diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/compressibleMultiphaseInterFoam/multiphaseMixtureThermo/phaseModel/phaseModel.C b/applications/solvers/multiphase/compressibleMultiphaseInterFoam/multiphaseMixtureThermo/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
index ac37bac4ae..a59534e603 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/compressibleMultiphaseInterFoam/multiphaseMixtureThermo/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/compressibleMultiphaseInterFoam/multiphaseMixtureThermo/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ Foam::phaseModel::phaseModel
 Foam::autoPtr<Foam::phaseModel> Foam::phaseModel::clone() const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return autoPtr<phaseModel>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/interCondensatingEvaporatingFoam/temperaturePhaseChangeTwoPhaseMixtures/twoPhaseMixtureEThermo/twoPhaseMixtureEThermo.C b/applications/solvers/multiphase/interCondensatingEvaporatingFoam/temperaturePhaseChangeTwoPhaseMixtures/twoPhaseMixtureEThermo/twoPhaseMixtureEThermo.C
index 751df5fcb7..3cfbfe89ed 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/interCondensatingEvaporatingFoam/temperaturePhaseChangeTwoPhaseMixtures/twoPhaseMixtureEThermo/twoPhaseMixtureEThermo.C
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/interCondensatingEvaporatingFoam/temperaturePhaseChangeTwoPhaseMixtures/twoPhaseMixtureEThermo/twoPhaseMixtureEThermo.C
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::scalarField> Foam::twoPhaseMixtureEThermo::THE
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<Foam::scalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::scalarField> Foam::twoPhaseMixtureEThermo::THE
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<Foam::scalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -436,8 +436,8 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::scalarField> Foam::twoPhaseMixtureEThermo::Cpv
 
 Foam::tmp<Foam::volScalarField> Foam::twoPhaseMixtureEThermo::CpByCpv() const
 {
-     NotImplemented;
-     return tmp<Foam::volScalarField>();
+    NotImplemented;
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -448,8 +448,8 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::scalarField> Foam::twoPhaseMixtureEThermo::CpByCpv
     const label patchi
 ) const
 {
-     NotImplemented;
-     return tmp<Foam::scalarField>();
+    NotImplemented;
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/multiphaseEulerFoam/multiphaseSystem/phaseModel/phaseModel.C b/applications/solvers/multiphase/multiphaseEulerFoam/multiphaseSystem/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
index cc6790499f..9b66605cf8 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/multiphaseEulerFoam/multiphaseSystem/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/multiphaseEulerFoam/multiphaseSystem/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ Foam::phaseModel::~phaseModel()
 Foam::autoPtr<Foam::phaseModel> Foam::phaseModel::clone() const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return autoPtr<phaseModel>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/multiphaseInterFoam/multiphaseMixture/phase/phase.C b/applications/solvers/multiphase/multiphaseInterFoam/multiphaseMixture/phase/phase.C
index e14906619b..e7a5603c9f 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/multiphaseInterFoam/multiphaseMixture/phase/phase.C
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/multiphaseInterFoam/multiphaseMixture/phase/phase.C
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ Foam::phase::phase
 Foam::autoPtr<Foam::phase> Foam::phase::clone() const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return autoPtr<phase>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/IsothermalPhaseModel/IsothermalPhaseModel.C b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/IsothermalPhaseModel/IsothermalPhaseModel.C
index 95a9f0c38b..8677e02a47 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/IsothermalPhaseModel/IsothermalPhaseModel.C
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/IsothermalPhaseModel/IsothermalPhaseModel.C
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ template<class BasePhaseModel>
 Foam::tmp<Foam::fvScalarMatrix>
 Foam::IsothermalPhaseModel<BasePhaseModel>::heEqn()
 {
-    return tmp<fvScalarMatrix>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/MultiComponentPhaseModel/MultiComponentPhaseModel.C b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/MultiComponentPhaseModel/MultiComponentPhaseModel.C
index 171f2f3878..7547954fd5 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/MultiComponentPhaseModel/MultiComponentPhaseModel.C
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/MultiComponentPhaseModel/MultiComponentPhaseModel.C
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ Foam::MultiComponentPhaseModel<BasePhaseModel>::YiEqn
         )
     )
     {
-        return tmp<fvScalarMatrix>();
+        return nullptr;
     }
 
