Fascinating read, somewhat esoteric leading to ethereal. Published in the Hartford Steam Boiler's "The Locomotive" in 1905 referencing the Brockton explosion.
Brockton Story
Rankine and Carnot are referenced. Hard to argue with those guys (even if they weren't dead).
Final conclusion:
"The result so obtained is 568,643,000 foot-pounds. The boiler and its contents (when filled with water up to the normal level) weighed approximately 30,000 pounds. Hence we see that the maximum mechanical energy that could be developed from the heat that the boiler contained would, if it were applied properly and efficiently, be sufficient to raise the boiler and its contents to a height of 568,643,000 รท 30,000 = 18,954 feet, or over three miles and a half."
