This thesis is a feasibility study of using a steam power system in a small garden tractor. The relative advantages of steam power are discussed and compared with the characteristics of internal combustion engines. A monotube boiler is designed where steam is generated in stacked tube spirals. The boiler generates 225 lbs/hr of dry saturated steam at 500 psia, which corresponds to an engine output of 20 IHpage A rotary positive displacement engine is employed to expand the steam to 16 psia. A rotor instead of a piston eliminates the conventional connecting rod and crank shaft. The engine developes 15 IHP at 1000 r.p.m. and can produce 20 IHP continuously at maximum boiler capacity. An air cooled condenser is designed to condense all the steam produced at maximum boiler generating capacity. An inexpensive V-belt and pulley power system (which eliminates the need for a conventional sliding gear or hydraulic transmission) is described. An arrangement of components is specified such that the dimensions of the tractor are similar to those of a typical 12 HP garden tractor. Construction of a prototype tractor is recommended on the basis of this study --Abstract, page ii