     const volScalarField& alpha = *this;
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/PurePhaseModel/PurePhaseModel.C b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/PurePhaseModel/PurePhaseModel.C
index 9d94f7627e..db8556d47d 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/PurePhaseModel/PurePhaseModel.C
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/PurePhaseModel/PurePhaseModel.C
@@ -57,8 +57,7 @@ Foam::PurePhaseModel<BasePhaseModel>::YiEqn
 )
 {
     NotImplemented;
-
-    return tmp<fvScalarMatrix>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/phaseModel/phaseModel.C b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
index 4d183cd0a2..68e85badef 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/phaseSystems/phaseModel/phaseModel/phaseModel.C
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ Foam::phaseModel::phaseModel
 Foam::autoPtr<Foam::phaseModel> Foam::phaseModel::clone() const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return autoPtr<phaseModel>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/reactingTwoPhaseEulerFoam/twoPhaseSystem/diameterModels/IATE/IATEsources/IATEsource/IATEsource.H b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/reactingTwoPhaseEulerFoam/twoPhaseSystem/diameterModels/IATE/IATEsources/IATEsource/IATEsource.H
index db917c4865..1e3b3f1f4c 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/reactingTwoPhaseEulerFoam/twoPhaseSystem/diameterModels/IATE/IATEsources/IATEsource/IATEsource.H
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/reactingEulerFoam/reactingTwoPhaseEulerFoam/twoPhaseSystem/diameterModels/IATE/IATEsources/IATEsource/IATEsource.H
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<IATEsource> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<IATEsource>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/solvers/multiphase/twoPhaseEulerFoam/twoPhaseSystem/diameterModels/IATE/IATEsources/IATEsource/IATEsource.H b/applications/solvers/multiphase/twoPhaseEulerFoam/twoPhaseSystem/diameterModels/IATE/IATEsources/IATEsource/IATEsource.H
index 29c150ce74..964df057ce 100644
--- a/applications/solvers/multiphase/twoPhaseEulerFoam/twoPhaseSystem/diameterModels/IATE/IATEsources/IATEsource/IATEsource.H
+++ b/applications/solvers/multiphase/twoPhaseEulerFoam/twoPhaseSystem/diameterModels/IATE/IATEsources/IATEsource/IATEsource.H
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<IATEsource> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<IATEsource>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/foamyMesh/conformalVoronoiMesh/DelaunayMesh/DistributedDelaunayMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/foamyMesh/conformalVoronoiMesh/DelaunayMesh/DistributedDelaunayMesh.C
index 620bd04dec..f6e6c75aba 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/foamyMesh/conformalVoronoiMesh/DelaunayMesh/DistributedDelaunayMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/foamyMesh/conformalVoronoiMesh/DelaunayMesh/DistributedDelaunayMesh.C
@@ -794,14 +794,12 @@ Foam::DistributedDelaunayMesh<Triangulation>::distribute
 {
     if (!Pstream::parRun())
     {
-        return autoPtr<mapDistribute>();
+        return nullptr;
     }
 
     distributeBoundBoxes(decomposition.procBounds());
 
-    autoPtr<mapDistribute> mapDist = decomposition.distributePoints(points);
-
-    return mapDist;
+    return decomposition.distributePoints(points);
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/foamyMesh/conformalVoronoiMesh/searchableSurfaceFeatures/searchableSurfaceFeatures.H b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/foamyMesh/conformalVoronoiMesh/searchableSurfaceFeatures/searchableSurfaceFeatures.H
index fe1c509207..f42e974f0a 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/foamyMesh/conformalVoronoiMesh/searchableSurfaceFeatures/searchableSurfaceFeatures.H
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/foamyMesh/conformalVoronoiMesh/searchableSurfaceFeatures/searchableSurfaceFeatures.H
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ public:
         virtual autoPtr<searchableSurfaceFeatures> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<searchableSurfaceFeatures>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ public:
         //- Return an extendedFeatureEdgeMesh containing the features
         virtual autoPtr<extendedFeatureEdgeMesh> features() const
         {
-            return autoPtr<extendedFeatureEdgeMesh>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 };
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/faceSelection.H b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/faceSelection.H
index b17f016212..04a95cf0ce 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/faceSelection.H
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/faceSelection.H
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<faceSelection> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<faceSelection>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/faceZoneSelection.H b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/faceZoneSelection.H
index 20e7f66fe5..ac19cf0ed7 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/faceZoneSelection.H
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/faceZoneSelection.H
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<faceSelection> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<faceSelection>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/searchableSurfaceSelection.H b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/searchableSurfaceSelection.H
index 8f934ae3c3..fb76b1c486 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/searchableSurfaceSelection.H
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/faceSelection/searchableSurfaceSelection.H
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<faceSelection> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<faceSelection>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructParMesh/reconstructParMesh.C b/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructParMesh/reconstructParMesh.C
index a61b582980..6c0c7b96cf 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructParMesh/reconstructParMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructParMesh/reconstructParMesh.C
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ autoPtr<mapPolyMesh> mergeSharedPoints
 
     if (returnReduce(pointToMaster.size(), sumOp<label>()) == 0)
     {
-        return autoPtr<mapPolyMesh>();
+        return nullptr;
     }
 
     polyTopoChange meshMod(mesh);
diff --git a/applications/utilities/postProcessing/lumped/lumpedPointForces/lumpedPointForces.C b/applications/utilities/postProcessing/lumped/lumpedPointForces/lumpedPointForces.C
index c45dce76ae..ac36be2058 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/postProcessing/lumped/lumpedPointForces/lumpedPointForces.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/postProcessing/lumped/lumpedPointForces/lumpedPointForces.C
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ autoPtr<GeoFieldType> loadField
         );
     }
 
