NOT

on October 9, 2015.

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANvARDS

Approved for public release by the

Director ot the National Institute of

Standards and Technology (NIST)

on October 9, 2015.

REPORT

51^2

PROJECTS RELATED TO BUILDING- RESEARCH

AT THE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

FOR FISCAL YEAR 19^7

Compiled by the

Building Technology Division

D. E. Parsons, Chief

<J0£>

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS
u. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Sinclair Weeks, Secretary NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

A. V. Aslin, Director THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The seope of activities of the National Bureau of Standards at its headquarters in ashington,

D. C., and its major field laboratories in Boulder, Colorado, is suggested in the following listing of

the divisions and sections engaged in technical work. In general, each section carries out specialized

research, development, and engineering in the field indicated by its title. A brief description of

the activities, and of the resultant reports and publications, appears on the inside back cover of

this report.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

Electricity and Electronics. Resistance and Reactance. Electron Tubes. Electrical Instru- ments. Magnetic Measurements. Process Technology. Engineering Electronics. Electronic

Instrumentation. Electrochemistry.

Optics and Metrology. Photometry and Colorimetry. Optical Instruments. Photographic

Technology. Length. Engineering Metrology.

Heat and Power. Temperature Measurements. Thermodynamics. Cryogenic Physics.

Engines and Lubrication. Engine Fuels. Atomic and Radiation Physics. Spectroscopy. Radiometry. Mass Spectrometry. Solid State Physics. Electron Physics. Atomic Physics. Nuclear Physics. Radioactivity. X-rays.

Betatron. Nucleonic Instrumentation. Radiological Equipment. AEC Radiation Instruments. Chemistry. Organic Coatings. Surface Chemistry . Organic Chemistry. Analy tical Chemistry . Inorganic Chemistry. Electrodeposition. Gas Chemistry. Physical Chemistry. Thermochemistry. Spectrochemistry . Pure Substances.

Mechanics. Sound. Mechanical Instruments. Fluid Mechanics. Engineering Mechanics.

Mass and Seale. Capacity , Densitv, and Fluid Meters. Combustion Controls.

Organic and Fibrous Materials. Rubber. Textiles. Paper. Leather. Testing and Specifications. Polymer Structure. Organic Plastics. Dental Research.

Metallurgy. Thermal Metallurgy . Chemical Metallurgy. Mechanical Metallurgy . Corrosion.

Mineral Products. Ceramic Engineering. Porcelain and Pottery. Glass. Refractories.

Enameled Metals. Concreting Materials. Constitution and Mierostrueture.

Buildi ng Technology. Structural Engineering. Fire Protection. Heating and Air Conditioning. Floor. Roof, and Wall Coverings. Codes and Specifications.

Applied Mathematics. Numerical \nalvsis. Computation. Statistical Engineering. Mathematical Phvsies.

Data Processing Systems. Components and Techniques. Digital Circuitry. Digital Systems.

Analogue Sy stems. Applications Engineering. • Office of Basie Instrumentation • Office of Weights and Measures

BOULDER, COLORADO

Cryogenic Engineering. Cryogenic Equipment. Cryogenic Processes. Properties of Materials.

Gas Liquefaction.

Radio Propagation Physics. Upper Atmosphere Research. Ionospheric Research. Regular

Propagation Services.

Radio Propagation Engineering. Frequency Utilization Research. Tropospheric Propagation

Research.

Radio Standards. High Frequency Standards Branch: High Frequencv Electrical Standards.

Radio Broadcast Service. High Frequencv Impedance Standards. Microwave Standards Branch:

Extreme High frequency and Noise. Microwave Frequencv and Spectroscopv . Microwave

Circuit Standards.
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS REPORT

NBS PROJECT NBS REPORT

1000-40-1099 March 1, 1957 5l52

PROJECTS RELATED TO BUILDING RESEARCH

AT THE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

FOR FISCAL YEAR 1957

Compiled by the

Building Technology Division

Do E. Parsons, Chief

IMPORTANT NOTICE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF ST, intended for use within the

to additional evaluation and r listing of this Report, either i the Office of the Director, Na

however, by the Government

to reproduce additional copie

•ogress accounting documents Approved for public release by the 7iall T P ublislied is subjected

irector of the National Institute of j on j s obtained in writing from Standards and Technology (NIST) Such permission is not needed, on October 9, 201 5.

prepared if that agency wishes

<NBS>

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

INDEX

Acoustics mOOOOOOCGCOOOeC

Cement, Concrete, and Masonry © . . o .

Codes and Specifications © © © . c . .

Eire Protection and Extinguishment o . Heating and Refrigeration © © © . © . © PlaSUlCS o 3 o © o « e c © o © c c © © Plumbing and Fluid Mechanics © © © © © Properties of Materials ©©.©.©©©

Surface Finishes and Coverings © . © © Testing of Materials and Products © . . Miscellaneous ©o©©.©©©©©®©©

c o © © o o o

9 0 0 0 9 9 0

0000000

9 0 0 0 0 0 9

o 0 o ® a o c

9 9 0 9 0 0 0

o o e o c o o

1

3

14

17

23

35

38

43

48

57

62

INTRODUCTION

This report lists unclassified projects concerned with

building research and related subjects in progress at the

National Bureau of Standards In Fiscal Year 1957*

Most projects mentioned are directly related to engineering and research in the building field© However, other

NBS projects not directly related, such as those on instrumentation and properties of gases, are Included in the belief

that the basic information Is sometimes applicable to building research©

Each project is identified by ten digits© The first

four, followed by a dash, indicate the division and section

at NBS which is carrying out the work© The next two indicate

the scientific activity class, as follows:

11 Basic Research

12 Applied Research

20 Development

30 Testing, Calibration, and Specifications

40 General Scientific Services

The last four digits identify the projects within the

basic organizational unit© Thus, project IOO 3 -2 O-I4.832 refers

to a Division 10, Section 3? development project No© 4832.
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS

APPEARING IN THIS REPORT

AISI o ASHAE c

o o o o

ASRE

ASTM

ASA

AEC

CAA

FCDA

FHA

GSA

IES

ISO

NBS

NEMA

OCE

OCT

OQMG

PEI

OR DC

SEAC

o o o o

O © O 0-0 o c

o o o © o oooooooo

ooooooooooo

o o o o

o o o

o o o

o o o o

American Iron and Steel Institute

American Society of Heating and

Air-Conditioning Engineers

American Society of Refrigerating

Engineers

American Society for. Testing Materials

American Standards Association

Atomic Energy Commission

Civil Aeronautics Administration

o o o ..Federal Civil Defense Administration

Federal Housing Administration

General Services Administration

Illuminating Engineering Society

International Standardization Organization

o „ o o o o o o National Bureau of Standards

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

© o o ©oooooooo

o o o o o

o o o o

o o o o o o o Office of the Chief of Engineers,

Department of the Army

o o o Office of the Chief of Transportation

Office of the Quartermaster General

Porcelain Enamel Institute

Quartermaster Research and Development Command

o Standards Electronic Automatic Computer

o o o o o oooooooooo

o o o o
- 1 - ACOUSTICS

0601-12=0632 Arcfal te c tura 1 Ac ous t ic

Qb „jeet ives(l) To investigate the basic physical phenomena

involved in the transmission and absorption of sound in

acoustic materials , building materials and building structures; (2) to develop new Measuring techniques in architectural acoustics 5 and improve existing techniques; (3)

to assist In developing appropriate standards in this

field.

Importance of the Project; As the noise levels produced by

society Increase , more attention has to be paid to reducing

noise levels inside buildings. Acoustic materials are

widely used for reducing noise and for improving the acoustics of buildings , and new techniques are being developed

for improving the sound insulation of walls , floors and

doors. Many of the phenomena of sound propagation in materials and structures are imperfectly understood* and need

theoretical and experimental elucidation before advances

can be expected. Measuring techniques in this field are

generally antiquated and poor* and require much improvement.

For example* reverberation room measurements of the sound

absorption of acoustic materials made in different laboratories often produced different results for the same material. The same is true of sound insulation measurements

of wall constructions. There is urgent need for improving

these measuring techniques. Another item of importance is

the development of sound insulation standards for building

codes. The United States is lacking such standards* although several European countries and Canada have them;

this project would be the logical place to develop them.

Activity Summary

A study has been made of the reverberation

cEamber^”me'tliod of measuring the sound power output of

sources. A theoretical treatment of monopole and dipole

sources has been completed and checked experimentally.

Some of the results of this work have been incorporated in

the proposed revision of an ASA standard on the Measurement

of Sound* (Committee Z24-W25) . A technical paper on this

work is being prepared. A supplement to BMS Report No. 144

was prepared and published during the year. The supplement

listed the sound transmission loss data for 13 wall and

floor constructions. The supplement also introduced a new

measure of impact sound reduction which is considered superior to that used previously. Work on a standard for a

reverberation chamber method of measuring the sound absorption of acoustic materials was continued. Several

points in the theory of the edge diffraction effect of a

patch in a reverberant sound field have been clarified.
2 - ACOUSTICS (con,

)

0601-12-0632 (e©n„

)

Contributions were made to an ASTM proposed Tentative

Method of Test for Impedance and Absorption of Acoustical

Materials by the Tube Method (ASTM Committee C=20) and

also to an ASA proposed standard for the Measurement of

Sound Transmission Loss (ASA Z24-W12) „ Maps of the sound

pressure distribution over the walls ©f a reverberation

chamber have been computed using SEACo

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

s

In line with. a recommendation by

an advisory committee appointed by the Director in 1955 » work on the development of a standard method for measurement of sound absorption coefficients of acoustic materials

will be accelerated to the fullest extent available funds

will permit o The work will involve a critical re-examination of the area effect, placement of material* and sound

pattern in the reverberation chamber,,

0601-30-0605 Acoustic Measurements

Objectives g (l) To measure the sound absorption of acoustic

materials 1 (2) to measure the sound insulation properties

of wall and floor constructions % (3) to perform standard

calibrations of microphones* sound level meters* earphones*

and audiometerSo

Importance of the Projects Large quantities of acoustic ma-

” terlals are used annually by the Government and the performance of the material used is measured under this project* to cheek its compliance with Federal Specifications

SSA-118-B, and SSA-lllo Measurements of the sound absorption of acoustic materials* and of the sound insulation

of building constructions are also made for Industry and

private individuals „ The reason is that measuring methods

in this field are not yet fully standardized* and systematic differences between results obtained in various laboratories have not yet been resolved „ (Work is in progress

under Project 0601- 12-0632 to standardize' on good measuring

techniques in this fields ) The performance of standard calibrations of microphones and other electroacoustic devices

has been requested by various laboratories* including industrial and university laboratories

„

Activity Summary 3 This is a continuing project that was

started about 30 years ago 0 During Fiscal Year 1956 the

following tests were reported g 4 reverberation room tests*

9 sound transmission loss tests* 1 microphone calibration*

and 1 test of acoustical impedance of a sample of sound

absorbing material

„

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957s To continue the program along the

same lines as above 0
3

CEMENT , CONCRETE . AND MASONRY

0900-11-0914 The Chemistry of Portland Cement

Objectives: To obtain fundamental data on the structures and

mechanisms Involved In the burning of Portland cement clinker

and the hardening of concretes, leading to improved understanding of these processes and ultimately to technological

improvements ; to develop new experimental techniques needed

In obtaining the required data.

Importance of the Project; The technology of Portland cement

is an Important foundation of our national economy., It is

an essential In Industry. housings and public works of all

kindso The testing of cement alone Is one of the Bureau 5 s largest single projects 0 This research projects, carried on by the Portland Cement

Association Fellowship since 1924 ? has developed a number

of different types of basic Information which have had

great importance in cement technology. Among these are

formulas of the major cement clinker const! tuents , their

heats of hydration* and the effect of cooling rate on crystal growth In clinker „ The results of those investigations

now affect almost all cement manufacture

Activity Summary* This is a continuing project and formerly

was numbered 0907-10—0914 « During the year the work has

been concentrated in the fields of high-temperature phase

equilibria s

. X-ray crystallography p and electron microscopy.

In the study of the quaternary system CaO-2CaO. SiOp 12 Ca 0 . 7 Al 203

2 Ca0 oFe 2

C> 3 ? which forms the Important iron-bearing constituent

of cement clinker, the determination of equilibria In the

ternary boundary Ca 0-12 Ca 0 . 7Al20 o-2 Ca0 .Fe 203 was completed.

Tie lines sufficient to establish the composition of the

iron-bearing solid solution In any equilibrium mixture were

determined. A method of differential thermal analysis developed for this work was found to have advantages of simplicity,

speedj and economy which should make It valuable with a wide

range of materials.

The study of the senary system KpO-NapO-CaO-AlpO^-FepC^-SiOp

in relation to cement clinker was continued. Selected mixtures whose course of crystallization had been established

by the high-temperature centrifuge technique were also investigated by differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction,

in order to determine the nature and order of appearance of

the crystalline phases.
4

CEMENT, CONCRETE* AND MAS OMY (eon.)

OQOO-n-QQT^ (eon.)

X-ray Intensity data were obtained by the integrating

Weissenberg method from a crystal of calcium hydroxide

ground to spherical shape * in order to carry out a precise re determination of the crystal structure

.

The study of cement hydration by electron diffraction

and electron microscopy was continued,. Diffraction

patterns suitable for structural interpretation were

not obtained* but the application of the. newer replica

techniques to electron microscopy of hydrated cement

was found promising for future morphological studies

„

A beginning was made in the possible application of

infrared spectroscopy to characterization of clinker

minerals. The initial steps of assembling apparatus

and finding experimental procedures suitable for routine use were completed 0 Publications incidental to the program included "Research on Cement Clinker and Concrete" by R 0 H» Bogus

(Rock Products 59 » 86* 1996)* "Efficient Design of

Count-Rate Computers*" "The Use of Stereoscopy in the

Study and Teaching of Crystallography* n and t? Apparatus

for High-Temperature Crystallography" by Fred Ordway

(presented at American Crystallographic Association

meeting* Pasadena* 1995) » "Differential Thermal Analysis

Above 1200°C" by T. F c Newkirk and "A New Study of Phase

Relations in the Cystem Ca0-Ca0 o Al2Q

3

" 2Ca0 o Fe 203

n by

To F 0 Newkirk and R 0 D0 Thwaite (presented at American

Ceramic Society meeting* New York* 1996 .)

9903-20-4428 Properties of Concrete at

Elevated Temperatures

Objectives

s

Study the mechanism responsible for spalling

and failure of concrete when exposed to intense thermal

shock o Attempts will be made to reduce the water permeability of concrete l in the cement and aggregate.

Importance of the Projects Refractory concretes for jet

aircraft warm-up aprons have been tested for various

properties to evaluate their usefulness for that purpose.

In order to complete the evaluation of such concretes

it would be desirable to learn whether the bonding cement

has rehydrated during weathering* thereby increasing the

strength of the concrete which had been subjected to heat

treatments. Because concrete aprons are subjected to - both

thermal shock and weathering the Information gained from

the tests of weathered specimens could be correlated with

actual service conditions.
- 5 - CEMENT, CONCRETE^ AND MASONRY (con 0 )

0903-20-4428 (corio)

Activity Summary

g

This is a continuation of a project started

in July5 1931 o The work Includes the study of hydraulic

cements and aggregates and the design and testing of concretes that might be suitable for jet aircraft aprons , During the past year a model jet has been constructed and used

to simulate heating conditions of 1200°F at a velocity of

1200 ft/seco Concrete slabs 18 x 18 x 6" are used for the

testo Preliminary results indicate that failure of the slab

under the jet is related to the extent of drying of the slab 0

0906-11=0923 Chemical Properties of Cementing Materials

Objectives g To provide basic information leading to a better

understanding of the mechanism of hardening of cement and

related materials, and of the reactions attending the deterioration of these materials under various conditions of

use o Importance of the Projects Cementing materials, such as portland and other cements, lime, plaster, and the aggregates

employed therewith, are used in great quantities in the construction of highways, dams, and nearly all types of buildings,

Portland cement production in the United States alone amounts

to about 30 million tons a year. Occasionally these materials

fall short of standard performance in service, and considerable

economic loss results from deterioration of concrete, mortar,

and plaster. In many eases the causes of failure are not

entirely understood, perhaps because of imperfect knowledge

of the reactions that normally occur In the hardening processes.

The various cements and plasters have In common the property

of reacting chemically with water, thereby hardening and developing strength. Much is already known. In an empirical

way, but the relation between chemical and physical properties

and performance in service, but it Is increasingly evident

that more fundamental knowledge Is required.

Activity Summary

Work on the system llme-sllica-water has involved the followings an extensive literature survey, a

study of phase equilibria in the system at l80°C, a thermochemical study of reactions In lime-silica gel pastes, and a

study of rate of reaction between lime and silica gel in excess water. These tasks are In various stages of completion.

Hydrothermal studies have been made of the formation and the

composition of the hydrogarnet phase in the system limealumina-silica-water, A related study, in which strontia was

substituted for lime, has been completed. Measurements of

the surface areas of hydrated cements have been made by water
- 6 -

CEMENT, CONCRETE, AMD MASONRY (con.)

0906-11-0923 (con.

