the development of a very small gas turbine engine. In some brief preliminary inquiries it was soon established that there may indeed be a demand for such an engine in Canada, let alone outside it. Thus the Forestry Branch of the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources clearly indicated an interest in a lightweight 10 hp. engine for driving a water pump, which could be carried as an outfit on a man’s back in fighting forest fires. This opened up further possibilities of use in regions of remoteness or difficult access, where the particular property of gas turbine engines, their lightness, could be of great advantage. Applications to other pumping duties, electric generating sets, power chain saws, outboard motors, etc., were visualized. It appeared, therefore, that aside from future unforeseen applications, the proposed development could fulfil a present need in Canada. |
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