-    return autoPtr<GeoFieldType>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/autoPatch.H b/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/autoPatch.H
index 40d23bbb96..e0457837f2 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/autoPatch.H
+++ b/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/autoPatch.H
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<searchableSurfaceModifier> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<searchableSurfaceModifier>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/cut.H b/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/cut.H
index 1024e5e44b..33620b8ecf 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/cut.H
+++ b/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/cut.H
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<searchableSurfaceModifier> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<searchableSurfaceModifier>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/searchableSurfaceModifier.H b/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/searchableSurfaceModifier.H
index 897bad68a0..a1877ebf9c 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/searchableSurfaceModifier.H
+++ b/applications/utilities/surface/surfacePatch/searchableSurfaceModifier/searchableSurfaceModifier.H
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<searchableSurfaceModifier> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<searchableSurfaceModifier>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/functionObjects/functionObject/functionObject.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/functionObjects/functionObject/functionObject.H
index 825b562af7..7150594c3d 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/functionObjects/functionObject/functionObject.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/functionObjects/functionObject/functionObject.H
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<functionObject> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<functionObject>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LUscalarMatrix/procLduInterface.H b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LUscalarMatrix/procLduInterface.H
index 56de4eb76a..cad2a86954 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LUscalarMatrix/procLduInterface.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LUscalarMatrix/procLduInterface.H
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<procLduInterface> clone()
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<procLduInterface>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         static autoPtr<procLduInterface> New(Istream& is)
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixPreconditioner.C b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixPreconditioner.C
index 468297c2a5..a0f4b9241f 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixPreconditioner.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixPreconditioner.C
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ Foam::LduMatrix<Type, DType, LUType>::preconditioner::New
            "no diagonal or off-diagonal coefficient"
         << exit(FatalIOError);
 
-    return autoPtr<typename LduMatrix<Type, DType, LUType>::preconditioner>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixSmoother.C b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixSmoother.C
index dd27fc51c2..a362e5f160 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixSmoother.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixSmoother.C
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ Foam::LduMatrix<Type, DType, LUType>::smoother::New
         << "cannot solve incomplete matrix, no off-diagonal coefficients"
         << exit(FatalIOError);
 
-    return autoPtr<typename LduMatrix<Type, DType, LUType>::smoother>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixSolver.C b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixSolver.C
index 626301066e..5324acef62 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixSolver.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/LduMatrix/LduMatrix/LduMatrixSolver.C
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ Foam::LduMatrix<Type, DType, LUType>::solver::New
            "no diagonal or off-diagonal coefficient"
         << exit(FatalIOError);
 
-    return autoPtr<typename LduMatrix<Type, DType, LUType>::solver>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixPreconditioner.C b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixPreconditioner.C
index 27f8c3687d..059721926d 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixPreconditioner.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixPreconditioner.C
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ Foam::lduMatrix::preconditioner::New
            "no diagonal or off-diagonal coefficient"
         << exit(FatalIOError);
 
-    return autoPtr<lduMatrix::preconditioner>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixSmoother.C b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixSmoother.C
index 731d4c89b3..03f62412c0 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixSmoother.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixSmoother.C
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ Foam::autoPtr<Foam::lduMatrix::smoother> Foam::lduMatrix::smoother::New
         "no diagonal or off-diagonal coefficient"
         << exit(FatalIOError);
 
-    return autoPtr<lduMatrix::smoother>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixSolver.C b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixSolver.C
index 4b0a2092ec..8629b76654 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixSolver.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixSolver.C
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ Foam::autoPtr<Foam::lduMatrix::solver> Foam::lduMatrix::solver::New
         "no diagonal or off-diagonal coefficient"
         << exit(FatalIOError);
 
-    return autoPtr<lduMatrix::solver>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixTemplates.C b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixTemplates.C
index 9f28ad17cd..0a132a2f23 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixTemplates.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/matrices/lduMatrix/lduMatrix/lduMatrixTemplates.C
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ Foam::lduMatrix::faceH(const Field<Type>& psi) const
            " the matrix does not have any off-diagonal coefficients."
         << exit(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<Field<Type>>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/polyMesh/polyMesh.C b/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/polyMesh/polyMesh.C
index 78d3ff5cdd..f66b48555f 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/polyMesh/polyMesh.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/meshes/polyMesh/polyMesh.C
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ Foam::autoPtr<Foam::labelIOList> Foam::polyMesh::readTetBasePtIs() const
         return autoPtr<labelIOList>::New(io);
     }
 