)

’and nitrogen sorption* and the causes of the observed reduction in surface on storage are being sought,, Studies

of the alkali-aggregate reaction in concrete have demonstrated large volume increases and the development of

considerable pressure 0 Microscopic studies have been of

aid in observing the course of the reaction,, The setting

of oxychloride cements has been studied by thermochemical

methods o A study has been made of the chemical reactions

occurring during the hydration of aluminous cements

„

0906-12-0910 Physical Properties of Concreting Materials

Objectives

s

To provide basic information leading to a better

understanding of the effects of environmental factors upon

the performance of concrete and to relate the physical

properties of concretes and their ingredients to performance . Importance of the Projects Approximately $700*000,000 worth

of portland cement is used annually in the United States.

By the time this cement is incorporated in concrete, a

several-fold increase in cost is involved. Some of this

concrete fails to .give satisfactory service, with a consequent large economic lose,, The mechanisms responsible

for several types of disintegration are partially understood, but needed is additional fundamental information

on the properties of concrete and concrete aggregates, as

well as additional developments of techniques to measure

these properties

o

Activity Summary; Some preliminary work on measuring volume

changes in concrete during freezing and thawing by means

of imbedded SR"”' ^strain gages has been done which indicates

the feasibility of the method,. An automatic strain- temperature scanner recorder has been acquired* which will permit

following and recording of rapid changes of strain during

fast or slow cycles „ Preliminary tests and calibration

curves are being made with this instrument

„

Freezing-and- thawing tests in this laboratory on the cooperative series with ten other laboratories have been completed, and some preliminary work has been done on correlating the data and the performance characteristics of

the apparatus of the laboratories,, A report is being

published by the ASTM on a previous project of this nature

conducted in this laboratory

„

continued on the long-time study of concretes made

from 200 samples of portland cement.
- 7

-

CEMENT., CONCRETE* AND MASONRY (con.)

0906-20-4473 Chemical and Physical Properties of

Dolomitic Limes

Objectives g To provide information leading to a better understanding of the mechanism of the dimensional changes of

dolomitic lime hydrates

Importance of the Projects Partially hydrated dolomitic lime is

used in large quantities in mortars for masonry construction.

There is some question relative to the expansion and resultirg

deterioration of such mortars. An autoclave test has been

proposed for determining the potential expansion of lime* but

a controversy exists relative to the correlation of the laboratory tests and field experience. Walls are subjected to slow

carbonation and to different structural loads * and creep or

adjustment may take place in the mortar * which would not occur

in the high- temperature steam laboratory test. Also* the

nature of the hydration products and type of crystal growth

may be different at the two temperatures. Before an adequate

Federal specification for hydrated lime can be prepared,, it

will be necessary to obtain measurements of dimensional changes

under different exposures of masonry walls constructed of limes

of different expansive characteristics as determined by the

autoclave test, and to obtain fundamental information on the

nature of the hydration products under various conditions.

0906-30-4415 Cement Reference Laboratory

Objectives g To standardize and improve the testing of Portland

cement at laboratories throughout the country.

Importance of the Projects The MBS carried on a large cementtesting program* and in connection therewith* does work on

the development and refinement of test methods. The tests

are somewhat empirical in nature and* for this reason* comparable test results between laboratories are obtainable

only through standardisation of equipment and techniques.

The work of this project makes an important contribution to

this need.

Activity Summary

g

The Cement Reference Laboratory sends qualif led men'

*

' together with calibrating equipment* to cementtesting laboratories throughout the country. Upon request*

these men check and calibrate cement- testing equipment*

demonstrate testing methods* and observe the methods used in

other laboratories. The laboratory also distributes chemical

and physical cooperative test samples throughout the industry
- 8 -

CEMENT, KTE 9 AMD MASONRY (con.)

0906-30-4415 (con.)

and analyses the test results reported. It also makes contributions to test methods and apparatus and. takes an active

part In technical committee work.

Over 250 cement- testing laboratories take advantage of this

service , and each is visited at approximately 3-yeas? intervals.

0906-30-4433 Acceptance Testing. Cement

Objectives g To make acceptance tests on Portland cement used

by the

_various Federal agencies throughout the United States.

Importance of the Projects Most of the projects for which

cement is tested are of a permanent nature (large dams, air

fields, etc.), and the cement-acceptance program prevents

difficulties with the concrete resulting from the use of

substandard cement.

Activity Summary’s This project has been in continuous operation

“ToroveFTo years. Currently, samples representing approximately 15 million barrels of cement per year are being tested

in laboratories located in San Francisco, California! Seattle,

Washington.? Denver, Colorado! Allentown, Pennsylvania? and

Washington, D t C, A statistical testing plan was put into

effect which is expected to reduce the cost of testing to

some extent.

0906-30-4444 Misc e 1 lane ous Te§ t trig

Objectives 2 To make tests, both acceptance and of other types,

on a variety of materials, such as hardened and fresh concrete, concrete aggregates, soils (engineering properties),

bituminous aggregates, filter trickling media, floor hardeners, integral concrete admixtures, and spelters.

Importance of the Projects The information obtained from this

project enables the various .Federal agencies to control the

quality of concrete and other materials going into Federal

construction in the D. C. area. It furnishes information

(on soils) required in engineering designs. It contributes

to the determination of the causes of failure in performance

of unsatisfactory concretes.

Activity Suirfmar^r g This Is a continuing project, with the major

portion of^tne work being accomplished in the Washington

D. C* laboratory, although a few tests each year are made in

the Seattle and San Francisco cement- testing laboratories.

)
CEMENT, CONCRETE, AND MASONRY (con.)

1001-11-4812 Stresses in Masonry

Objectives ; To determine by means of tests of small-scale

models”and by approximate theoretical analysis the directions and relative magnitudes of stresses in masonry

walls which are restrained from shortening at the foundation level while undergoing drying shrinkage or thermal

contractIon

Importance of the Project? The widespread cracking of walls

of concrete masonry has necessitated large expenditures

for repair,, Both the results of tests conducted in laboratories and of extensive experience with structures indicate

that the drying shrinkage is responsible for much of the

cracking observed. Despite the widespread interest in this

problem, the literature contains no method by which engineers

can estimate the minimum spacing of control joints and the

least amount , the location, and the form of reinforcement

that would be most effective in minimizing objectionable

cracking under various conditions.

Acti vity Summary

g

This is a continuing project which was

"Initiated' in 1953=. During the past year* the development of elastic theory was completed and numerical solutions were obtained for a partially restrained wall having

a length of twice its height. Numerical solutions for

completely restrained walls with two other ratios of

length to height were completed in part. The theoretical

results were verified by means of an aluminum wall-steel

foundation model.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 s (1) Theoretical work; Computation of stresses will be completed for walls in which the

ratios of length to height are one and fourj these computations are to be based on the assumption that the foundation is sufficiently rigid to prevent all shortening along

the line of attachment „ (2) Experimental work; Further

experimental work will be carried out with models consisting of aluminum plates representing walls with attached

steel members representing the foundations. The difference in the thermal coefficients of expansion of the two

components will be utilized in simulating the contraction

of a wall undergoing shrinkage. A final report to the

Sponsor will be prepared.
CEMENT, CONCRETE, AND MASONRY (eon,)

1001-12-1000 Masonry and Reinforced. Concrete

Objectives g To secure basic data in the laboratory on the

strength , behavior under load* elastic properties and

durability of masonry and masonry components * concrete

and reinforced concrete 0 Importance of the Project s Data on properties of masonry

and reinforced concrete are needed as a means of establishing satisfactory specification and code requirements for various service conditions and for effecting

economies,. There is a need for up-to-date information

on properties of masonry constructed with modern portland masonry cements., and collaborative work with Masonry

Research Fellowship Is needed to secure this information,,

In order to predict durability of brick and stone under

various conditions of weatherings there is need for correlating various physical properties determined in the

laboratory with results of outdoor exposure tests. In

order to improve design practices and conserve steel*

it is necessary to study the behavior ©f reinforced concrete structural members under load with respect to their

strengths stiffness* elastic properties* and modes of

failure.

Activity Summary

g

This is a continuing project. During the

past year the effect of the strength- of concrete on the

width and spacing of tensile cracks in reinforced concrete beams was investigated in collaboration with the

American Iron and Steel Institute Fellowship, The report

presenting the results of a more general previous investigation of cracking was published. Progress was made

in developing a new type of bond test specimen in which

the bonding efficiency of the bar is measured by the tensile stress transferred to the concrete. Progress was

also made in the development of an accelerated test method

to measure the drying shrinkage of concrete masonry units.

The study of bond strengths of masonry assemblages with

both concrete masonry units and clay brick as component

materials is continuing in collaboration with Masonry Research Fellowship,

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

s

(l) Width of cracks in reinforced

concrete'”b"eams s Analyze and prepare for publication the

data obtained in the tests of a series of beams in which

the major variable was strength of concrete, (2) New bond

test for deformed reinforcing bars? Continue the development of a bond test method which measures the ability of a

deformed bar to transfer its stress to the surrounding concrete, Preliminary tests indicate better reproducibility
- 11

CEMENT, CONCRETE, AND MASONRY (con.)

1001-12-1000 (con/)

than the currently used pull-out and beam tests * (3) Durability of brick and stones Continue periodic examinations

of stone exposure test wall and analyze observations from

long-term masonry exposure tests. (4) Property of masonry:

Continue bond strength tests of masonry assemblages in collaboration with Masonry Research Fellowship and initiate

the study of compressive, transverse and shearing strength

of full scale masonry walls

„

1001- 12-4811 Precast Concrete Structures

Objectives

To evaluate and develop prototype design of thinshell precast and prestressed concrete elements and structures „ Importance of the Project: Precast thin- shell ribbed panels and

hollow-sectToiTTraming^members are a relatively new type of

construction, particularly those containing prestressed reinforcement* Buildings making use of structural members of

this type are being planned at present by the Bureau of Yards

and Docks and technical data are urgently needed on such design aspects as the cross-section of the members, orientation

and amount of reinforcement, elastic stability, adequacy of

water-tightness and resistance to fire.

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project which was initiated in Fiscal Year 1953* During the past fiscal year

extensive work was done in the study of properties of slabs

formed by arranging cellular units in a checker-board fashion

and prestreseing them in two directions. Slabs consisting

of plain and reinforced concrete cells and some consisting

of structural clay tile blocks were included in the study.

In collaboration with the Fire Protection Laboratory, the

fire resistance of several thin- she 11 concrete constructions,

both prestressed and non-pres tressed, was determined. An

experimental 16 - by 30-ft building of precast thin-shell concrete panels cast in the Bureau laboratories was erected for

the purpose of studying the adequacy of water-tightness of

various calking materials installed in the joints between

roof and wall panels.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° (l) Further evaluation of prestressed cellular"~assemblies; Prestressed slabs consisting

of cellular units of various types, with either grouted or

ungrouted joints will be studied with regard to their stiffness, flexural strength, resistance to shear and loss of

prestress with time. (2) Water- tightness of joints between
- 12

CEMENT, CONCRETE , AND MASONRY ( con.

)

1001-12-4811 (con,)

precast elements s The joints in the 16- by 30-ft panel

frame structure will be examined periodically to determine the suitability of various calking materials for

long-term service, (3) Behavior of thin- she 11 elements

under sustained loads s Observation will be continued

on several thin- shell precast roof panels to determine

their behavior under sustained load,

1001-12-4014 Design Stresses in Reinforcement

Objectives

To provide basic data needed for determining

proper design tensile stresses in concrete reinforcement

of different physical properties.

Importance of the Project? It is obviously desirable that

allowable design stresses be as liberal as is compatible

with reasonable safety and satisfactory performance of reinforced concrete structures. Test data indicate that the

resisting bending moments of beams failing by yielding of

reinforcement are a linear function of the yield strength

of the reinforcement. If failures by yielding of the reinforcement were the only manner of failure possible, immediate increases in allowable design tensile stresses

would be warranted for some types of reinforcement. Unfortunately, there are other possible causes of failure

and of unsatisfactory performance and their probability

often is not predictable. Test data are needed to enable

designing engineers to predict loads causing diagonal tension failures, deflections, widths of cracks, and bond

strengths when the reinforcement is subjected to unusually

high tensile stresses.

Activity Summary; The first phase of the experimental work

in this project was completed. This consisted of determining the e ield strength and stress-strain

characteristics of reinforcement of five different types

on the resisting moment and mode of failure of beams in

which the reinforcement was proportioned to give a constant

total yield strength.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1937

s

(l) Strength of beams in shear:

The second phase of the project will be initiated to determine the effect of increased steel stresses on the shearing

strengths of beams having no web reinforcement! (2) A final

report on the findings in this study will be prepared for

publication.
- 13 -

CEMENT., CONCRETE, AND MASONRY (eon,

)

1001-12-4815 Insulating Concretes

Objectives g To secure basic data on properties of insulating

concretes needed to evaluate the usefulness of different

varieties of insulation concrete and for preparation of an

improved general specification,,

Importance of the Projects In recent years lightweight-aggregate and cellular concretes have been used as thermal insulation "’fill" for roofs,* cavity walls, and underground

steam lines „ Satisfactory specifications are not available

and current construction specifications for the quality of

these materials are arbitrary and unrealistic.. There is an

immediate need for an improved specification based on a study

of properties of insulating concretes

„

Plans for Fiscal Year 195?Conduct a laboratory investigation

of properties of various insulating concretes „ Determine

such properties as thermal conductivity, compressive and indentation strengths, drying shrinkage and rate of drying as

functions of composition, proportions, density and size and

shape of test specimens 0 Methods of testing suitable for

use in specifications will be adapted or formulated. The

laboratory phases of the program are restricted to tests

that will be most helpful in supplementing information from

previous tests at the MBS and that obtained in reviews of

the literature

„
CODES AMD SPECIFICATIONS

0400-40-0497 Recommendations for Radiation Protection

(See Miscellaneous)

0501~30“0501 Preparation of Specifications and

Standards for Pa ints7"Varni she s , Lacquers,' and Component Materials

Objectives g To provide Federal Specifications for organic

coating materials and for the products used in their

formulation, Also, to participate in the development of

standards for similar materials by ASIM and ISO,

Importance of the Projects The competitive bidding system

under which most Government paint purchases are made depends for its success on the availability of documents

that provide accurate and adequate descriptions of the

products purchased, Specifications furnish such a basis

for mutual understanding between the industrial supplier

and the Government buyer , Government procurement agencies,

notably the General Services Administration, have long depended on the Bureau to assist them in the technical aspects

of specification writlngo Participation in the standardizing activities of technical societies provides an opportunity to keep abreast of developments in this area and to

utilize them to best advantage in the Federal program.

Activity Summary

g

The Bureau has been responsible for the deve lopment of paint procurement specifications for many years.

During fiscal 1955 specifications for brushing lacquer and

alkyd flat wall paint were completed by the inclusion of

departmental comments and were subsequently promulgated as

Federal Specifications TT-L-26 and TT-P-30, respectively,

A substantial number of specifications prepared by others

under the 'assigned agency" system were reviewed and comments submitted. The international program on standardization of lac resins was continued in addition to participation in other ASTM projects.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

s

(l) Continue development of new

"specification for polyvinyl acetate emulsion paint and review of other Federal Specifications as required, (2) Cooperate with ASTM and ISO in preparation of standards for

organic coating materials and component raw materials.
- 15 - CODES AND SPECIFICATIONS (eon.)

0700-30-0719 Preparation of Specifications for

Organic and Fibrous Materials

Objectives g To provide specifications for organic and fibrous

materials

Importance of the Projects It is an established practice in

Federal and State" Governments and in industry to purchase

supplies that conform to minimum standards as s^t forth in

purchase specifications. One of the functions of the National

Bureau of Standards is to cooperate with Government and nongovernmental agencies and technical organizations in the

preparation of specifleafions , test methods, and standards

for organic and fibrous materials for use in purchasing these

materials o The activity is conducted through leadership and

membership on committees and the acceptance of responsibility

for the preparation of detail specifications and test method

standards. In the field of organic and fibrous materials, the

MBS has accepted responsibility for Federal test methods for

rubber, textiles, paper, leather, plastics, adhesives, and

floor coverings.

1005-40-1022 Construction Codes and Safety Standards

Objectives g To assist in the preparation of safety and construction standards either by serving as a sponsor or by furnishing technical service to committees under the sponsorship of

other technical or scientific organizations.

Importance of the Projects Uniformity of safety and eons true

t ion s tandards " is of 'the utmost importance to industry and to

the public. If every city and state were to prepare different requirements, mass production of such items as elevators,

crane hoists and derricks, would not be possible. Each piece

of equipment would have to be designed and built to meet local

laws and ordinances. The common use of standards and data by

all organizations in the field has the effect of gradually reducing unnecessary differences in technical safety requirements and of producing uniformity where that is practicable

and desirable. The NBS cooperates in efforts to bring about

greater uniformity on a voluntary basis, recognizing that

there are some local conditions that justify differences in

safety requirements.

