2. Performance Charts and Their Significance

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the fuel-to-air ratio?

   Hint

   Think about what is needed for combustion to occur effectively.

2. 2.

   Define usable power.

   Hint

   Consider the environmental factors that might hinder this power.

3. 3.

   Which factor significantly affects combustion in engines at higher altitudes?

   • Increase in temperature
   • Decrease in air density
   • Increase in pressure

   Hint

   What changes happen in the air as you go higher?

4. 4.

   Performance charts are primarily used for which purpose?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Do they help engineers make better decisions about machines?

5. 5.

   A construction project sits at an elevation of 8,000 feet. How would you calculate the necessary adjustments to machinery performance in terms of usable power?

   Hint

   Consider how atmospheric changes relate to power capabilities.

6. 6.

   You have a performance chart that shows an engine can produce 200 horsepower at sea level. At an altitude of 6,000 feet, the same engine is projected to produce only 150 horsepower. How would this influence your choice of machinery for a heavy-hauling project?

   Hint

   Factor in potential increases in rolling resistance at altitude.