-    return autoPtr<labelIOList>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/functions/Function1/Function1/Function1.C b/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/functions/Function1/Function1/Function1.C
index 6d46ce921d..d03e6e8425 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/functions/Function1/Function1/Function1.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/primitives/functions/Function1/Function1/Function1.C
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::Field<Type>> Foam::Function1<Type>::value
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<Field<Type>>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::Field<Type>> Foam::Function1<Type>::integrate
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<Field<Type>>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/TurbulenceModels/schemes/DEShybrid/DEShybrid.H b/src/TurbulenceModels/schemes/DEShybrid/DEShybrid.H
index f1c8dfd599..645670e9bd 100644
--- a/src/TurbulenceModels/schemes/DEShybrid/DEShybrid.H
+++ b/src/TurbulenceModels/schemes/DEShybrid/DEShybrid.H
@@ -423,7 +423,7 @@ public:
                 << "Unable to retrieve turbulence model from the mesh "
                 << "database" << exit(FatalError);
 
-            return tmp<surfaceScalarField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
@@ -500,7 +500,7 @@ public:
                 return (bf*tScheme2_().correction(vf));
             }
 
-            return tmp<GeometricField<Type, fvsPatchField, surfaceMesh>>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 };
 
diff --git a/src/conversion/ccm/reader/ccmReaderMesh.C b/src/conversion/ccm/reader/ccmReaderMesh.C
index f7ea2947b5..3412fbc906 100644
--- a/src/conversion/ccm/reader/ccmReaderMesh.C
+++ b/src/conversion/ccm/reader/ccmReaderMesh.C
@@ -2591,7 +2591,7 @@ Foam::autoPtr<Foam::polyMesh> Foam::ccm::reader::mesh
 {
     if (!readGeometry())
     {
-        return autoPtr<polyMesh>();
+        return nullptr;
     }
 
     // merge cellTable and rename boundaryRegion
diff --git a/src/dynamicMesh/fvMeshDistribute/fvMeshDistribute.C b/src/dynamicMesh/fvMeshDistribute/fvMeshDistribute.C
index a2b245ebeb..cf502e92ad 100644
--- a/src/dynamicMesh/fvMeshDistribute/fvMeshDistribute.C
+++ b/src/dynamicMesh/fvMeshDistribute/fvMeshDistribute.C
@@ -704,7 +704,7 @@ Foam::autoPtr<Foam::mapPolyMesh> Foam::fvMeshDistribute::mergeSharedPoints
 
     if (returnReduce(pointToMaster.size(), sumOp<label>()) == 0)
     {
-        return autoPtr<mapPolyMesh>();
+        return nullptr;
     }
 