Activity Summary

g

In addition to the preparation of standards,

the NBS was called upon for information and advice in connection with the activities of numerous bodies engaged in work

on building and plumbing codes, including New York State Building Code Commission, the Joint Committee on Building Codes,

the Building Officials Conference of America, and the Coordinating Committee for a National Plumbing Code. An active part

has also been taken in the revision of many of the current

American Standards.
- 16 -

CODES AND SPECIFICATIONS (com)

1005-40-1022 (com

During the current year* active work has been carried on in

connection with;

1 0 A complete revision of the National Electrical Code* which

has been finished,

2, Revision of the National Electrical Safety Code* with completion of the rules on grounding,

3, A major revision of the Code for Head* Eye* and Respiratory

Protection* which has been completed and is to be submitted

to the Joint Sponsors,

4, A study of wind pressures on buildings* with application

to specific types of structures,

5, Studies of capacities of horizontal drains and plumbing

stacks* which serve as a basis for code requirements,

6, The Refrigerator Safety Project* with development of safety

criteria for evaluating safety release devices and conduct

of tests,

7« Minimum Requirements for Design Loads in Buildings and

Other Structures* ASA A58,l“1955i> were completed and

published.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1937° Work has been started on the revision

of the Elevator Inspector's Manual* a companion volume to the

Elevator Safety Code, A program of the work of revision has

been developed, A new sectional committee for the Safety Code

on Electric Fences will be formed and the fundamentals for a

new code prepared in draft form. Work on part 2 of the National

Electrical Safety Code will be continued with completion of the

work on conflicts and interpretations. The Safety Code for

Head* Eye* and Respiratory Protection will be submitted to the

American Standards Association and editorially reviewed and

published, A Code on Radio Installations will be undertaken

under a new sectional committee which is being reorganized to

conform with ASA Procedure, Development of requirements for

design loads in buildings and other structures will be continued, Coordination of requirements of building codes (in cooperation with the Joint Committee on Building Codes) will be

continued.

)
FIRE PROTECTION AND EXTINGUISHMENT

0706-11-3872 Thermal Decomposition of Cellulose

Objectives g To gain an understanding of the mechanism of

thermal decomposition and flame retardation of cellulose

so that improved flame-resistant cellulose textiles can

be produced

Importance of the Projects The QRDG requested the NBS to condue t re s e arch^on "the"flame proofing of fibers and fabrics,,

In practice* various inorganic additives are used as flame

retardants o However * the mechanism of their action has not

been fully established «, It 1® assumed that they catalyze

the thermal decomposition reaction producing water and carbon dioxide at the expense of the reaction producing flammable tarso It appears evident* therefore * that the study

of the mechanism and kinetics of the thermal decomposition

of cellulose * treated and untreated* is necessary for a

thorough understanding of flame retardant action,,

Activity Summary’s This is a continuing project* started in

December ’ 195^7 Samples of cotton* cotton hydroeellulose

and viscose rayon* both by themselves and also impregnated

with flame retardants* were pyrolyzed in a high vacuum in

the temperature range 250° to 397° C„ The volatile and

non-volatile fractions were evaluated qualitatively and

quantitatively* using mass spectrometry* infrared absorption* and cryoscopy 0 Rates of degradation and activation

energies were determined in the temperature range 245° to

305° C 0 It was found that the flame retardants caused an

increase in rates of degradation and a decrease in activation energies of degradation and resulted in a higher yield

of carbon dioxide* water* and char material* and a lower

yield of tar Q Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

( 1 ) Extend the pyrolysis* which

has previously beerTeondueted only In a vacuum* to conditions in which there are present (a) an inert gas such

as nitrogen or helium* or (b) air or pure oxygen,, (2) prepare a final report on the results of the complete research

program

1002-11-4373 Mechanism of Fire Extinguishment

Ob Jectives

g

To provide basic information on the mechanism of

fire extinguishment and the effectiveness of various types

of extinguishing agents as applied to fires in different

fuels and to study the ignition* combustion* and explosion

characteristics resulting from contamination of combustible

materials with propellants or their component materials

„
- 18 -

FIRE, PROTECTION AND EXTINGUISHMENT (com)

1002-11-4873 (eon 0 ) Importance of Projects The current trend in the Defense Department toward greater emphasis on development of large

missiles of the self-propelled rocket type has resulted

in the introduction of a whole series of new types of

fuels together with their associated fire hazard problems.

Because of the urgent demand for solutions to these problems * it appears desirable to investigate the nature of

initiation and extinguishment of fires involving such fuels

with more than trial and error techniques „ The investigation proposed here is designed to provide more basic

information than is currently available on the mechanisms

of extinguishment of fires* special emphasis being given to

those involving propellant materials 0 Activity Summary

g

This Is a new project,, It will permit a

continuation with considerable enlargement of the scope of

work done in Fiscal Year 1955 for the U,S, Coast Guard,

This work dealt with the mechanism of extinguishment of

flammable liquid fires by means of dry powder. Me a sure

ments were made of the extent to which material particles

interposed between the flame and the fuel prevented the

transfer of radiant energy. The results indicate that

this effect plays a significant part In the extinguishment

process. It is also supposed that potentially reactive

ions and free radicals will not propagate the combustion

chain reaction if they encounter particles of powder. The

rapidity of the extinguishing action and the small powder

concentration required* as measured in these experiments*

are in accord with this hypothesis.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 s (l) A review will be made of all

""recent technical work relating to the general field of

mechanism of fire extinguishment. This material will be

studied in the light of results of recent work on extinguishment with dry powders, (2) An effort will be made to

study the effect of powder particle size on the quantity

required for extinguishment of flammable liquid fires. An

attempt will be made to determine whether the observed behavior can be related to heat transfer between fuel vapors

and powder* or whether a more likely explanation might involve chemical kinetic effects, (3) It is expected that

some studies will also be initiated on the behavior of water

sprays as a means for control of flammable liquid fires.

)
- .19 -

FIRE PROTECTION AND EXTINGUISHMENT (con.)

1002-12-1029 Fire Hazard Studies

Objectives g To investigate methods of preventing and reducing

losses resulting from accidental fires

Importance of the Project; There is a constant need for up-todate information on the fire resistive properties of new

building materials and of fabricated assemblies* particularly

those designed to reduce weight and cost as far as possible.

A better knowledge of the basic mechanism of ignition of materials as a result of self-heating phenomena* and the study

of combustible characteristics of materials is essential for

effective detection and control of fires. There is little

incentive for industry to carry on these researches. Most

of the results of the work bear particularly on the development of safe practices and both industry and other Government

agencies look to the NBS for leadership in this field.

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project. A fair portion

of the tasks proposed for completion in 1956 have been

achieved. Study of ignition characteristics of materials

has progressed well but not far enough to permit preparation

of a paper on the subject. A paper was prepared and presented

to the American Society for Testing Materials on the newly

developed flame spread test method.

Investigation of the fire resistance of cellular concrete

floor constructions was emphasized during 1956. This work

is now nearing completion. A preliminary investigation was

also possible on the feasibility of a new test method for

evaluating the combustible content of materials. The previously proposed work on effectiveness of fire retardant

treatments and test methods did not progress as anticipated

largely because of difficulties encountered in procurement

of fabrics and application of finish.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 ° (1) Fire resistances Work will be

completed on the behavior of cellular concretes and a report

prepared for publication. A small scale research study will

be made on the effect of gypsum perlite plaster composition

on transient thermal behavior. This latter will be studied

with the aid of the small research furnace and the use of

heat flow transducers. (2) Ignition characteristics of materials? Work will continue on study of the self-heating

characteristics of materials by the use of the adiabatic

furnace and* if practical* a paper will be prepared on the

method developed. (3) Combustibility test method sAn effort will

be made to further develop this new method. This consists

essentially of an adiabatic furnace calorimeter with provision

for burning the combustible content of the material at
20 ~

FIRE PROTECTION AND EXTINGUISHMENT (con.)

1002-12-1029 (con.)

variable temperature . (4) Fabric flammability: When the

twenty-five different treated fabrics are returned from

the finishers the study will be completed of the effect of

fabric finish on flammability as evaluated by several

methods of test. It is expected that this study may ultimately assist in development of improved test methods.

1002-12-4872 Fire Resistance of Reinforced Concrete

ObjectivesTo provide basic information on the factors affecting the fire endurance of reinforced concrete constructions.

Importance of the Project: In 1953 fire resistance tests were

performed for the Corps of Engineers on specimens involving

use of a reinforced concrete beam associated with concrete

channel slabs forming a roof deck. The fire endurance of

these specimens was much less than that anticipated by the

designers. Because of this the NBS has initiated a theoretical study of performance of monolithic structures. Such

calculations are at best, however, only approximate indicators of fire endurance performance. The work proposed is intended as a check on the applicability of the theoretical

calculations and also for the purpose of developing basic

fire endurance data to be used for design purposes.

Activity Summary: The proposed work on completion of analysis

of SEAC data has been accomplished and a report has been

prepared for submittal to the Sponsor. Fire resistance work

on the beam specimens has been delayed by other studies being

conducted in the furnace.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 »(^)a study will be made of the fire

endurance performance of the beam specimens now on hand.

(2) A report will be prepared on the results of these tests

with the objective of correlating them with theoretical predictions based on SEAC calculations. (3) The first few of

a group of specimens will be prepared for the purpose of determining the effect of size of beam (scale size) on fire

endurance

1002-20-4875 Fireproofing Structural Steel

Objectives

To investigate practical methods of protecting

structural steel members against early failure when exposed

to fire.
21

FIRE PROTECTION AND EXTINGUISHMENT (con.)

1002-20-4875 (corio)

Importance of the Projects In certain types of buildings such

as aircraft hangers $ it is common practice to leave the

structural steel work unprotected* In cases where sprinkler

protection is not furnished and fire hazard is high., this

practice can lead to great losses* There is on the market

today a variety of materials which can be applied by spray

techniques and are claimed to be useful for protection

against fire* Little performance data are available to

indicate their effectiveness*

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 ° (1) A review will be made of materials and application procedures proposed for this purpose*

(2) A variety of materials will be selected and samples secured for small scale preliminary experimental purposes*

These will includes (a) measurement of thermal properties,

(b) performance of small scale fire studies, and (c) consideration of methods for evaluating the permanence and

character of the bond developed between the insulation and

steel*

1002-30-4829 Marine Material 1956

ObjectivesTo obtain data on the constructional features and

evaluate operating behavior of equipment and materials requiring Coast Guard approval for marine use (confined to

work authorized in Fiscal Year 1956)*

Importance of the Project; The Sponsor is charged with the

maintenance of safety aboard United States vessels* Because

of this responsibility it is necessary to perform examinations and tests on new devices and materials as well as

studies on parts which have shown poor behavior in service*

Because of the diversity of types of examination and testing

procedures required, if has been considered necessary to

have the work performed at the MBS*

Activity Summary % A total of 32 technical investigations were

completed* These involved metallurgical, chemical and

thermal properties of marine materials* Eight other investigations were authorized but were not completed*

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

The eight unfinished investigations

will be completed* These include studies on pyrotechnic

smoke signals and fire extinguishers* A new project will

cover work authorized by the Sponsor in 1957
- 22

FIRE PROTECTION AND EXTINGUISHMENT (con.)

1002-30-4874 Marine Material 1957

Objectives : To obtain data on the constructional features and

evaluate operating behavior of equipment and materials requiring Coast Guard approval for marine use (confined to

work authorized in Fiscal Year 1957)

q

Importance of the Project; The Sponsor is charged with the

maintenance of safety aboard United States vessels. Because

of this responsibility it is necessary to perform examinations and tests on new devices and materials as well as

studies on parts which have shown poor behavior in service.

Because of the diversity of types of examination and testing

procedures required, it has been considered necessary to

have the work performed at the NBS.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957Examinations, performance tests,

and development of new test procedures will be performed

as requested by the Sponsor.

Objective

To determine the possibility of ignition of combustible structural members, thermal insulation, or building contents by lightning striking ungrounded metal-roofed

or metal-sided buildings, and to investigate the lightning

hazard of metallic foil or foil-covered organic insulation.

Importance of the Project; Because of a relatively great increase in the use of thermal insulation in residential and

commercial construction with ungrounded metal roofs and

sidings, there is a fire hazard involved. Many of these

insulation materials are of a combustible nature, and where

panels of metal foil or metalized insulation are used beneath the ungrounded metal, there is a possibility of ignition by an electric discharge or by drops of molten

metal from the fuzed foil; or possibly dust on a highly

heated foil surface may become ignited.

Roofing, Siding, and Thermal Insulation

V
22a

FIRE PROTECTION AND EXTINGUISHMENT (con.)

1005-12-1005 (ecru)

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

Task 1« To Investigate experimentally the conditions under

which commonly used thermal insulations of organic materials

(cotton, wood fiber, etc Q ) and light wooden members may be

ignited by an electrical discharge.

Task 2, To investigate the effect of the discharge of a heavy current (at least 10,000 amps) on metallic roofing of

gages (thicknesses) now in common use.

Task 3® To investigate the possibility of ignition of combustible thermal insulation with a foil covering and located

in a wall space between an ungrounded metal roof and the ground

or the possibility of ignition of building refuse (shavings,

sawdust, etc®) in such a location by an electric discharge

between the roof and ground.

Task 4® To investigate the possibility of ignition of flammable material under metallic roofs by increasing the current

until the roofing is punctured.

- 23 - HEATING AND REFRIGERATION

0603-30-0613 Testing Wind Equipment

Objectives s To calibrate wind-measuring equipment to develop

test methods

Importance of the Projects Wind-measuring instruments are

widely used by the weather services and in the heating and

ventilating field 0 Private users and manufacturers have

need for calibrated instruments either for direct use or

for checking the accuracy of other instruments . Instruments

in the field are periodically returned for recalibration 0 Other instruments are checked for conformance to government specif ications „ Manufacturers use calibrated equipment in the development of new instruments and as standards

for manufacturing

Activity Summary 1 During the past year 22 items were received

for calibration,, Six were vane anemometers, nine were cup

anemometers * and seven were thermal- type air-meters „ Reports have generally been mailed within a month of receipt

of the instrument . There is no backlog

„

1003- 11- 1015 Heat Transfer Measurements

Objectives

To determine the thermal conductivity and heat

transfer properties of materials and building constructions

and make calibration measurements on specimens for reference use by other laboratories; to improve apparatus and

develop new methods; to furnish advisory technical information in the field of heat transfer to governmental agencies

regarding design* specifications* standards and special

applications 0 Importance of the Projects The thermal conductivity and heat

transfer measurements made In this laboratory on insulating and building materials are relied on for purposes of

design* specifications* and procurement by governmental

agencies „ They are considered by governmental agencies*

private industry and technical societies as a paramount

source of dependable data for guidance In this field.

Governmental* industrial* university and private laboratories utilize its services for calibration of reference

specimens for standardizing their equipment . The services

provided in regard to measurements and calibrations of

the thermal conductivity of metals at high temperatures

appear not to be furnished by any other laboratory in the

country; they have been in continuous use for the past

two years by defense agencies and a few industrial laboratories o The experience of its personnel is sought on an
24 -

HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con.)

1003-11-1015 (con.)

advisory basis by an increasing number of governmental and

private laboratories in regard to proposed methods and apparatus for measurements in this field.

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project. Measurements

of the thermal conductivity of various insulating materials

were made and calibrated specimens were provided for the

use of other laboratories and in determinations on materials

submitted by other governmental agencies. A new apparatus

was designed and built for measuring the thermal conductivity of specimens of rock and similar materials by a comparison method* using as a reference a stainless steel bar*

the conductivity of which was determined in our metals apparatus. Trials were made of a proposed method for determining the thermal conductivity of metals using a large

electric current passed along a bar. Upon investigating

this method* a number of problems have arisen which still

require further study before the method can be considered

a satisfactory standard.

A radial-flow cylindrical type thermal conductivity apparatus with the novel feature of an extruded ceramic core

was constructed and a few measurements were made with it

on molded-type pipe insulations and on a few granular materials . Plans for Fiscal Year 1957s Continue studies of improved

methods for thermal conductivity measurements and calibration of reference specimens; investigate further the

electrical method for measurements on metals; conduct

systematic measurements with the radial-flow apparatus to

determine the thermal conductivity of granular insulations

to provide data needed in connection with other determinations* such as those metals at high temperatures and for

general information of value to other laboratories and

industry. It is expected that the work planned with the

radial-flow apparatus and with the apparatus for measuring

the thermal conductivity of rocks will be carried to a

point which will enable preparation of papers on both.
- 25 - HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con,)

1003-11-4831 Air Conditioning of Underground

Installations

Objectives t To determine by experimental results and theoretical approach, the necessary refrigeration required

to maintain underground reservoirs at temperatures below

their initial surrounding rock temperatures,, For the

case where there is ice in the reservoir, several design

factors must be resolved, i,e,, control of the amount of

ice in the reservoir, effect of ice on heat exchange surfaces and circulation of water in and out of the reservoir.

Importance of the Projects Underground installations are

recognized as important protective means for essential

activities and for the storage of material and equipment

for military purposes. Certain inherent advantages may

lead to their use for other purposes. Design data for

underground heating and air conditioning systems were

inadequate and the present project has provided much data

of engineering importance, such as heat exchanges to and

from underground spaces, the effects of tunnels or shafts

on air drawn through them, and the thermal properties of

rock.

Certain types of underground installation, due to their

importance for national defense, must be maintained in

operation regardless of interruption due to attack on the

outside services such as domestic water, cooling water

and electricity, A problem that confronts the designing

engineer as an outgrowth of this condition is to provide

a means for dissipating heat from certain large heat producing sources within the protected area of the underground installation. The heat producing sources may be

electronic equipment, personnel, electric generating

equipment, refrigeration condensers, etc, A solution to

this problem is to provide an underground reservoir filled

with water; so that during an interruption in the outside

cooling water service, heat is transferred to the water

in the reservoir and part of the heat Is absorbed by the

surrounding earth mass.

