In modern reciprocating engine design (say, your typical V6 engine) you can expect no more than 35% efficiency - while in the real world it is much lower than this. That is to say, with the potential energy contained in gas or diesel, 35% is converted into kinetic energy while the rest is lost as heat out of the exhaust and radiator. Alas! You mix water in the process. The water evaporates as the fuel burns, absorbing most of the heat expended by the gas or diesel and expands greatly in the process - giving you more of what you want, kinetic energy.
I know we use to do this in the past - especially with our fighters in World War II - but not anymore. Why oh why?
I know we use to do this in the past - especially with our fighters in World War II - but not anymore. Why oh why?