     polyTopoChange meshMod(mesh_);
diff --git a/src/dynamicMesh/meshCut/cellLooper/cellLooper.H b/src/dynamicMesh/meshCut/cellLooper/cellLooper.H
index 02ade8a438..c7f10685c4 100644
--- a/src/dynamicMesh/meshCut/cellLooper/cellLooper.H
+++ b/src/dynamicMesh/meshCut/cellLooper/cellLooper.H
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<cellLooper> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<cellLooper>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/dynamicMesh/motionSolvers/motionSolver/motionSolver.C b/src/dynamicMesh/motionSolvers/motionSolver/motionSolver.C
index 7efaf9cd5b..884736f729 100644
--- a/src/dynamicMesh/motionSolvers/motionSolver/motionSolver.C
+++ b/src/dynamicMesh/motionSolvers/motionSolver/motionSolver.C
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ Foam::motionSolver::motionSolver
 Foam::autoPtr<Foam::motionSolver> Foam::motionSolver::clone() const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return autoPtr<motionSolver>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/dynamicMesh/polyTopoChange/polyTopoChanger/polyTopoChanger.C b/src/dynamicMesh/polyTopoChange/polyTopoChanger/polyTopoChanger.C
index 2d9f9ecf55..b12cae508c 100644
--- a/src/dynamicMesh/polyTopoChange/polyTopoChanger/polyTopoChanger.C
+++ b/src/dynamicMesh/polyTopoChange/polyTopoChanger/polyTopoChanger.C
@@ -283,11 +283,9 @@ Foam::autoPtr<Foam::mapPolyMesh> Foam::polyTopoChanger::changeMesh
         mesh_.updateMesh(topoChangeMap());
         return topoChangeMap;
     }
-    else
-    {
-        mesh_.topoChanging(false);
-        return autoPtr<mapPolyMesh>();
-    }
+
+    mesh_.topoChanging(false);
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/finiteArea/finiteArea/lnGradSchemes/lnGradScheme/lnGradScheme.H b/src/finiteArea/finiteArea/lnGradSchemes/lnGradScheme/lnGradScheme.H
index be8e5b7e19..e009912728 100644
--- a/src/finiteArea/finiteArea/lnGradSchemes/lnGradScheme/lnGradScheme.H
+++ b/src/finiteArea/finiteArea/lnGradSchemes/lnGradScheme/lnGradScheme.H
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ public:
         virtual tmp<GeometricField<Type, faePatchField, edgeMesh>>
         correction(const GeometricField<Type, faPatchField, areaMesh>&) const
         {
-            return tmp<GeometricField<Type, faePatchField, edgeMesh>>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Return the lnGrad of the given cell field
diff --git a/src/finiteArea/interpolation/edgeInterpolation/edgeInterpolationScheme/edgeInterpolationScheme.H b/src/finiteArea/interpolation/edgeInterpolation/edgeInterpolationScheme/edgeInterpolationScheme.H
index fd2e8b8ff7..575bfb83f5 100644
--- a/src/finiteArea/interpolation/edgeInterpolation/edgeInterpolationScheme/edgeInterpolationScheme.H
+++ b/src/finiteArea/interpolation/edgeInterpolation/edgeInterpolationScheme/edgeInterpolationScheme.H
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ public:
         virtual tmp<GeometricField<Type, faePatchField, edgeMesh>>
         correction(const GeometricField<Type, faPatchField, areaMesh>&) const
         {
-            return tmp<GeometricField<Type, faePatchField, edgeMesh>>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Return the face-interpolate of the given cell field
diff --git a/src/finiteVolume/cfdTools/general/MRF/MRFZone.H b/src/finiteVolume/cfdTools/general/MRF/MRFZone.H
index 236bef7837..141c2efd5d 100644
--- a/src/finiteVolume/cfdTools/general/MRF/MRFZone.H
+++ b/src/finiteVolume/cfdTools/general/MRF/MRFZone.H
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<MRFZone> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<MRFZone>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/finiteVolume/cfdTools/general/fvOptions/fvOption.H b/src/finiteVolume/cfdTools/general/fvOptions/fvOption.H
index 45be00daa8..ac56c7d228 100644
--- a/src/finiteVolume/cfdTools/general/fvOptions/fvOption.H
+++ b/src/finiteVolume/cfdTools/general/fvOptions/fvOption.H
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<option> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<option>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Return pointer to new fvOption object created
diff --git a/src/finiteVolume/finiteVolume/ddtSchemes/CoEulerDdtScheme/CoEulerDdtScheme.C b/src/finiteVolume/finiteVolume/ddtSchemes/CoEulerDdtScheme/CoEulerDdtScheme.C
index 3b8d31be2d..1e8ce859f6 100644
--- a/src/finiteVolume/finiteVolume/ddtSchemes/CoEulerDdtScheme/CoEulerDdtScheme.C
+++ b/src/finiteVolume/finiteVolume/ddtSchemes/CoEulerDdtScheme/CoEulerDdtScheme.C
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ tmp<surfaceScalarField> CoEulerDdtScheme<Type>::CofrDeltaT() const
         << "Incorrect dimensions of phi: " << phi.dimensions()
         << abort(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<surfaceScalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/functionObjects/field/heatTransferCoeff/heatTransferCoeffModels/ReynoldsAnalogy/ReynoldsAnalogy.C b/src/functionObjects/field/heatTransferCoeff/heatTransferCoeffModels/ReynoldsAnalogy/ReynoldsAnalogy.C
index b6fcdc3137..b01313428b 100644
--- a/src/functionObjects/field/heatTransferCoeff/heatTransferCoeffModels/ReynoldsAnalogy/ReynoldsAnalogy.C
+++ b/src/functionObjects/field/heatTransferCoeff/heatTransferCoeffModels/ReynoldsAnalogy/ReynoldsAnalogy.C
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ Foam::heatTransferCoeffModels::ReynoldsAnalogy::rho(const label patchi) const
         << "Unable to set rho for patch " << patchi
         << exit(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<Field<scalar>>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ Foam::heatTransferCoeffModels::ReynoldsAnalogy::Cp(const label patchi) const
         << "Unable to set Cp for patch " << patchi
         << exit(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<Field<scalar>>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/functionObjects/solvers/energyTransport/energyTransport.C b/src/functionObjects/solvers/energyTransport/energyTransport.C
index 6562338cab..f5f5280301 100644
--- a/src/functionObjects/solvers/energyTransport/energyTransport.C
+++ b/src/functionObjects/solvers/energyTransport/energyTransport.C
@@ -105,7 +105,8 @@ Foam::functionObjects::energyTransport::kappaEff() const
 