The above system has already been investigated by this

Bureau and shows considerable merit. The principal drawback Is that for large amounts of heat to be dissipated

and for prolonged periods of interruption to the cooling

water services, the size of the reservoir becomes inordinately large. In order to reduce the size of the

reservoir to comply with the requirements of heat load

and time, the temperature of the surrounding earth mass

and water may be maintained during normal operation somewhere below its initial temperature by the refrigeration
- 26 - HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con.)

1003-11-^831 (cOHo)

process o A larger heat sink is then provided for the

period of interruption. If most of the water in the

reservoir is ice* the latent heat of fusion of the ice

will add considerably to the heat sink and reduce the

necessary physical dimensions of the reservoir.

Activity Summary

This is a continuing project. During fiscal year 1958* heat transfer phenomena and the performance

of air conditioning equipment in two underground installations were observed; experimental data were gathered in

the air conditioning effect of tunnels or shafts* and on

the heat absorbing capacity of an underground reservoir

used as a heat sink; Part V of the Engineering Manual for

Protective Constructions was completed and submitted to

the Sponsor.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1937° Install refrigerating machinery

with a pipe coil in an available reservoir to provide experimental results for the refrigeration capacity necessary

to maintain the reservoir at reduced temperature under the

no-load or standby condition; to observe the capacity of

the reservoir* after freezing* as a heat sink. Determine

the effect of icing up of heat transfer surfaces upon the

heat transfer and design proper control systems for an ice

to water balance in the laboratory at the National Bureau

of Standards.

1003-11-4886 Effect of Nickel on the Thermal

Conductivity of Steels

Objectives

To obtain quantitative data on the effects of

nickel addition to nickel alloy steels on the thermal conductivity of the alloy at temperatures ranging from -300F

to temperatures approaching 100QF.

Importance of the Projects The effects of nickel addition

on the physical constants of nickel alloy steels are not

at present precisely known quantitatively. The sponsor

of the project has made arrangements to obtain much of

the needed information by investigations at other laboratories but has been unable to find an outside laboratory

equipped for thermal conductivity determinations. The

accumulated data on the effect of nickel alloy steels are

intended for publication in the proposed revised Data

Book "Nickel Alloy Steels" which will make the information

available generally to metallurgists and other technically

interested people.

)
- 27 - HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (com)

1003-11-4886 ( com

)

Activity Summary; This project was approved for Fiscal Year

1956 * but no work was undertaken because of the pressure

of other work and the lack of available personnel

„

Plans for Fiscal Year 1967

Tasks proposed are;

lo To develop an apparatus for measuring the thermal

conductivity of steels at temperatures from -300

to about IQOOFo

2 C Conduct trials of the method making a comparison of

results with conductivities obtained in the Bureau's

bar-type thermal conductivity apparatus for metals at

moderate to high temperatures.,

3o Prepare up to six specimens of nickel alloy steels and

determine their thermal conductivity over the range of

temperature desired,,

4„ Determine the composition of the several specimens

with such other metallurgical determinations as may

be necessary

5o Prepare a summary of the findings in the form of a report to International Nickel Company* or a paper for

publication* or both* on completion of the work.

1003-12-4881 Underground Pipe Insulations

Objectives

To provide data on the insulating properties,

water permeance* expansion characteristics* mechanical and

chemical stability of insulating materials and methods for

underground steam and hot water lines as a basis for the

preparation of adequate specifications for such materials

by Federal agencies

„

Importance of the Project; Central heating plants often require extensive underground piping systems for distribution

of steam or hot water to the area of usage „ Such piping

systems are usually insulated to reduce heat losses and to

prevent rapid corrosion of the pipe as a result of chemical

and electrolytic action,, Some of the characteristics desired for underground pipe insulation are low thermal conductivity, low moisture permeance* high crushing strength*

suitable expansion characteristics* adequate stability at

temperatures ranging from below freezing to 350°F, and

long life. Many types of insulation and embedment have been
- 28 - HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con.)

1003-12-4881 (eon.)

used in addition to various kinds of tunnel construction.

The Corps of Engineers of the Department of the Army expends several million dollars each year for installtions

of this type and requires information on the performance

of such insulating materials in order to prepare adequate

specifications for purchase. Their experience has indicated that not all of the materials offered as underground

pipe insulation possess the important characteristics to

the required degree.

Activity Summary: This is a continuing project which was

initiated in the third quarter of Fiscal Year 1954. The

testing apparatus was brought to its present state of development in Fiscal Year 1955 and some tests of typical

insulations were made as a guide to further operations.

During Fiscal Year 1956* the thermal conductivity, heat

transmission, and moisture resistance of an insulation

made of port land cement and macerated rubber, and other

specimens of materials made of fire clay and Insulation

in concrete, called Z-Crete, were investigated. Various

means for excluding water from the insulation were tried,

but no entirely satisfactory means of accomplishing this

were determined, either by ourselves or the manufacturers

concerned.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 s To continue studies of this

subject, including tests of steam pipe imbedded in dry

earths of various kinds, insulation made of light weight

concrete and tests of conventionally accepted underground

pipe insulation for comparative purposes.

1003-12-4887 Moisture in Roof Insulation

Objectives

To provide data for estimating or calculating

the insulating value of various types of insulated roof

deck constructions under similar service conditions; to

evaluate quantitatively the degree of effect of known

contents of moisture on the insulating value of specific

insulated roof deck constructions, to determine the effectiveness of vents for the release of contained moisture,

to ascertain if some particular types of insulated roof

constructions have intrinsic characteristics favoring

moisture release.
- 29 -

HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con.)

1003-12-4887 (con.)

Importance of the Project; Concrete roof decks are commonly

insulated by thermal insulations of various kinds laid

between the deck and the built-up roofing. The latter

is practically impermeable to water or water vapor * and

moisture in the insulation* due either to its presence

when the roofing was applied* or to accumulation by condensation or by other means^ causes serious loss of Insulating value of the roof. Discrepancies between actual

heat loads and those calculated using thermal conductivities based on laboratory measurements * are of practical

importance in regard to the performance of both heating

and air conditioning systems. To determine these discrepancies accurately * Information is needed concerning

the effect of initially-present or accumulated moisture

on the insulating performance of various types of roofdeck insulations.

A c t i v i ty Summary

During Fiscal Year 1956* a study of the

effect of moisture in insulated roof decks on their insulating performance under several simulated climatic

conditions was in progress. Fifteen roof deck insulations 5 some with and some without vapor barriers * were

exposed for periods of from two to four months to simulated conditions of (a) summer exposure * (b) mild winter

exposure* (e) winter exposure* and a repetition of (a).

Solar heating of the roof surface was simulated* for each

condition* and daily observations of the thermal conductivities of the several insulations under the various

conditions* by means of heat flow meters and thermocouples attached to the specimens* were made. Eleven of

the specimens were removed from the test apparatus* of

which five were oven-dried and reinstalled* four dried

and reinstalled without the concrete roof deck so that

data on intrinsic moisture accumulation could be obtained

and two were replaced by new concrete-insulated specimens

The quantitative data thus obtained provide a basis for

estimating tolerable amounts* and relative effects* of

moisture in insulations of various kinds in roof decks or

similar applications.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1987° It is proposed to ascertain

quantitatively the effect on the thermal insulating value

of particular insulated roof deck constructions of known

amounts of moisture within the construction* continuing

and completing work to this end which started in the last

third of Fiscal Year 1956; to investigate the moisturerelease effect of vents to the outdoor side of some insulating concrete slabs strong enough to be used without

a structural concrete roof deck; render a final report*

and interim reports if requested.
- 30 -

HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con.)

1003-20-1014 Heating and Air Conditioning EquipmentObjectives ; To develop test methods for heating, air conditioning and air cleaning equipment and to provide the

data essential for developing specifications, codes, and

standards for heating, refrigerating, air conditioning

and associated equipment.

Importance of the Projects Government agencies, professional

societies, and industry need new basic- 'data for preparing

and improving codes and standards for heating, air conditioning, refrigerating, and air cleaning equipment.

Purchases of air conditioning equipment by the Federal

agencies, as well as the public, have increased materially,

and it is recognized that the application of standard

testing and rating procedures would result in great savings

and convenience to all concerned. Considerable confusion

about ratings now exists, questions continually arise among

Government agencies, and there is pressure from industry

for assistance in developing standards. Air infiltration

remains the most important unknown in the computation of

heating and air conditioning requirements for houses and

buildings. This uncertainty results in errors in selection

of equipment for size.

Air filters are being used increasingly in air conditioning and ventilating systems of buildings and in commercial

and industrial equipment. As there are no standards for

the rating of the filters. Government agencies and engineers

generally are looking to the NBS to provide suitable methods

of testing and rating.

Activity Summary; During Fiscal Year 1956, a Commercial Standard on Warm Air Furnaces Equipped with Pressure Atomizing

or Rotary Type Oil Burners (CS195-54) was promulgated, the

initial draft of which was written by a member of our staff,

and which was completed in cooperation with the Subcommittee

on Furnace Rating Codes of the Research Advisory Committee

of the National Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Association.

The Testing and Rating Code for Heavy Duty Furnaces, published by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers, was completed. The initial draft was written

by a member of our staff in consultation with the Heavy Duty

Furnace Code Committee of the ASHAE.

)
HEATING AMD REFRIGERATION (con.)

100 3 - 20 - 10 1 4 ( e on .

)

Services were rendered to the Institute of Boiler and

Radiator Manufacturers and the Convector Manufacturers

Association in the application of the Commercial Standard on Convectors (CS140-4?)

Preliminary studies of safety latches for refrigerator

doors were completed by members of the Section., This

included obtaining data on existing refrigerator latches,

forces exerted by children who might be accidentally imprisoned in abandoned refrigerators during play, and

possible designs of latches including safety features to

prevent suffocation or other casualties.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957The Federal Specification on

Self Contained "A. ir Conditioners will be amended to make

it concordant with current practices and techniques. A

standard for domestic air conditioners will be developed

in cooperation with the National Warm Air Heating and Air

Conditioning Association and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. The standard will be written in

part and edited in its entirety by staff members of NBS.

Infiltration in houses and buildings and methods for

measuring and controlling it will be considered in cooperation with the American Society of Heating and Air

Conditioning Engineers. An apparatus calibrated at NBS

is being used in experiments on infiltration in two research houses at the University of Illinois. The new

apparatus developed by NBS will be used to measure infiltration in a few houses to obtain comparative data. A

paper on this apparatus will be prepared.

1003-20-4832 Refrigeration and Field Equipment

Objectives % To continue development of portable and mobile

refrigeration and field equipment with improved characteristics, including performance, size and weight; to develop and apply standard test methods to refrigerated

field equipment, including both refrigerating machines and

refrigerated structures, with a view to adapting commercial products to military use, as far as possible; to

recommend modifications of prototype equipment and standardize capacities, rating conditions and physical components of such equipment; to develop and apply test methods

for refrigerated structures with particular reference to

the occurence and effects of condensation of water within

the component parts.
- 32 - HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con.)

1003-20-4832 (con.)

Importance of the Project; The availability and proper performance of portable and mobile refrigerating equipment is

of primary importance to the Military Service , and this

fact is reflected by the actions of the Office of The

Quartermaster General in desiring our cooperation in the

development of equipment for this purpose and means for

verifying its suitability.. Available equipment changed

greatly during World War II when designs were altered on

an emergency basis , depending on the component parts that

could be furnished by the industry,. Since World War II,

the change has been more evolutionary in character, and

equipment of a greater variety of size and characteristics

is now in use. Standardization is essential for minimizing the stock of necessary spare parts, especially since

military operations are world-wide „ The revision of

specifications is essential to enable the military agencies

to procure commercial items, where applicable, and thus

take full advantage of quantity production, in the interest

of reducing costs

Activity Summary; This Is a continuing project, initiated in ~ 1944 . During the last year, a modulating thermo-mechanical

control system for portable refrigeration systems was brought

up to a state of development such that its quantity production was discussed with industrial representatives. The

device is of much interest to the Quartermaster General's

Office, and its adaptation for quantity production is in

prospect. Work completed on engine and refrigerating machine characteristics and on insulation of portable and mobile structures is contained in NBS Reports 4276, 4288,

4309j> 4434, and 4472 o Work on the design of exhaust gas

heat exchanger for warmed warehouses for use in the Arctic

is continuing. The thermal characteristics of three refrigerated trailers were observed as a means of checking

the present specifications for such vehicles.

Flans for Fiscal Year 1957: Continue observations of the performance of prototype refrigerated trailers, portable refrigerated warehouses and refrigerating units of both

portable and stationary application; attempt to attain

quantity production by industry of the thermo-mechanical

control system for warehouse units, the investigation to

include study of both gasoline-engine and electric-motordriven portable and stationary refrigerated units, evaluate

the standardization procedure now in use by QM for refrigeration compressors by testing some specimens and making

recommendations for modifications of the procedures; continue studies of vapor transmission in insulated warehouses

and mobile structures; continue development of a gasoline

engine-exhaust heat exchanger.
- 33 -

HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con.)

1003-20-4838 Aircraft Engine Air Filters

(See Miscellaneous)

1003-20-4885 Life of Upper Air Tubes

Objectives of Project? The stock Upper Air Tube of the M4l

Tent Stove has been found to have a service life not commensurate with that of the stove burner . The objectives

of this project are (l) to determine by laboratory tests

in the stove the service life of four sets of upper air

tubes now available from 0QMG, using three firing schedules, and (2) with the guidance obtained from these results and metallurgical information, to determine by tests,

and to recommend material or materials for the upper air

tube that will yield a satisfactory service life, taking

into consideration, also, the following factors ; fa)

producibility by either large or small foundries, (b)

probable availability of the materials under the restrictions of wartime, (c) machinability of the parts and (d)

cost.

Importance of the Projects The gasoline-burning M4l Tent

Stove is used for space heating in temporary and semipermanent housings over a wide geographical distribution 0 Failure of the upper air tube incapacitates the stove; in

addition, in falling, it may cause destruction of the pot

burner, and thus multiply the problems involved in immediate replacement in the field. Development of an

upper air tube of life commensurate with that of the stove,

and of specifications for the material, taking into account

the subsidiary factors mentioned above, is important from

the standpoint of military reliability, and of economy

and facility in procurement.

Activity Summary; This project was approved during the

final quarter of Fiscal Year 1956, but only preliminary

planning was accomplished.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

Metallurgical examinations will

be made of specimens of the tubes showing premature failure and the following other tasks will be undertaken;

1. Prepare a temporary fireproof test structure adequate to house 12 stoves operating under test conditions, with necessary measuring equipment and

automatic time controls for round-the-clock operation.
- 34 -

HEATING AND REFRIGERATION (con„)

1003-20-4838 ( con 0 )

2. 0 If possible in the available time, initiate service

tests of upper tubes as furnished with stoves by the

OQMGo

3o Conduct and complete service-life tests of four sets

of present stock upper air tubes

4„ In accordance with the results on the stock upper air

tubes, and with the assistance of the Metallurgy

Division, prepare upper air tubes of improved materials and subject them to service-life tests.,

po Submit quarterly reports on progress, and if the project is concluded in Fiscal Year 19574 submit a final

summary report. Including recommendations for materials

to yield improved upper air tube service life.
- 35 ~

PLASTICS

0707-11-0733 Research on Properties of Plastics

(See Properties of Materials)

O 7 O 7 -II -3862 Adhesion of Resins to Glass Fibers

Ob je ctive s

To investigate and evaluate the basic factors

involved in obtaining high bond strengths between synthetic resins and glass fibers.

Importance of the Project: Glass fiber reinforced plastics

have many important military and civilian uses* The degree of adhesion of the synthetic resins used as bonding

agents to the glass fibers used as the high strength reinforcing medium is a vital factor in obtaining optimum

performance characteristics in the reinforced plastic.

The present method for evaluating new glass fibers, fiber

treatments, and bonding resins is by the empirical process

of molding and testing reinforced panels* This is a timeconsuming and costly method and provides no fundamental

data as a guide for future development or research.

Therefore, the Navy Bureau of Aeronautics initiated this

work to provide the fundamental data necessary to predict

the properties of glass fiber laminates and hence to

serve as a basis for the selection of suitable materials

to produce reinforced plastics of high strength and durability.

A ctivity Summary: The project was started in July 1953°

During the past year the specific problems involved in

utilizing three techniques for evaluating the basic factors in glass-resin adhesion were investigated. These

techniques are (1) Contact angle measurements on low

energy surfaces; (2) Monolayer characteristics using

Langmuir balance methods; and ( 3 ) Measurement of adsorption isotherms. Some data have been obtained using (1)

and most of the experimental problems have been solved

for (2) and ( 3 )

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957- (1) Measure the contact angle

for a comprehensive group of resins on low energy surfaces and design experiments to extend the data to high

energy surfaces. (2) Determine adsorption isotherms for

various liquid-resin systems, ( 3 ) Determine monolayer

properties for a group of well characterized resins.

(4) Using the mass spectrometer, investigate the effects

of elevated temperature on Type E - glass.
- 36 -

PLASTICS

0707-12-3817 Evaluation of Plastic Materials

Objectives

To provide information on the properties of commercial and experimental plastic materials used in Quartermaster equipment; in particular, to study the basic erosion properties of plastic and metal-clad laminates.

Importance of the Project: The QRDC uses many plastic items.

A knowledge of the properties of these materials and correlation of performance with laboratory methods of evaluating them is necessary to insure adequate procurement of

plastic commodities. The mechanism of surface breakdown

on plastic laminates must be known, for example, in order

to develop products with superior resistance to conditions

involving wetting-drying cycles coupled with abrasion.

Activity Summary ; A study was made of the erosion factors,

e.g., moisture, abrasion, heat, etc., on reinforced thermosetting plastics. A wide variety of resins, fillers, and

metal surfaces was tested. The results show that few commercial molding powders or resins have high resistance to

factors involved in erosion. Plastic sheets protected by

overlays of metal or resistant films have the most promising characteristics. A final report was prepared.

0707-20-0732 Methods of Testing Plastics and Adhesives

ObjectivesTo develop methods for testing plastics and adhesives; in particular, measurements of tensile strength,

fracture energy on impact, and abrasion resistance.

Importance of the Project: The increasing number of new

types of plastics and new applications for existing plastics makes it necessary to develop new and improved methods

for measuring the properties of these materials. This activity is carried out in close collaboration with other

Government agencies, industry, and organizations such as

the American Society for Testing Materials and the Society

of the Plastics Industry. Standardization of methods is

advanced to the benefit of both Government purchasing

and industry. Direct results of this work are Federal

Specifications L-P-406 and MMM-A-175> covering methods for

testing plastics and adhesives, respectively; these are

being enlarged and converted to Federal standards.
- 37 -

PLASTICS (con.)

0707-20-0732 (con.)

Activity Summary

A paper entitled "Index of Refraction and

Particle Size as Factors in the Infrared Spectrophotometry

of Polyvinyl Chloride" was published in the Journal of

Research of the National Bureau of Standards (RP2b70)„ A

method for making solid-phase infrared spectral measurements on insoluble plastics and the factors pertinent to

such measurements are described, A method of test for

laboratory aging using fluorescent sunlamps was submitted

to ASTM Committee D-20 on Plastics for consideration as a

standard method. Drawings of this apparatus were prepared

so that industrial laboratories could build comparable

equipment needed for round robin test programs. The

Porcelain Enamel Institute Abrasion Tester was evaluated

for use with transparent plastics* such as polymethyl

methacrylate. Results to date indicate that the abradant

consisting of a mixture of steel balls* glass sand* and

distilled water will provide more uniform abrasion and

thus overcome a serious limitation of previous methods employing rigid abradants. Programs on speed of testing

and aging of adhesives were conducted in cooperation with

ASTM Committee D-20 on Plastics and D-l4 on Adhesives.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

(1) Study the effect of rate of

stressing on measurement of tensile properties of plastics.

(2) Evaluate the PEI Abrasion Tester for use with transparent plastics. (3) Develop a method for measuring the

energy to fracture on impact. (4) Conduct cooperative

test programs with the American Society for Testing Materials* Society of the Plastics Industry* the Society

of Plastics Engineers* and other governmental agencies.
PLUMBING AND FLUID MECHANICS

0603-ll-06l8 Fluid Mechanics Research

Objectives

To provide basic information on the mechanics of

flow of water and air.

Importance of the Project; In nearly every phase of technology problems arise in connection with the flow of fluids

or movement of bodies through them. Solutions to these

problems mean better performance of equipment, new means

of accomplishing some objective, or. more reliable means of

calculating performance. The problems arise mainly through

ignorance of the basic mechanisms connecting the physical

properties of the fluid and the forces which induce flow

both in the body of a fluid and in the neighborhood of

boundaries. This project is devoted primarily to the investigation of such fundamental processes, where by the

very nature of the problem long-term continuity of effort

is required, or where a line of investigation must be pursued before phenomena are sufficiently well understood to

see the scope and promise of the undertaking. The latter

provides the means whereby originality of thought and

method are directed toward devising new methods of attack

and the discovery of new phenomena.

Activity Summary; One task carried over from previous years

was completed and a paper was prepared. This was the problem of the action of severe wind storms on the form of the

surface of a reservoir. Several new investigations were

started, but the work on these has been primarily preliminary analysis, setting up of equipment, and making some

preliminary and exploratory measurements. These are: (l)

Resistance to flow of a dense layer of water under still

water; (2) Coexistence of laminar and turbulent flow over

grooved surface and its effect on friction; and (3) Study

of fluid friction on surfaces composed of hydrophobic materials. Under item (2) the difficult task of producing

longitudinal grooves in a 6-foot length of brass pipe was

finally completed successfully after several initial failures. The equipment for conducting the experiment with

air flow has been partially set up. Under item (3) studies

were made on teflon disks with surfaces prepared so as to

retain a partial air cover between the solid and the water

in which the disk is immersed. From tests made so far,

such disks show the same damping as ordinary disks when

oscillated in water. This is a surprising and puzzling

result.
- 39 -

PLUMBING AND FLUID MECHANICS (con.

0603-H-06l8 (con.)

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° The experimental and analytical

work connected with the resistance to flow of a dense

layer of water under still water will continue during

Fiscal Year 1957 with emphasis being placed upon the mixing at the interface and collateral problems arising from

the interfacial stresses.

The experimental apparatus needed for investigating the

coexistence of laminar and turbulent flow over grooved

surfaces and its effect on frictional resistance will be

completed and experimental work initiated.

Owing to its basic and fundamental significance * the problem of fluid friction on grooved hydrophobic materials in

the presence of a partial air film will be more extensively investigated during Fiscal Year 1957* as well as the

general problem of flow on hydrophobic surfaces.

0603-12-3586 Hydraulics of Short Pipes

Objectives s To develop culvert inlet designs of greater

hydraulic efficiency than those currently used and to determine the hydraulic characteristics of the more common

types of non-rectangular culverts now being used.

Importance of the Projects The sponsor of the project estimates that approximately 12$ of the costs of multi- lane

highway construction* amounting to several hundred million

dollars per year* is required for culvert installations.

These high costs of modern culverts exert substantial

economic pressure upon the sponsoring agency to develop

culvert design methods of increased hydraulic precision

both with regard to the design runoff and to the ability

of the culvert to economically discharge the design runoff. The research program of the sponsoring agency in

regard to the hydraulics of culverts is therefore aimed

at the dual problem of (l) developing means* by consideration of hydrological and meteorological data* to increase

the precision of estimating the peak runoff of drainage

areas and (2) developing methods of increasing the ability

of economically sized culverts to discharge these peak

runoffs* particularly on supercritical slopes. The present

project constitutes the sponsoring agency's research activities relating to the hydraulic characteristics of

culverts of non-rectangular cross section.
- 40

PLUMBING AND FLUID MECHANICS (con.)

0603-12-3586 (con,)

Activity Summary; During the past fiscal year the first progress report was issued to the sponsoring agency* covering the experimental work of the investigation on short

smooth culvert barrels of 5* 5-inch diameter . This report

included the experimental results of the investigation for

a wide variety of model inlet designs now in common engineering use, . together with the results of an exploratory investigation of the erfect of turbulence level in the approach

flow on the hydraulic characteristics of rounded culverts.

This latter phase of the investigation satisfactorily explained the wide divergence between the results of previous

investigations and the present study for certain aspects

of culvert flow* and led to a more exhaustive investigation

of the effect of turbulence level on culvert operation at

a 12-inch diameter model size* This portion of the investigation is now approaching completion and has indicated that

turbulence in the approach flow whether developed by grids

or boundary roughness can under certain conditions influence

to a remarkable degree the efficiency of the culvert inlet.

In the simple one dimensional method of analysis for full

conduit flow in culvert design it is necessary to have

prior knowledge of several constants. Among these is the

elevation at the outlet face of the piezometric gradient.

During the past year an investigation was completed on the

determination of this dimension for various types of outlet channels and at various rates of flow.

A culvert ordinarily does not flow full immediately after

submergence of the inlet. This change in flow regime from

part full flow to full conduit flow usually occurs after

the inlet has been substantially submerged. During the

past fiscal year., an investigation was initiated to determine the mechanics by which this change in flow regime

occurred, and the effect upon this phenomena of conduit

length, slope, and roughness. It was found that regime

change from part full to full conduit flow is not the result of a single type of mechanism, but that regime change

results from the occurrence of various hydraulic and pneumatic phenomena depending upon the slope, roughness and

length of the culvert barrel. In the single length of

culvert barrel for which experimental data are presently

complete, it was observed that four separate and distinct

control mechanisms for regime change existed with each

control mechanism applicable to a distinct range of slopes.
- 4l -

PLUMBING AND FLUID MECHANICS (con.)

0603-12-3586 (con.)

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° The principal activities of the

project will be to develop a group of inlets of improved

hydraulic efficiency and to complete the experimental

work now underway on the phenomena controlling regime

change for some of the commonly used culvert inlets

0603-40-0623 Hydraulic Bulletin

ObjectivesTo compile and prepare master copy for publication of bulletin listing hydraulic research in progress

in the United States and Canada

Importance of the Projects The bulletin is a standard reference work on current hydraulic research to universities.

Government agencies, and to industry* It serves to keep

others informed about research being conducted in other

laboratories and thus provides a guide for the planning

of research programs and for the avoidance of needless

duplication* It was initiated in 1933 and has been issued

each year since, except for the years 194-3 - 19^6.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° (l) Information reports will be

obtained from the cooperating organizations* (2) Reports

will be edited, subject index and master copy prepared

for off-set printing*

1005-12-1004 Capacities of Horizontal Drains

in Plumbing Systems

Objectives

To determine the flow capacities of nominally

horizontal drains under conditions of surging flow*

Importance of the Project; With the increase in population

and area, most municipalities recognize the acute need

for an acceptable code of minimum requirements for plumbing* The need has been dictated principally by the requirements of public health and safety* However, accurate minimum requirements can be obtained only by means

of laboratory research* For example, under the conditions

of surging flow characteristic of plumbing drains in

service, the known laws of steady, uniform flow have little

application; therefore, a rational solution to this problem must be based on an investigation of flow capacities

under surging-flow conditions*
42

PLUMBING AND FLUID MECHANICS (con.)

1005*12- 1004 (con.)

Writers of plumbing codes have known for some time that

the loading tables in current use for building drains,

building sewers, and horizontal branches are based on

very limited, unpublished data for drains 3 and 4 inches

in diameter only* In developing the loading tables, it

has been necessary to resort to extrapolation over a

range much greater than is justified by the existing data.

It is considered that the proposed project will contribute much-needed information to the national committees

responsible for developing and maintaining plumbing codes.

Specifically, it is believed the most important contributions will be as follows;

1. Experimental data on flow capacities of horizontal

drains of diameters larger than 4 inches under conditions of fully and partially surging flow will be

available for the first time.

2. The data described in 1 above, together with similar

unpublished data on 3~ and 4-inch drains obtained

earlier at the National Bureau of Standards will be

published In a form usable by the writers of plumbing codes.

3. Insofar as is possible, the known laws of physics

and fluid mechanics will be applied to the experimental data in order to develop a rational solution

to the problem of surging flow in nominally horizontal drains.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

Task 1. Investigate experimentally the effect of slope,

diameter and surge duration on flow capacity over a suitable range, both in empty drains receiving surging flow

and in partially filled drains receiving surging flow.

Task 2. Organize the experimenal data in a rational,

meaningful manner by applying, insofar as is possible

known laws of physics and fluid mechanics to the data

described under Task 1 above and also to similar limited

data obtained earlier at the National Bureau of Standards.

Task 3. Prepare for publication a report of the results

obtained under Tasks 1 and 2 above. The form of this report should be such that it will be of maximum usefulness

to the writers of plumbing codes.
- 43 - PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS

0702- 11-0731 Researc h on Propertles__of Textiles

ObjectivesTo provide basic information on the properties

of textiles; in particular * on the effects of (1) corrosive atmospheres* (2) high energy radiation* and ( 3 ) impact loading at rates of straining up to critical velocity.

Importance of the Proj ect; (l) With the increasing prevaienee of smog conditions* more information is needed on

the effect of atmospheric contaminants on textiles. This

information will serve as a basis for selecting textiles

for specific uses and for developing protective treatments

for textiles. (2) Because of the highly oriented structure and relatively high ratio of surface area to volume

shown by textile fibers* the effects of high energy radiation on textile fibers may open up new ways of modifying

natural and synthetic fibers to obtain improved properties.

(3) Increased use is being made of textiles under conditions where they are subjected to high speed impact. As

a result more basic information on the stress-strain behavior of textiles at very high rates of straining by

impact loading is needed. This information should aid in

the design of textiles for civilian and military uses*

such as tire cords* safety ropes* seat belts* parachute

webbing* and flexible body armor.

Activity Summary: (l) During Fiscal Year 1956* studies on

the effects of air containing low concentrations of dinitrogen tetroxide on cellulosic textiles were continued

and similar studies were carried out with air containing

hydrogen chloride. It was found that wasting with water

soon after exposure to these corrosive atnioshpheres restored a considerable amount of the original strength of

the celluloses. (2) A. variety of textile fibers was irradiated in air in a nuclear reactor and with beta radiation from an electron accelerator. Stress-strain behavior* infrared absorption* and softening temperatures

of the irradiated fibers were determined. (3) For a summary of previous work on impact loading of textiles* see

the report on Project 0702-11-3841.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° (l) Complete manuscript now

being prepared on effect of low concentrations of dinitrogen tetroxide and hydrogen chloride on cellulose; study

the effect of relative humidity on the reaction of cotton

and rayon with dinitrogen- tetroxide-containing air; extend the work on corrosive atmospheres to noncellulosic
- 44 -

PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS (eon,)

0702-11-0731 (con,

textiles, (2) Complete manuscript now being prepared on

properties of fibers irradiated in air; study the effect

of high energy radiation in helium on fibers, (3) Continue analysis of transverse impact data; make additional

measurements of limiting breaking velocity, using the

longitudinal impact apparatus; measure dynamic moduli of

elasticity on several textile yarns and compare with results obtained from transverse impact data.

0707-11-0733 Research on Properties of Plastics

Objectives

To provide basic information on the physical and

chemical properties of plastics; in particular, properties

of graft copolymers produced by nuclear radiation, the

mechanism of fracture in polymers, and the effect of

atomic gases on the properties of plastics.

Importance of the Projects The multi-billion dollar plastics

industry continues to produce a phenomenal number of new

materials each year, as well as radically different types

of older materials, Basic information on the properties

of these materials is necessary for their proper use, development and improvement. Studies of basic mechanisms,

such as those involved in fracture and nuclear radiation

resistance, and the relationships between the chemical

structure and physical properties are needed to permit

selection and utilization of these materials in specific

military and industrial applications.

Activity Summary^ Two papers, "Ultraviolet Initiated Degradation of Polyvinylchloride" and "Thermal Decomposition of

Polyvinylchloride in a Vacuum, " covering work done on the

mechanism of degradation of this polymer, were presented

at the September 1956 meeting of the American Chemical

Society, A study of the properties of graft copolymers

was initiated in cooperation with the Brookhaven National

Laboratory, A series of polyamide substrates irradiated

by gamma radiation (Co-60) is being evaluated with emphasis on determining the degree of grafting and evaluating

the physical and chemical properties of graft polymers,

A preliminary study of the rate of oxidation of polystyrene in the presence of ultraviolet radiant energy showed

that the generation of degradation products interfered

with the manometric measurement of the amount of oxygen

sorbed by the polymer. Further development of the technique is required before further experimentation is

feasible
- 45 - PROPERTIES OP MATERIALS (con 0 )

0707-11-0733 ( coru ) Plans for Fiscal Year 1937° (l) Study graft copolymers in

cooperation with the Brookhaven National Laboratory „ (2)

Investigate fracture mechanism in various plasties „ (3)

Study the effects of atomic gases on the properties of

plastics

„

0901-11-4400 Properties of Ceramics at

Elevated Temperatures

ObjectivesTo obtain fundamental information on the properties of ceramic- type materials

„

Importance of the Projects The data supplied to the Sponsor

are used in various US AEG reactor design programs „ The

project emphasis is reviewed annually to meet both current

and future needs «, On the basis of the previous phase of

this project^ certain members of the project staff act as

consultants to the Division of Research, US AEG, particularly with regard to the equilibrium relations of oxide

systems containing UOg as one component „ Although the

work itself is not classified, the application of the data

is, in general, classified,,

Activity Summary

g

This is a continuing program in that the

basic objective remains the determination of fundamental

information on the high- temperature properties of ceramic

type materials of interest to the Sponsor, although the

emphasis may change 0 The previous phase of the program,

the determination of the equilibrium phase relations of

ceramic- type materials, was completed upon publication of

NBS Circular 568 , "High-Temperature Reactions of Uranium

Dioxide with Various Metal Oxides „ " The first paper of

the current phase, the determination of the strength

properties of materials of interest, "The Effects of

Particle Size on Bulk Density and Strength Properties of

Uranium Dioxide Specimens," published in the Journal of

the American Ceramic Society, 39 (5 )

l 8 l (1956), describes the study of the properties of fused U02°

Similar studies, but more detailed in certain respects,

are in progress for other types of UO2 and for some types

of ThCUo Early in the reorientation of this project, the

Sponsor asked that the program be interrupted for the

rapid determination of a number of properties of a special
- 46 -

PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS (con.)

0901-11-4400 (con.)

form of Th02o A paper describing this work, "Some Physical

Properties of High- Density Thorium Dioxide," was submitted

in February 1956 for publication in the Journal of the

American Ceramic Society. The preliminary determinations

of the elastic constants- -Young ' s modulus, shear modulus,

Poisson's ratio, and bulk modulus--have been completed for

some 35 different materials of interest to the Sponsor.