     FatalErrorInFunction
         << "Turbulence model not found" << exit(FatalError);
-    return tmp<volScalarField>();
+
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/fvOptions/sources/derived/solidificationMeltingSource/solidificationMeltingSource.C b/src/fvOptions/sources/derived/solidificationMeltingSource/solidificationMeltingSource.C
index 6272af6db9..09d2fec8d1 100644
--- a/src/fvOptions/sources/derived/solidificationMeltingSource/solidificationMeltingSource.C
+++ b/src/fvOptions/sources/derived/solidificationMeltingSource/solidificationMeltingSource.C
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ Foam::fv::solidificationMeltingSource::Cp() const
         }
     }
 
-    return tmp<volScalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -128,10 +128,8 @@ Foam::vector Foam::fv::solidificationMeltingSource::g() const
             mesh_.lookupObject<uniformDimensionedVectorField>("g");
         return value.value();
     }
-    else
-    {
-        return coeffs_.lookup("g");
-    }
+
+    return coeffs_.lookup("g");
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/fvOptions/sources/derived/viscousDissipation/viscousDissipation.C b/src/fvOptions/sources/derived/viscousDissipation/viscousDissipation.C
index 7ac99f96f7..3a78957d9d 100644
--- a/src/fvOptions/sources/derived/viscousDissipation/viscousDissipation.C
+++ b/src/fvOptions/sources/derived/viscousDissipation/viscousDissipation.C
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::volScalarField> Foam::fv::viscousDissipation::rho() const
         << "Neither rhoName nor rho are specified."
         << exit(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<volScalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -133,8 +133,8 @@ Foam::fv::viscousDissipation::viscousDissipation
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Member Functions  * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
-Foam::tmp<Foam::volSymmTensorField> Foam::fv::viscousDissipation::
-devRhoReff() const
+Foam::tmp<Foam::volSymmTensorField>
+Foam::fv::viscousDissipation::devRhoReff() const
 {
     // Incompressible
     {
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ devRhoReff() const
         << " The turbulence model is not found in the database."
         << exit(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<volSymmTensorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/lagrangian/intermediate/submodels/MPPIC/ParticleStressModels/Lun/Lun.C b/src/lagrangian/intermediate/submodels/MPPIC/ParticleStressModels/Lun/Lun.C
index 47ba719288..e4aba79ab9 100644
--- a/src/lagrangian/intermediate/submodels/MPPIC/ParticleStressModels/Lun/Lun.C
+++ b/src/lagrangian/intermediate/submodels/MPPIC/ParticleStressModels/Lun/Lun.C
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ Foam::ParticleStressModels::Lun::dTaudTheta
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<Field<scalar>>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/lagrangian/turbulence/submodels/Kinematic/DispersionModel/DispersionRASModel/DispersionRASModel.C b/src/lagrangian/turbulence/submodels/Kinematic/DispersionModel/DispersionRASModel/DispersionRASModel.C
index 35f869c586..b1116d76ce 100644
--- a/src/lagrangian/turbulence/submodels/Kinematic/DispersionModel/DispersionRASModel/DispersionRASModel.C
+++ b/src/lagrangian/turbulence/submodels/Kinematic/DispersionModel/DispersionRASModel/DispersionRASModel.C
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ Foam::DispersionRASModel<CloudType>::kModel() const
         << "Database objects include: " << obr.sortedToc()
         << abort(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<volScalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ Foam::DispersionRASModel<CloudType>::epsilonModel() const
         << "Database objects include: " << obr.sortedToc()
         << abort(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<volScalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/lagrangian/turbulence/submodels/Thermodynamic/ParticleForces/BrownianMotion/BrownianMotionForce.C b/src/lagrangian/turbulence/submodels/Thermodynamic/ParticleForces/BrownianMotion/BrownianMotionForce.C
index 4b0be43e65..ac4eb95f7f 100644
--- a/src/lagrangian/turbulence/submodels/Thermodynamic/ParticleForces/BrownianMotion/BrownianMotionForce.C
+++ b/src/lagrangian/turbulence/submodels/Thermodynamic/ParticleForces/BrownianMotion/BrownianMotionForce.C
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ Foam::BrownianMotionForce<CloudType>::kModel() const
         << "Database objects include: " << obr.sortedToc()
         << abort(FatalError);
 
-    return tmp<volScalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/lumpedPointMotion/lumpedPointTools.C b/src/lumpedPointMotion/lumpedPointTools.C
index e842aa8c50..3f3b330edf 100644
--- a/src/lumpedPointMotion/lumpedPointTools.C
+++ b/src/lumpedPointMotion/lumpedPointTools.C
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ namespace Foam
             );
         }
 