A paper is being prepared describing these results.

0903-12-0903 Physical Properties of Refractory Materials

Objectives 1 To investigate the physical properties of refractory materials for the purpose of obtaining data that

will be useful in revising existing standards, including

Federal specifications or forming the basis for the technical requirements of new specifications for such materials.

To study the physical and chemical changes which occur when

the various refractory ingredients of Pyrometric cones are

heat treated.

Importance of the Project; New refractory products are continually being developed by industry, improvements made in

existing ones, and new applications found for these products. In order to keep abreast of such developments, both

from the standpoint of current Federal specifications and

the inauguration of new ones, a knowledge of the properties

of the products under service conditions is highly desirable.

There is a dearth of information on the properties of refractory castables. Furthermore, there is a lack of information on the relative volatility of the fluxes present

in alumina-silica refractories and the effect of such volatilization at high temperatures on the properties and

mineralogical changes of such materials. Conversely, information is necessary on the relative rate of absorption

of different alkalies by the refractory at high temperature.

Investigation in this field should supply information which

will clarify previously unexplained phenomena. This clarification will be of considerable value to the consumer

of refractory materials. The pyrometric cone equivalent

test is one of the important industrial indices of refractories. A basic study of cone behavior is needed.

Activity Summary 1 During the past year a study of the effect

of temperature and cement ratio on the thermal expansion

of a large number of castables has been carried out and reported. The modulus of rupture of these castables has been

determined by the transverse method. Plans for a basic

study of the Pyrometric cone equivalent test are under way.

1
- 4? -

PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS (eon,

)

0906-20-4473 Chemical and Physical Properties of

Dolomitic Limes

(See Cement* Concrete and Masonry )

0907-11-0917 Properties of Crystalline Solids

Objectives s To study the effect of changes of chemical composition on the stability and thermodynamic properties of

inorganic solids and related glasses 0 Importance of the Projects In inorganic materials where the

composition can be widely and continuously varied* as in

glasses or in members of isomorphous series * a study of

the relation of such changes to physical properties is

particularly rewarding,, 'This is true because in such

series all factors* such as structure and chemical surroundings * remain unchanged * while one factor alone* one

element* is varied * Prom studying such a series we can

determine the effect of the change of a single element on

properties such as density* melting point* primary phase*

transition temperatures* unit sell size* decomposition

temperature* and energy of decomposition or transition

From data of these types information on bond type and

strength and atomic or ionic size may be obtained* as well

as information on how to vary chemical composition to obtain crystals or glass with particularly desirable and

useful properties*

Activity Summary; During the past year* papers on the thermal decomposition of Pe and Mn carbonates and on the calculation of activation energies were prepared* The

"Compilation of Phase Diagrams" was published by the

American Ceramic Society* A number of montmorilionite

clays with controlled and varied compositions have been

synthesized and the method of preparation perfected* The

use of electron diffraction for the identification of

clays has been explored and developed* An analysis of

immiscibility in known binary and ternary oxide systems

led to a structural interpretation of immiscibility

whereby starting with ionic radii the compositions of

immiscible liquids could be estimated in general to within 4 mole A paper describing this work has been submitted to the American Ceramic Society*
- 48 -

SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS

0201-20-0203 Spectrophotometry and its Application to

Colorimetry and Photometry

% Objectives t (l) To develop and maintain spectrophotometrie

standards; (2) to study improvements in spectrophotometrie

instruments and techniques* particularly for the standardization and specification of color; (3) to determine the

permanence of standard samples of ceramics, glasses, pigments, paints, papers, plasties, textiles, and other materials of special interest in colorimetry; and (4) to

correlate (a) in strumentally obtained data of spectral

transmittance or spectral directional reflectance of materials converted mathematically into psycho-physical

terms of color specification with (b) similar data of the

same materials either obtained visually by the human eye,

directly or with the aid of instruments, or photoelec trically by means of additive or subtractive colorimeters,

color-difference measurements, or by means of physical

photometers

Importance of the Project; Spectrophotometry is a research

and analytical tool in physics, chemistry, engineering,

and technology„ One of its most important uses relates

to the subject of color., It is the fundamental basis of

colorimetric analysis, standardization, and specification.

It is the only fundamental means of analyzing a color for

research or other purposes. It is the only means of standardizing a color that is independent of material color

"standards" which are always of questionable permanence,

and independent of abnormalities of color vision, existing among even so-called normal observers, and in this

sense it is the fundamental basis for color specification.

The NBS has applied the spectrqphotometer to its color research, development, and testing, and to various other

work, for nearly 50 years. It pioneered in the development of the photoelectric spectrophotometer and in its

application to the colorimetry of diffusing materials.

With the advent of commercial photoelectric spectrophotometers the National Bureau of Standards began preparing

and issuing spectrophotometrie standards of various kinds,

and hundreds of these standards are now in use, affording

checks on the reliability of the various scales of these

instruments in industrial, national and international

laboratories interested in colorimetry, photometry, and

spectrophotometry

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project which started

in approximately 1905=. During the past year, because of

lack of funds, most of the personnel and equipment identified with this project were diverted to another project.
- 49 - SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS (con.)

0201-20-0203 ( con„

)

in which some of the same methods were applied. However,

progress was made in the followings (l) Two NBS reports

were issued on the American Society for Testing Materials

petroleum oil products standard color scales, and (2)

three items were published on the comparison of the Safety

Color Codes of the American Standards Association and the

International Standardization Organization.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° A comparison will be made of the

Japanese and the American Standards Association safety

color codes. Plans have been made to work on papers for

publication as follows? (l) a national safety color code;

(2) speotrophotometric permanence study of the NBS standard

samples of paint pigments; (3) spectrophotometric and

colorimetric analyses of the standards of the Porcelain

Enamel Institute; (4) the specification of national school

bus chrome; (5) the specification of railroad signal target

enamel colors; (6) the colors for molded urea and polystyrene plastics; (7) the artists’ oil paint pigments; and

(8) the Federal color card for paint.

0201-30-0207 Standards of Light and Color

Objectives g The calibration and issuance of lamp standards

of candlepower, luminous flux, and color temperature;

spectrophotometric standards and standards of color, transmittance, reflectance, opacify, gloss, and luminance.

Importance of the Project? Standards of light and color are

in continuing heavy demand by Government and industry for

the calibration of instruments or working standards, or

for the testing of materials and devices for compliance

with specifications. Among the industries served are the

following? lamp and lighting fixture, paint, paper,

chemical, optical, plastics, enamel, photographic, textile,

television, oil, and public utilities.

Activity Summary? During Fiscal 1956 more than 500 standards

and calibrations were supplied as requested.

Plans for Fiscal Year .1957° Standards are to be calibrated

and issued as demanded and as the budget permits.
SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS (con.)

0501-20-0567 Development of Methods of Testing

and Analysis of Organic Coatings

Objectives

To develop* for inclusion in specifications and

standards* and for general evaluation purposes* methods for

analyzing and testing paints* varnishes* lacquer and related products.

Importance of the Project; Adequate methods of testing and

analysis are essential to the success of a procurement

program in which specifications are widely utilized. Test

methods are useful* also* in assessing the probable worth

of new products and in appraising other products for which

no standards or specifications exist. Constant improvement

in methods of test must parallel the development of new

products in order to evaluate them properly.

Activity Summary; The first edition of Federal Specification

TT-P-141 was issued in 1941 as a result of work at the

Bureau. It was revised and enlarged in 1944 and again in

1949 in recognition of changes and advances in testing

techniques. The first draft of a further revision was

prepared in Fiscal 1955 and submitted (through GSA) to the

Government departments for comment. Cooperation with ASTM

was begun many years ago in the development of test methods

and was continued through Fiscal 1956.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

(1) complete revision of Federal

Specification TT-P-141b* Paint* Varnish* Lacquer and Related Materials; Methods of Inspection* Sampling and Testing. This involves coordination of departmental comments

as they are received on first draft prepared in Fiscal

1955« ( 2 ) Continue cooperation with Federal, ASTM, ISO

and other groups working on development of new and improvement of existing methods of test a

0501-30-3240 Analysis and Testing of Paint, Varnish

~~ Lacquer and R~elated Materials

Objectives s To test and analyze paints, varnishes* lacquers,

enamels* and ingredient raw materials for compliance with

specifications. Also, to examine and evaluate organic

coating materials for which no specifications exist; and

to conduct special tests and investigations for regulatory agencies.
- 51 - SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS (con 0 )

0501-30-3240 (con,,)

Importance of the Projects Testing of the delivered product

to determine compliance with established requirements is

the final essential step in a specification procurement

program,. Most Government paint purchases are made in such

a manner. Tests are required also as evidence for Government agencies that have regulatory functions and for other

special purposes

,

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project. During the

past year approximately 4J0 samples were tested for compliance with specif ications o Test reporting has been kept

approximately current during the year. The future workload Is difficult to predict because It depends largely

on factors over which the testing laboratory has no control.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957s Continue testing program in aecordance with needs of Government agencies.

0707-30-3880 Standards for Plastics

Wall Coverings

Objectives g To evaluate the properties of plastics wall coverings and to prepare specifications for these materials.

Importance of the Project

g

A variety of plastic materials is

being used or proposed for use to cover walls in hospitals.

The properties of some of these products 9 provided they are

properly made* indicate that they should outlast materials

now used in Government hospitals,* thus resulting in a saving In replacement and maintenance. However , reliable

comparative test results must be obtained and evaluated so

that a decision regarding their use can be made on a sound

technical basis. Information must also be available to

write procurement specifications on the particular materials

selected.

Activity Summary

g

This project was started in May 1956, A

survey of commercially available wall coverings was completed and a tentative test program was designed.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1967° (l) Test commercially available

plastics wall coverings for required performance characteristics, (2) Prepare procurement specifications in consultation with the Sponsor,
- 52 - SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS (con.)

1003-12-4887 Moisture In Roof Insulation

(See Heating and Refrigeration)

1004-11-1017 Properties of Roofing, Waterproof ing.

Flooring and Coating Materials

ObjectivesTo ascertain the causes and the chemical and

physical processes of deterioration of asphalts when exposed to the weather and the relations between the chemical and physical properties of flooring, roofing, and

waterproofing materials and their performance in service.

Importance of the Projects

1, Work on asphalts At least 90 percent of the roofing

used in this country contains asphalt. Asphalt used

in roofing is a by-product of the petroleum industry,

extremely complex in composition, with properties that

vary with the source and the method of preparation.

The Bureau has undertaken a fundamental study of the

degradation of asphalt on weathering to be able to

distinguish between good and poor weathering asphalts

and to establish methods for improving the weather

resistance of asphalts,

2, Work on Flooring Materials? The compositions and constructions of flooring materials have undergone appreciable change in the past several years, notably

vinyl plastic floor coverings. Needed most are satisfactory methods for evaluating the resistance to wear

and maintenance and the dimensional stability of floor

covering materials. Comparable and up-to-date information on different types of materials and their installation is of interest to Government agencies, architects, builders and consumers.

Activity Summary?

1. Work on Asphalt? Work proposed for completion in

Fiscal Year 1956 has been completed, namely (l) the

chemical analysis of asphalts and components under

study and (2) the determination of changes in the

distribution of components when the same base flux

is blown to produce asphalts of different softening

points. Work has been started to determine the structure of the water-soluble degradation products of

asphalt; an apparatus has been constructed to determine the gaseous products produced when asphalt and

its components are exposed to ultra-violet light in

the presence of oxygen and moisture.
- 53 -

SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS (corn)

1004-11-101? { con„

)

Related to the work on asphalts* a BoMoSo report* "The Effect of Mineral Additives on the Durability of CoatingGrade Asphalts* was released,, Three other major publications on asphalt deterioration appeared in trade journals*

and several other publications are under editorial review 0

2„ Work on Flooring Materials s Work on flooring materials

during Fiscal Year 1956 was confined almost entirely

to that under other projects

„

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957°

1 0 Work on Asphalts (l) Initiate work to determine the

chemical changes that occur in the components of

asphalt when exposed separately and in different combinations to ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen

and moisture 0 (2) Determine the effect of coating

thickness on the chemical degradation of three asphalts

exposed outdoors for four years 0 (3) Continue work by

chromatographic methods to separate and determine the

structure of the water-soluble degradation products of

asphalt o (4) Determine* by means of the apparatus recently constructed* the rate of oxidation of asphalt

as a function of its source and method of treatment;

the wavelength of light to which it is exposed and the

temperature of exposure 0 (5) Determine the gaseous

products formed when asphalt and its components are

exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen

„

(6) Determine the optical activity of water-white oils

from representative asphalts from different sources,,

(7) Make further fractionations of asphalt components

by means of molecular sieves

„

2 0 Work on Flooring Materials „ Project 4846 has been

planned to cover a period of five years and will engage

flooring personnel practically full time during Fiscal

Year 1957

1004-20-4846 Research on Flooring

Objectives % To prepare classifications or ratings of floorings that are of current and potential usefulness to the

Department of Defense „ The classification would indicate

the suitability of each flooring for each of a variety of

service conditions „ The first rating would of necessity

be incomplete and highly tentative because of the inadequacies of existing methods of. testing and the lack of
- 54 ~

SURFACE FINISHES AMD COVERINGS (con.)

1004-20-4846 (con.)

data indicating quantitative relationships between the

results of tests and service qualities. As improved

methods of testing are developed and correlated with

service conditions, the reliability of the revised classification would be improved. There would then become

available both the means for obtaining quick evaluation

of new floorings and reliable guides .for the selection

of floorings for any purpose.

Importance of the Projects A need exists for the development of improved methods of testing and performance criteria for flooring in several categories including those

for resistance to wear, dimensional stability, slipperiness, electrical conductivity (hospital operating room

floors), moisture penetration, underlayment materials,

effect of aging and maintenance practices, cleaning

ability, comfort value (resilience and temperature), etc.

The establishment of satisfactory performance criteria

must be preceded by the development of laboratory methods

for evaluating floors and flooring materials in measurable

quantitative terms correlated with performance in actual

service. Some methods are well established; others are

reasonably well established for some materials, but need

to be perfected further; while still others need to be

developed.

The project is planned to cover several years of work. It

is divided into two parts, the first dealing entirely with

conductive flooring for hospital operating rooms; the

second with floor 3; laterials in general. The part dealing with conductive floors has been planned and work on

it will be carried out cooperatively with Division 1.

Activity Summary i Work on Conductive Floors s Preliminary to initiating

this project late in Fiscal Year 1956, visits were made

in this country and Canada to research laboratories concerned with work on electrical conductivity of flooring

materials. A thorough literature search was made and

samples of conductive flooring materials were obtained

from various manufacturers in the United States. Initial

measurements of conductivity were performed on these

samples and new instruments were modified and calibrated

for special use in making conductivity measurements
- 55 - SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS (con,)

1004-20-4846 (con.)

Work on Flooring Materials in General; A study was made

of the methods for making determinations of ease of maintenance,, dimensional stability and resistance to wear of

vinyl plastic flooring*

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957°

1. Work on Conductive Floors t The study of methods of

measuring electrical resistance of floors will be extended and correlation of established methods with

tendency of conductive floors to reunite electric

charges will be made* These studies involve the effects of magnitude of applied voltage, type of voltage

wave, and size, shape and weight of electrode. They

will include actual tests of floors with electrostatic generators*

A program will be initiated to determine electrical

resistance by currently available methods on specimens of each type of conductive flooring with consideration for the following variables: effect of

aging, wear, sealers, waxes, detergents and other

maintenance materials, spillage of reagents, and other

effects as the work progresses.

Studies of vinyl plastic operating room floors in the

Washington area will be continued with attention to

the effect of aging, wear, maintenance methods, etc.,

on conductivity.

Upon completion of the above-mentioned studies, specifications for conductive floors will be prepared, including requirements for electrical characteristics

as well as requirements for resistance to normal wear

and maintenance.

2. Work on Flooring Materials in General: Work will be

continued on the development of laboratory methods

for evaluating the resistance to wear of flooring materials. Studies will be initiated to determine the

effects of various underlayment materials and of aging

and maintenance treatments on the dimensional stability of flooring materials.
SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS

1004-40-4847 Standards for Built-Up Roofs

ObjectivesTo determine the relative merits of asphalt and

coal-tar pitch when used in built-up roofs on which water

collects and stands and to develop improved methods of

testing asphalt and coal-tar pitch for built-up roofs*

To compare the performance of double-slagged* asbestos

felt* glass membrane and cold-process built-up roofs with

that of conventional built-up roofs*

Importance of the Projects Government specification writers

have been under pressure in recent years to accept asphalt

and coal-tar pitch on an equal basis for the construction

of built-up roofs on dead-level decks* So-called doubleslagged and cold-process built-up roofs and roofs constructed with asbestos-felt and glass-fiber membranes are

being used increasingly* Single-application materials are

frequently recommended for concrete decks* A definite

need exists to evaluate the merits of these materials and

application methods and to revise current guide specifications in the light of the findings*

Activity Summary; Work on this project was not authorized

until late in Fiscal Year 1956* However* specimens of

so-called dead-level asphalt and specimens of coal-tar

pitch have been obtained from roofing manufacturers and

are being subjected to accelerated weathering tests*

Component analyses of the asphalts indicate two distinct

types distinguished in composition by the resin content

and in performance by differences in ductility and selfhealing characteristics at normal temperatures* A list

of 85 asphalt roofs more than ten years old and another

of 331 roofs up to three years old* the latter constructed

of dead-level asphalts* have been obtained from the roofing manufacturers for field inspections*

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° (l) The two lists of roofs ~ (85 and^3"lT~h^v¥~been segregated by States and by manufacturers* These lists will be turned over to the Mathematics Division for a statistical study to determine the

extent of the field survey necessary to secure conclusive

data* Following this determination the field survey will

be made* Included in the field study will be observations* where possible* of the behavior of double-slagged*

cold-process* asbestos-felt and glass-fiber built-up roofs.

(2) Continue work on the study of the physical and chemical characteristics of the vacuum reduced and blown* deadlevel asphalts* including self-healing* low-temperature

ductility and water absorption* all in comparison with

representative coal-tar pitches* (3) Prepare specifications

for asphalt and coal-tar pitch for built-up roofs in which

the requirements reflect the new data obtained*
TESTING MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

0201-30-2320 Qualification Inspection and Testing of

Lamps for the GovernmentObjectives ; To conduct qualification tests of manufacturers

currently supplying incandescent., fluorescent* and photographic flash lamps to the Government by inspecting and

life- testing the lamps supplied in order to determine compliance with applicable Federal specifications; also to

conduct qualification tests of prospective bidders not

currently supplying lamps to the Government,

Importance of the Projects In accordance with the procedure

followed for over 40 years the contract between the Govern

ment (Federal Supply Service) and the suppliers of lamps

to the Government specifies that the lamps supplied shall

comply with the applicable specifications* and that the

necessary inspection and testing to determine compliance

with the specifications be performed by the National Bureau of Standards, Since 1935 contracts to supply lamps

to the Government have been awarded only to suppliers who

have passed qualification teste conducted at the National

Bureau of Standards in accordance with the applicable

specifications. This procedure has been found to be effective in obtaining for the Government delivery of specification-quality lamps with a minimum of delays resulting

from rejections for failure of lamps to comply with specification requirements.

Activity Summary; During Fiscal 1956 samples inspected repre

sented over 4*000*000 lamps of which approximately 4,0%

were rejected on initial inspection at the factories of

the suppliers. Lamps of current suppliers started on

life test totaled 4416 and those represented approximately

3o2Jo of those accepted on initial inspection.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 ° (l) The inspection and qualification testing of all groups of all brands of lamps supplied to the Government for which qualification requirements are specified, (2) Qualification tests of lamps

manufactured by prospective bidders not currently supplying lamps to the Government* as requested by General

Services Administration,

0501-30-3240 Analysis and Testing of Paint* Varnish

Lacquer and Related Material s

(See Surface Finishes and Coverings)
- 58 -

TESTING MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

0702-20-0709 Development of Methods for Testing Textiles

ObjectivesTo provide physical and chemical methods for

evaluating textiles , in particular * methods for the

identification and quantitative analysis of textile

fibers and their degradation products and of textile

finishes and coatings 0 Importance of the Project; Because of the variety of new

products being developed, a continuing effort is necessary to develop textile testing methods needed for the

evaluation and selection of textiles for specific applications by the Government and industry . Methods for

the identification and quantitative analysis of textile

fibers 5 finishes 9 and coatings are required for checking

textiles bought by the Government and checking the accuracy of labels for the Federal Trade Commission. In

studies on the deterioration of textiles, methods are

needed for the identification and quantitative estimation of functional groups and degradation products.

Recent developments in spectrophotometric techniques

suggest that spectrophotometric measurements may serve

as a basis for these analyses.

Activity Summary? During Fiscal Year 1956, the library of

infrared reference spectra of textile fibers and their

degradation products and of components of textile finishes and coatings was substantially enlarged. A procedure involving a series of extractions was developed

for separating textile finishes and coatings into fractions suitable for spectrophotometric measurements. Preliminary results obtained with the method indicate that

it will prove useful in the analysis of unknown coatings.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957s (l) Record reference spectra

of textile fibers and their degradation products and of

the many materials used in textile finishes and coatings.

(2) Modify the extraction method for fractionating textile

finisnes and coatings In order to effect a more complete

separation of the components. (3) Test the extraction - spectrophotometric method of analysis on a series of coatings of known composition.

0707-20-0732 Methods of Testing Plastics and Adhesives

(See Plastics)
- 59 - TESTING MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

0900 - 30-4447 Acceptance Testing; of Ceramic Materials

Objectives g To test ceramic materials for compliance with the

technical requirements of Federal or Departmental Specifications 0 Importance of the Projects The Federal Government is a large

purchaser of ceramic materials „ Since a very substantial

cost is involved in the erection of structures and in other

fabrication from these materials* acceptance testing assumes

a major importance in a number of cases 0 This is particularly true in the use of refractories for boilers,, incinerators* and similar installations ; therefore most of the

testing work under this project is concerned with refractory materials

„

Activity Summary % The materials submitted for acceptance

testing required the assignment of one employee full time

to this project „ A total of 572 tests were performed on

74 samples

1000-30-4801 Properties of Building Materials

Objectives

To obtain data on the properties of building materials* equipment* and structural assemblies as a means

for assessing their probable service performance and their

value for use in military structures 0 Importance of the Projects As requested by the Office of the

Chief of Engineers* the National Bureau of Standards is

requested to make specific investigations on the properties

of building materials* equipment* and structural assemblies

„

Examples of these are protective coatings* flashings* walls*

bricks* protected metals (protected against weathering and

fire)* door locks* and concrete structures „ Activity Summary; Six assignments were made by 0CE during

Fiscal Year 1956c Examples of these ares

(a) Thermal Insulation of Roofing Materials, This task

T^nEThuIng

’

trom Pis c aTl "Ife aF 1956 * involves an investi - gation of the effect of dampness on the performance

of thermal insulation for roof decks „ Typical insulating panels were subjected to accelerated vapor

conditions and conditions simulating exposure to the

surio Both summer and winter conditions were consideredo
- 60 - TESTING MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

1000-30-4801 (con.

(b) Temperatures in Nike Installations under Arctic

Conditions

By means of a model construction and

study of actual operation at a Nike site, the NBS

assisted the OCE in finding information on temperature change and infiltration into a Nike installation when the hatches are opened. It is possible

that such temperature changes may affect personnel

efficiency, equipment operation, or ice accumulation on delicate parts of equipment due to dew

formation.

(c) Miscellaneous

Tests were made on door closures,

shower heads, protected metals and aluminum for

reflectivity properties.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° This is a continuing project.

The project level will depend upon the number and the

nature of the tasks selected during conferences between representatives of the OCE and the NBS. Such

conferences will be held throughout the year as new

problems arise in the design, operations, and maintenance of buildings. Continuance of the roof insulation task as a means for determining the effects of

moisture on the thermal conductivity of insulation in

built-up roofs is contemplated under a separate project.

(See Project 1003-12-488?)

1000-40-4804 Miscellaneous Investigations

Objectives

To perform investigations on building materials

and methods of construction, or to serve in a consultative

capacity, as requested by Federal agencies.

Importance of the Project; This is a continuing project in

which the NBS performs investigations for other agencies

on such fields as heating, air-conditioning, fire prevention, specifications for elevators, flooring and structural engineering.

Activity Summary; During Fiscal Year 1956 this work was

accomplished under Project 1000-30-4800, but because most

of it is of investigative or advisory nature rather than

testing, it was assigned to this new project.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° Investigations will be conducted

""and consultative services will be rendered when the NBS

can give assistance quickly in solving miscellaneous technical problems of other agencies by conducting minor investigations .
- 61 - TESTING MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

1004-30-4845 Testing, Do C „ Government

Objectives

Control testing of bituminous highway materials.

Importance of the Project; In 1933* the Congress directed that

the testing of highway materials for the District of Columbia should be done by the National Bureau of Standards.

Since most of the bituminous testing is for the purpose of

controlling materials in daily use, it is required that

tests and reports be handled as expeditiously as possible,

usually the day the materials are received.

Activity Summary: This work has been carried on at approximately the same level for several years.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1937° It is expected that work will

continue at approximately the same level as in Fiscal Year

1956.
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MISCELLANEOUS

0103-30-2031 Lightning Protection

Objectives

To advise engineers of the Civil Aeronautic

Administration on special lightning protection problems

at airport and airway beacon installations and to test

lightning arresters for the characteristics needed when

they are used in such locations.

Importance of the Project; The failure of airport or beacon

power during inclement weather may result in the wrecking

of aircraft and consequent loss of life. Thus electric

power distribution and communication circuits and facilities need to be of sound design to minimize possible

lightning damage and the lightning arrester equipment

must match the needs of differing installations if outages are to be avoided.

Activity Summary: One conference took place between NBS and

CAA to discuss lightning problems at airports. There was

a telephone consultation at which time CAA asked advice

on specifications on lightning arresters.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1937

Installations will be examined

for possible sources of trouble. Characteristics of selected lightning arresters will be studied by laboratory

tests for suitability of specific applications.

0201-30-0208 Specifications for Lamps and Color

Objectives

Formulation and revision of Federal Specifications for lamps, auxiliary equipment, and colors, and

cooperation with American Standards Association in allied

fields in order to attain coordination, particular stress

being placed upon the development of improved qualifcation

tests for lamps, on insuring interchangeability of lamps,

and on the assignment of uniform designations to lamps.

Importance of the Project; The qualification testing of

lamps under Project 2320 which provides the basis for the

purchase of lamps by the Government depends upon this project to provide necessary specifications. New specifications must be formulated and existing specifications revised periodically so that the qualification tests may

afford the means for qualifying only manufacturers who

can supply to the Government lamps of an acceptably high

level of quality. Under this project also American standards and Federal specifications for the items covered by

the project are coordinated so that there will be no

avoidable disagreement or duplication.
- 63 - MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

0201=- 30-0208 (con,

)

Activity Summary; An amendment to the 1955 Supplement to

Federal Specification W-L-lOle for large incandescent

lamps and a 1956 Supplement to Federal Specification

W-L-lllb for miniature incandescent lamps were formulated, Cooperation with the American Standards Association in the development of American Standards resulted in the revision of American Standards 078,100

for general-lighting service lamps,* 078,101 for highvoltage lamps* and 078, 140 for miniature lamps and the

development of American Standards 078.252 for 200-watt

lamps* and 078,253 for 150-watt lamps.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957The Federal Specifications for

incandescent* fluorescent* and photographic flash lamps

will be revised so as to keep them current and cooperation will be given the American Standards Association

in the development of American Standards covering interchangeability of lamps and lamp auxiliary equipment.

0204-30-0218 Calibration of Length and Angle

Objectives % To calibrate graduated length standards (National

and State standards, MBS standards* master standards for

manufacturers* etc,)* base-line tapes* for surveyors and

engineers* leveling rods* engineers® transits and levels*

optical flats* precision graduated circles* and miscellaneous items requiring precision length* angle* or area measurement* as* for example* sieves* haemacytome ter chambers

and cover glasses; to graduate special linear scales and

length standards using interferometer type and precision

screw type of dividing engine; and to graduate precision

circles for theodolites* spectrometers* etc.j to determine

thermal expansion of various materials submitted by Government agencies; to calibrate thermal expansion apparatus

for Government* university* and industrial laboratories.

Work of this nature in calibrating surveying equipment for

the Inter-American Geodetic Survey on a working fund basis

is under Project 0204-30-2312* calibrations of length and

angle for Government agencies on a refund basis are under

Project 0204-30-2332* and calibrations for the U,S, Coast

anc Geodetic Survey are under Project 3630-30-1801.
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MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

0204-30-0218 (con.)

Importance of the Project; This project deals with a fundamental measurement in science „ As the custodian of the

primary standard of length of this country* it is our

obligation to make precise lengths available to Government

agencies* science* commerce* and industry. This is done

by calibrating standards submitted here for test. This

includes meter and yard bars* geodetic base-line tapes*

surveyors' tapes* and many other items.

0205-30-0225 Standardization of Screw Threads

and Threaded Components

ObjectivesTo develop unified standards for screw threads

and threaded products with the United Kingdom* Canada*

and other inch-using countries; to develop standards for

screw threads for use in the design of defense material

and other threaded products used by the Government; to

develop standards and specifications for bolts* nuts*

screws* and other threaded or associated products.

Importance of the Project; The securing of interchangeable

and otherwise satisfactory mass-produced threaded products

in times of national emergency has long been a major problem of procurement for defense. Its solution depends on

the development and maintenance of dimensional standards

for screw threads* as embodied in codes and specifications*

and standard practices relating to dimensional control.

This is accomplished by cooperative action of Governmental

agencies and private engineering organizations and is

carried forward for the Government by the Interdepartmental Screw Thread Committee* of which the Chairmanship

and Secretaryship are in NBS. This work is coordinated

with that of industrial standardization committees* particularly ASA Sectional Committees B1 on the Standardization and Unification of Screw Threads* B2 on Pipe Threads*

and Bl8 on Dimensional Standardization of Bolts* Nuts,

Rivets* Screws* and Similar Fasteners. Standards are

published as NBS Handbook H28* Screw Thread Standards for

Federal Services; Federal Specifications for various

standard types of threaded fasteners; and American Standards issued under the auspices of the American Standards

Association and sponsored by The American Society of

Mechanical Engineers and other engineering or trade associations .

)
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MISCELLANEOUS

0400~40“”0497 Recommendations for Radiation Protection

Objectives § To develop the basic principles for accomplishing radiation protection for all types of radiations, and

to formulate these principles for presentation as NBS handbooks.

Importance of the Project; For more than 23 years, the NBS

has been a national and’ international focal point for

formulation of basic policy, rules, and recommendations

in the field of radiation protection. Its ability to perform this service has been developed and maintained through

the fact that the basic programs in standards and testing

have been carried out in the same laboratory organization--

with the result that the latest information on the properties of radiation is available for translation into

practical working codes for radiation-protection. Considerable additional effort is required in preparing recommendations to expand the areas covered by the NBS handbooks. These handbooks, which are recognized as the primary standards in radiation protection by Federal and State

agencies, present in a readily available and useful form

the protection information necessary in order to safeguard

properly the public and workers engaged in radiation fields.

Activity Summary

Two handbooks have been published s X-ray

Protection, Handbook 60 ; and Regulation of Radiation Exposure by Legislative Means, Handbook 6l. A study of the

problem of protection against neutrons has been largely

completed and the manual is about ready for publication.

A report of the Subcommittee on the Disposal of Radioactive

Wastes by Incineration is in the final draft stage. A new

subcommittee was organized for the purpose of establishing the maximum permissible exposures to personnel under

emergency conditions, for both military and civilian defense applications. Substantial progress has been ma.de on

this task. Another new committee ‘was organized to study

the problem of protection against high-energy, high-intensity electrons for food sterilization. An initial report

by this group is nearing completion. Other new subcommittees which have been formed for the purpose of developing recommendations on the various aspects of radiation

standards and measurements are? (l) Subcommittee on

Standards and Measurements of Radioactivity for Radiological Use, (2) Subcommittee on Standards and Measurements of Exposure Dose, (3) Subcommittee on Standards and

Measurements of Absorbed Radiation, and (4) Subcommittee

on Relative Dose by Biological Effectiveness.
- 66 - MISCELLANEOUS (eon.)

0400-40-0497 (con.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1967° Studies will be completed on the

Incineration of Radioactive Wastes and on the Protection

against Neutrons. Active work by the six new subcommittees

is expected to be underway and it is hoped that initial reports may be issued during the current year. Assistance

to States in radiation-control legislation will be continued.

0400-40-3001 Radiological Physics for Civil Defense

Objectives % To establish a central point for work on ionizing radiations relevant to problems of civil defense.

Importance of the Project; This project provides a substantial and diverse scientific effort on radiation problems

which is not otherwise available on an organized and continuing basis to the Federal Civil Defense Administration.

It makes available specialists in radiation physics who

act as a center for analysis* evaluation* and to carry out

some limited research investigation which may be required.

A ctivity Summary

This project was approved in February

1956. The first step was to begin a preliminary survey

of available information. This effort is hampered by

classification difficulties. In particular* the problem

of obtaining essential data on the primary sources of

radiation has not yet been resolved. In addition* the

established transmittal procedures for those classified

reports which are made available causes considerable delay in obtaining a comprehensive collection of pertinent

information. Substantial progress was made* however, in

tasks involving the penetration of radiation. The NBS

Building Technology Division completed a rough survey of

small-frame dwellings and supplied data for preliminary

calculations of the penetration of radiation through such

structures. The assumptions and methods of calculation

in a report on shelters which was submitted to us by the

FCDA have been reviewed and evaluated and recommendations

were made on the limitation of the validity and applicability of this material.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

A gradual buildup of the effort

and assignment of permanent staff will take place so that

by the beginning of Fiscal Year 1958 full scale operation

)
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MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

0400-40-3001 (con.)

on all phases of the work can be expected. The major effort during the first half of the year will continue to

be on studies of the penetration of radiation in various

kinds of shelter. As personnel becomes available., work

on instrumentation problems will begin.

0410-20-3135 Radiation Shielding Problems

ObjectivesTo investigate various radiation shielding problems of particular interest to the Atomic Energy Commission.

Importance of the Project; Scattered radiation may produce

radiation hazards for personnel or it may give unwanted

low-energy components in radiation- instrument calibration

work. In both it is necessary to evaluate the amount of

radiation scattered under various conditions. In case the

scattered radiation produces radiation hazards, attenuation curves must be available for most economical shielding of personnel.