-        return autoPtr<GeoFieldType>();
+        return nullptr;
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockEdges/blockEdge/blockEdge.C b/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockEdges/blockEdge/blockEdge.C
index 1d48424208..ca4b4cd6fe 100644
--- a/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockEdges/blockEdge/blockEdge.C
+++ b/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockEdges/blockEdge/blockEdge.C
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ Foam::blockEdge::blockEdge
 Foam::autoPtr<Foam::blockEdge> Foam::blockEdge::clone() const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return autoPtr<blockEdge>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockFaces/blockFace/blockFace.C b/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockFaces/blockFace/blockFace.C
index 812fb52fb3..d60886a694 100644
--- a/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockFaces/blockFace/blockFace.C
+++ b/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockFaces/blockFace/blockFace.C
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ Foam::blockFace::blockFace
 Foam::autoPtr<Foam::blockFace> Foam::blockFace::clone() const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return autoPtr<blockFace>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockVertices/blockVertex/blockVertex.C b/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockVertices/blockVertex/blockVertex.C
index 902295182e..bf60160723 100644
--- a/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockVertices/blockVertex/blockVertex.C
+++ b/src/mesh/blockMesh/blockVertices/blockVertex/blockVertex.C
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ Foam::blockVertex::blockVertex()
 Foam::autoPtr<Foam::blockVertex> Foam::blockVertex::clone() const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return autoPtr<blockVertex>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -98,7 +98,7 @@ Foam::autoPtr<Foam::blockVertex> Foam::blockVertex::New
         << firstToken.info()
         << exit(FatalIOError);
 
-    return autoPtr<blockVertex>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/mesh/blockMesh/blocks/block/block.H b/src/mesh/blockMesh/blocks/block/block.H
index b0941d3462..9f3e0f6e7e 100644
--- a/src/mesh/blockMesh/blocks/block/block.H
+++ b/src/mesh/blockMesh/blocks/block/block.H
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<block> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<block>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- New function which constructs and returns pointer to a block
diff --git a/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/EulerCoordinateRotation.C b/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/EulerCoordinateRotation.C
index cbc6124624..5a7d86e828 100644
--- a/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/EulerCoordinateRotation.C
+++ b/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/EulerCoordinateRotation.C
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::vectorField> Foam::EulerCoordinateRotation::transform
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<vectorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::vectorField> Foam::EulerCoordinateRotation::invTransform
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<vectorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -96,8 +96,8 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::tensorField> Foam::EulerCoordinateRotation::transformTensor
     const tensorField& st
 ) const
 {
-     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<tensorField>();
+    NotImplemented;
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::tensorField> Foam::EulerCoordinateRotation::transformTensor
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<tensorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/STARCDCoordinateRotation.C b/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/STARCDCoordinateRotation.C
index fcaa3ed099..2cb61d9d1d 100644
--- a/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/STARCDCoordinateRotation.C
+++ b/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/STARCDCoordinateRotation.C
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::vectorField> Foam::STARCDCoordinateRotation::transform
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<vectorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::vectorField> Foam::STARCDCoordinateRotation::invTransform
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<vectorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -97,8 +97,8 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::tensorField> Foam::STARCDCoordinateRotation::transformTensor
     const tensorField& st
 ) const
 {
-     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<tensorField>();
+    NotImplemented;
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::tensorField> Foam::STARCDCoordinateRotation::transformTensor
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<tensorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/axesRotation.C b/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/axesRotation.C
index 162bab5cb8..95ec8f0e76 100644
--- a/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/axesRotation.C
+++ b/src/meshTools/coordinateSystems/coordinateRotation/axesRotation.C
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::tensorField> Foam::axesRotation::transformTensor
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<tensorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::tensorField> Foam::axesRotation::transformTensor
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<tensorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/meshTools/searchableSurfaces/searchableSurface/searchableSurface.H b/src/meshTools/searchableSurfaces/searchableSurface/searchableSurface.H
index 9f67882eb8..38f9d0226b 100644
--- a/src/meshTools/searchableSurfaces/searchableSurface/searchableSurface.H
+++ b/src/meshTools/searchableSurfaces/searchableSurface/searchableSurface.H
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ public:
         virtual autoPtr<searchableSurface> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<searchableSurface>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/meshTools/sets/topoSetSource/topoSetSource.H b/src/meshTools/sets/topoSetSource/topoSetSource.H
index 293474c1cc..5ec7041411 100644
--- a/src/meshTools/sets/topoSetSource/topoSetSource.H
+++ b/src/meshTools/sets/topoSetSource/topoSetSource.H
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<topoSetSource> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<topoSetSource>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/meshTools/sets/topoSets/topoSet.H b/src/meshTools/sets/topoSets/topoSet.H
index 2fde875cec..0349894298 100644
--- a/src/meshTools/sets/topoSets/topoSet.H
+++ b/src/meshTools/sets/topoSets/topoSet.H
@@ -254,7 +254,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<topoSet> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<topoSet>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/regionModels/pyrolysisModels/pyrolysisModel/pyrolysisModel.H b/src/regionModels/pyrolysisModels/pyrolysisModel/pyrolysisModel.H
index daa2938e72..79af2752cd 100644
--- a/src/regionModels/pyrolysisModels/pyrolysisModel/pyrolysisModel.H
+++ b/src/regionModels/pyrolysisModels/pyrolysisModel/pyrolysisModel.H
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<pyrolysisModel> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<pyrolysisModel>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSet/sampledSet/sampledSet.H b/src/sampling/sampledSet/sampledSet/sampledSet.H
index 7de1433443..1a7a253d97 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSet/sampledSet/sampledSet.H
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSet/sampledSet/sampledSet.H
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<sampledSet> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<sampledSet>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledSurface/sampledSurface.C b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledSurface/sampledSurface.C
index 8f3ea1ad50..9265cd389f 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledSurface/sampledSurface.C
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledSurface/sampledSurface.C
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::scalarField> Foam::sampledSurface::sample
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<scalarField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::vectorField> Foam::sampledSurface::sample
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<vectorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::sphericalTensorField> Foam::sampledSurface::sample
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<sphericalTensorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::symmTensorField> Foam::sampledSurface::sample
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<symmTensorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ Foam::tmp<Foam::tensorField> Foam::sampledSurface::sample
 ) const
 {
     NotImplemented;
-    return tmp<tensorField>();
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledSurface/sampledSurface.H b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledSurface/sampledSurface.H
index 1080c96d5d..cdda4084ce 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledSurface/sampledSurface.H
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledSurface/sampledSurface.H
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<sampledSurface> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<sampledSurface>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledTriSurfaceMesh/sampledTriSurfaceMeshNormal.H b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledTriSurfaceMesh/sampledTriSurfaceMeshNormal.H
index 13ad4b847c..7409e3b548 100644
--- a/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledTriSurfaceMesh/sampledTriSurfaceMeshNormal.H
+++ b/src/sampling/sampledSurface/sampledTriSurfaceMesh/sampledTriSurfaceMeshNormal.H
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ public:
         ) const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return tmp<scalarField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Sample field on surface
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ public:
         ) const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return tmp<sphericalTensorField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Sample field on surface
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ public:
         ) const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return tmp<symmTensorField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Sample field on surface
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ public:
         ) const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return tmp<tensorField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Interpolate field on surface
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ public:
         ) const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return tmp<scalarField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Interpolate field on surface
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ public:
         ) const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return tmp<sphericalTensorField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Interpolate field on surface
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ public:
         ) const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return tmp<symmTensorField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         //- Interpolate field on surface
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ public:
         ) const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return tmp<tensorField>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 };
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/surfMeshSampler/surfMeshSampler/surfMeshSampler.H b/src/sampling/surfMeshSampler/surfMeshSampler/surfMeshSampler.H
index a4f8d5c45f..027d5d8c29 100644
--- a/src/sampling/surfMeshSampler/surfMeshSampler/surfMeshSampler.H
+++ b/src/sampling/surfMeshSampler/surfMeshSampler/surfMeshSampler.H
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<surfMeshSampler> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<surfMeshSampler>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
 
diff --git a/src/sampling/surface/triSurfaceMesh/discreteSurfaceTemplates.C b/src/sampling/surface/triSurfaceMesh/discreteSurfaceTemplates.C
index 2fed330e65..0352319504 100644
--- a/src/sampling/surface/triSurfaceMesh/discreteSurfaceTemplates.C
+++ b/src/sampling/surface/triSurfaceMesh/discreteSurfaceTemplates.C
@@ -120,10 +120,8 @@ Foam::discreteSurface::sampleType
         const VolFieldType& fld = mesh().lookupObject<VolFieldType>(fieldName);
         return sampleField(fld);
     }
-    else
-    {
-        return tmp<Field<Type>>();
-    }
+
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/surfMesh/surfZone/surfZone/surfZone.H b/src/surfMesh/surfZone/surfZone/surfZone.H
index 7507845397..d90fdde90a 100644
--- a/src/surfMesh/surfZone/surfZone/surfZone.H
+++ b/src/surfMesh/surfZone/surfZone/surfZone.H
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ public:
         autoPtr<surfZone> clone() const
         {
             NotImplemented;
-            return autoPtr<surfZone>();
+            return nullptr;
         }
 
         static autoPtr<surfZone> New(Istream& is)