Activity Summary; In order to obtain more economic solutions

to the protection problems for diagnostic applications,

data must be obtained on the dose delivered to walls and

ceilings in X-ray rooms of hospitals and clinics. The results obtained indicated much smaller amounts of radiation

than are computed by the approximate conservative methods

usually used. Studies were carried out in a number of

institutions for many diagnostic rooms, at a large number

of measurement positions in the rooms. Usually, there

were about 70 measurement fractions in each of the twenty

rooms in which measurements were made, and the measurements were carried out for from four to six weeks in each

room. An electronic milliampere- second integrating device

was developed for determining the workload without depending on the technician to record the individual exposures.

The milliampere-second workload is basic to the evaluation

of the data. In addition, sets of filter cylinders were

constructed to permit the determination of the stray radiation quality from attenuation curves in lead and aluminum.

These curves permit the computation of heavier requirements

in terms of lead and for common building material such as

concrete, tile, brick, plaster, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

0410-20-3135 (con.)

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 ° The results of the study for

diagnostic X-ray rooms will be assembled into a report

suitable for publication. The dose to the walls of

X-ray therapy rooms will be measured in a manner similar

to the study for diagnostic X-ray rooms, with such modifications in the procedures as are required due to the

difference in dose rate, quality of the radiation and

operating procedure.

0507-20-0532 Utilization of Fuel Gases

Objectives t To conduct research on fuel gases and gasburning appliances, their use and control.

Importance of the Project: Since 1910, NBS research on

methods of testing gases to determine their useful properties and on the design adjustment and use of gas-burning appliances has been the basis of many State Public

Utility regulations, a large part of the American Gas

Association’s appliance approval program, and of various

safety codes, A continuation of the work is needed to

meet the needs of Government, industry, and public for

standards and technical guidance in this field.

Activity Summary; Work on the project has been mainly devoted to the factors affecting the accuracy of the recording gas calorimeter and a program for supplying the

industry with cylinders of gas certified as to heating

value. A publication on the accuracy and proper maintenance of the recording gas calorimeter is now being

completed. All of the plans for distributing the certified gas have now been completed and a number of cylinders are ready for shipment.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957: Plans include a continuation

of the certification program, assistance in revision of

the gas code of the District of Columbia, a possible revision of "Standards for Gas Service," *bhe basis of most

of the official State regulations on this subject, and a

continuation of our calorimeter studies, and various committee activities concerned with standardization in the

field of safety and appliance performance.
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MISCELLANEOUS

0604-ll-0636 Dynamic Properties of Materials

Objectives

To provide basic information on the mechanical

properties of materials when subjected to high rates of

loading, develop methods of testing, evaluate current

theories as related to dynamic properties and develop a more exact theory of strain energy propagation in materials » Importance of the Project; Investigations of the behavior

of structures when subjected to rapidly applied loads

have increased the need for more exact knowledge of the

dynamic properties of structural materials „ Studies of

the fundamental mechanisms of propagation of the elastic

and anelastic components of strain energy will provide

information for deriving the elastic constants and stressstrain characteristics of materials 0 Accurate information

of the dynamic properties of structural materials will

greatly reduce the uncertainty In current analyses of the

response of structures to dynamic loading*

Activity Summary; Impact tests were completed on three tempers of AISI 4140 steel (NBS Report No 0 4254) „ Three

channels of electronic and photographic equipment have

been designed and assembled for recording strain-time

phenomena at three stations simultaneously,, A pulse

method for measuring stress-strain relations under dynamic conditions in long bars is being developed by using

a velocity pick-up (a coil in a magnetic field) and two

strain gage stations „ This method shows promise for use

on non-magnetic materials

„

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° (l) Continue the investigation

of the pulse method for determining dynamic stress-strain

relations for structural materials and study other methods

that may be devised* (2) Study the propagation of strain

energy in long bars by analyzing strain-time records made

simultaneously at three locations along the bars with particular attention to attenuation as a function of strain

amplitude 9 strain rate and microstructure 0 (3) Determine

some of the effects of specimen shape and size on the delay-time-before-yielding relationships for steel*
70 -

MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

0604-30-0616 Calibration of Mechanical Testing

Machines and Apparatus

Objectives s To calibrate mechanical testing machines * dynamometers,, load cells* force strain* displacement* velocity

and acceleration measuring equipment; to develop test

equipment and methods; to assist in the formulation of

specifications

Importance of the Projects The NBS provides the only service

available for the accurate calibration of elastic devices

used for calibrating testing machines. Devices ranging

in capacity from a few hundred pounds to several million

pounds are calibrated. The accuracies of the testing machines used by the Government and by producers and consumers are dependent on periodic calibrations with devices

calibrated at NBS, Calibration cells used by manufacturers

of aircraft weighing devices and load cells for measuring

the thrust of jet engines and weighing the contents of bins

and hoppers are calibrated in the NBS dead weight machines.

Activity Summary: This is a continuing project. During the

past year 817 devices were received for calibration. During the year 784 devices were calibrated for private organizations . Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

(l) Calibrate elastic calibration devices and calibration cells by dead weights or

other calibrated devices* (2) Determine the absolute

value of electrical input to output ratio as a function

of load for basic laboratory standards used to control

production of industrial load weighing equipment. (3)

Calibrate strain and displacement measuring equipment.

Calibrate displacement* velocity and acceleration pickups .

0604-20-3601 Investigation of a Prestressed

Cellular Drydock

Objectives

To provide experimental data on the mechanical

performance of prestressed aluminum slabs of cellular

construction* to assist with the development of gasketing systems and the mechanical components required for

joining and assembling* and to make methods-of-assembly

studies

)
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MISCELLANEOUS (con,)

0604-20~360X (con,)

Importance of the Project: Seaplane operations of the Navy

require c onsIderab 1 e mobility of the bases of operations,

A portable prefabricated drydock which can be assembled

with a minimum of skills and tools would increase the mobility of seaplane operations.

Activity Summary; The performance of rubber gaskets bonded

to the hoi low “aluminum modules designed and furnished by

the Bureau of Yards and Docks was investigated and reported in MBS Report No, 4425 . Tests have been made to

determine the force required to punch through the center

element of 9 -module segments with different pre-loads in

the tension rods and with various joint sealants on the

edges of the modules. Also,, punching shear tests were

made on 36-module segments. The equipment and instrumentation were devised and one uniform load test was made

on a 36-module segment.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° (1) One additional test will be

made on a segment whose elements are filled with a resilient "foam in place" material, (2) A final report will

be prepared.

0700-30-0719 Preparation of Specifications for Organic

and Fibrous Materials

(See Codes and Specifications)

0804-ll-08l5 Mechanism of Corrosion Processes

ObjectivesTo determine the nature, mechanism and rates of

the corrosion of metals by different processes in various

corrosive media and environments.

Importance of the Project; Corrosion costs billions of

doTTar^ the destruction of metal and the

necessary replacement of parts. Corrosion is not a simple

process and little is known of the fundamentals of its

operation. It may occur as a simple general over-all

attack* as very deep local pitting* by a combination of

stress and corrosion or in other ways possibly closely related or interconnected. When the fundamental nature of

corrosive attack is understood* effective means to prevent

it can be undertaken with considerable savings to the

national economy.
MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

0804-11-0815 (con.)

Activity Summary 1 (l) A paper containing the results of the

investigation of stress corrosion of alpha and beta brasses

was published. Additional data on the relative orientation

of crystals bounding stress corrosion cracks in low carbon

low alloy steels in nitrate solutions and on the susceptibility of these steels to stress corrosion cracking in

metal vapors have been obtained. (2) The study of the corrosion of monocrystalline aluminum in various media was

continued. The difference in behavior of the aluminum in

KOH and NaOH solutions was found to be significant, and

varied with the crystal orientation. (3) The study of the

conductivity of the electrolyte and its effect on corrosion was continued. A study of the effect of carbon content and of heat treatment on the corrosion of low carbon

steels using polarizing techniques was completed and the

results are being analyzed.

0900-40-0999 Consultative and Advisory Services

Objectives ? To provide consulting services on a wide variety

of ceramics problems of interest to Government agencies,

industry, and the public.

Importance of the Projects The National Bureau of Standards

FiasJ in areas within its competence, responsibility for

providing advisory and consulting assistance to other

Government agencies. The Mineral Products Division implements this responsibility in the general field of nonmetallic minerals through its staff of specialized scientists and engineers.

Activity Summary

g

In addition to the normal, continuing calls ~ for advice on relatively routine applications of ceramics

in Industry and Government there has been an increasing

Interest in higher- temperature problems and in materials

for use in atomic power plants. Many of these consultations

are of a classified nature, involving ordnance and military

aircraft.
- 73 -

MISCELLANEOUS { c on .

)

0901-11-4468 Mechanism of Plasticity

Objectives t To obtain a scientific understanding of the

physical and chemical properties of matter determining

plastic behavior in clay-water systems. Involved is a

fundamental explanation of plasticity and a method for

the measurement.

Importance of the Projects Clay-water systems* partially

because of their plastic nature* are the most widely

used of all raw materials in the making of ceramic objects (approximately two billion dollars’ worth of

ceramic products are produced annually in this country)

,

The so-called "plastic materials" are distinctly different in their behavior from viscous substances and a

scientific understanding of what plastic behavior is*

and of the properties of matter determining* controlling* and measuring it* has not been developed. This is

one phase of the broad field of rheology. So long as

objects were formed from plastic materials by manual

operations* a basic knowledge of plasticity was scientifically interesting but not a necessity. Now* however*

with the increasing use of automatically-controlled

mechanical devices* it is imperative that this knowledge

be developed. Mechanization" of the ceramic industry is

dependent upon the "workability" of clay* which in turn

results from the application of plasticity. Furthermore* this dependence will become more acute* and

scientific knowledge a virtual necessity* as the natural

resources of the most desirable clays are exhausted; and

scientific information will be required to so treat

lower- quality clays that their plasticity will supply

the desired workability.

Activity Summary

g

This is a continuing project. The work

has been divided into two categories. The first category is concerned with the evaluation of the propertydetermining attributes of clays and includes the identification* characterization* and purification of clays.

This work is essentially completed. Methods for the

mineralogical* chemical, and physical characterization

of clay have been studied* and' electrodialysis* fractionation* particle-size determination* and base-exchange

procedures have been established. The second phase deals

with the development and use of a method for relating

these attributes to the plastic behavior of clays. This

work is in the literature survey state.
- 74 - MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

1000-20-4800 Miscellaneous Testing

Objectives

To perform such tests on building materials

equipment* or structures* as requested by Federal agencies in accordance with appropriate fee schedules.

Importance of the Project; This is a continuing project in

which the NBS carries out miscellaneous testing. Examples

includes the testing of elevators and elevator parts* air

filters* building stones* brick* maisonry units* fire extinguishers* roofing slate* insulating materials, heating

units* air-conditioning units* and the testing of building

constructions for strength* water permeability* fire resistance and heat transmission.

Activity Summary; Examples of the work performed under this

project during Fiscal Year 1956 are shown below:

(a) Physical tests were performed on samples of rock

(granite and grabbo) for the Bureau of Ordnance*

Department of the Navy. These included flexural

strength* compressive strength* porosity* toughness* modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio.

(b) Inspections of buildings at Fort Belvoir* Virginia*

for the Department of the Army were made to determine the cause of plaster failure. Analytical tests

were subsequently performed in collaboration with

the Mineral Products Division.

(c) Acceptance tests were performed on such items as

marble* slate* brick* fire-retardent paints* air

filters* safety matches* fire-proofed canvas* and

bituminous roofing and waterproofing materials.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957

No increase in activity is expected* as the agencies tend either to employ their own

laboratories or to decrease the amount of acceptance

testing.
- 75 -

MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

1000-40-1099 Consultative and Advisory Services

Objectives s To provide technical information on materials

,

construction and equipment for buildings to governmental

agencies, scientific, professional and industrial organizations, and the general public,.

Importance of the Projects Other governmental agencies,

scientists and engineers depend upon the National Bureau

of Standards to assist them in solving their technical

problems by supplying accurate and unbiased information

on building materials and structures Including that on

strength, fire resistance and durability, and on heating

and air-conditioning , Many of the inquiries are not

answerable properly by reference to readily available publications or other source of information, as scientists

and engineers ordinarily appeal to the Bureau after their

failure to obtain satisfactory answers to their questions

from their immediate associates 0 Specialists of the

Bureau often are able to provide the best available information or the result of their own researches, their

studies of the scientific literature, and their wide and

close association with other specialists in the subject,,

The Bureau's assistance usually is given while expenditures for new construction, maintenance or repairs are

being contemplated; hence, accurate estimates of the value

to the Government of the advice given cannot be made.

Nevertheless, the relatively large amounts indicated in

the small number of instances for which the value could

be estimated indicate that the total amount is many times

the cost to the Bureau, The value of the Bureau's assistance in the preparation of standards for products and

constructions is not measurable but is thought to be greater than the total of the advice on individual construction

projects

„

Activity Summary

g

This is a continuing project. An example

of the type of service rendered in Fiscal Year 1956 under

the project is as follows?

At the request of the Office of the Chief of Engineers,

the Chief of the Building Technology Division served as a

consultant to assist in determining the cause of structural failures of the reinforced concrete girders in a

number of widely separated buildings. Inadequate resistance to diagonal tensile stress was determined as the

primary cause of the failures. Although the girders were

constructed in full accordance with generally accepted
- 76 -

MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

1000-40-1099 (con.)

codes and specif ications, it was determined that these

codes and specifications do not contain adequate requirements for continuous girders of more than one span. A

sequel to the studies was an important revision of the

generally used building code for reinforced concrete construction. There were many other services of this nature.

However* a portion of the consultative services consisted

of work with committees of technical societies such as

the American Society for Testing Materials, American

Standards Association, and the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers.

Because of the expanding building program in the Nation,

the rapid development of new materials and types of construction, and an increasing desire to apply scientific

knowledge to problems of buildings, inquiries by telephone,

letter or personal visit tend to increase each year.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 ° Provide information as requested

and continue to cooperate with scientific and technical

societies in the formulation of improved standards for

building materials and equipment. Services on committees

of the National Research Council will be frequent, as

assistance of the staff is being sought increasingly on

investigations for governmental agencies and industry.

Current programs of the NBS are expected to make substantial contributions to improvements in methods of assessing

the fire hazard properties of building materials and constructions and in standards for air cleaners and convectors. The committee on masonry of the American Standards Association of which the NBS is the sole sponsor is

expected to complete the drafing of a new code on reinforced masonry construction. Substantial assistance will

be given also to the American Society for Testing Materials

in the preparation of improved standards for thermal insulations, masonry units and mortars and bituminous roofings.

1000-40-4802 Federal Construction Council

Objectives

To provide a mechanism to assist Federal agencies

in exchanging technical information on the design, construe

tion, and maintenance of structures and to facilitate inter

agency collaboration in this field.
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MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

1000 - 40-4802 (con,

)

Importance of the Projects In June 1953 s the National Bureau

of Standards negotiated a contract with the National Academy of Sciences "to provide the necessary committee and

staff personnel to advise Federal agencies on problems

concerning the improvement of construction technology for

buildings and other structures Financing was accomplished by fund transfers to NBS from various agencies.

The Gouncil serves as a forum for discussion, study, and

evaluation of common problems and a clearing house for exchange of Information between the various agencies on

technical standards, design and construction practices,

administrative matters affecting technical operations,

technical investigations, and similar activities relating

to the advancement of building research and technology.

From time to time, technical reports are prepared for

common use by the sponsoring agencies and other Government

agencies. The Chief of the Building Technology Division

serves as "Agency Representative" and monitors the work

done by the Council, The National Bureau of Standards,

as a member of the Council, also participates in many of

the technical phases of the program.

Activity Summary

g

During each fiscal year the Council assigns

tasks to groups made up of members of the participating

agencies and experts from elsewhere to conduct studies of

current problems of construction and maintenance in Government buildings. Upon completion of the studies, reports

are prepared and circulated to participating agencies and

interested Government agencies. Examples of studies

either completed or underway during Fiscal Year ' 1956 follow %

(a) Roof Decks and Built-Up Roofing - A study of conditions and practices that lead to failures of builtup roofing. This includes a survey of roofing construction practices among ten Federal construction

agencies and a special summary account of three industry-government conferences attended by ninety

designers, manufacturers, contractors, and building

owners

,

(b) Space Allowances for Offices and Ceiling Heights In

buildings - A review of practices and opinions of

agencies regarding design of work spaces and ceiling

heights for office buildings.
- 78 - MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

1000-40-4802 (con.)

( c ) Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers - A summary

of practices and opinions of agencies on the performance and ratings of cooling towers and evaporative

condensers 0

(d) Selection of Windows - A survey of agencies' practices

in the selection and use of windows . The report is expected to cover design features such as types* arrangement* operation and materials used* as an aid to proper

selection.

(e) Electrical Loads for Buildings - A survey of engineers'

opinions and practices on estimating electrical loads

for buildings for the present and near future.

(f) Testing of Paints - A survey of agency practices on

specifying* sampling and testing of paints.

(g) Maintenance and Operating Problems Affected by Design

and Construction - A survey of problems that relate

to the design of structures.

(h) Waterproofing Masonry Walls Above and Below Ground - A study of problems involving leaks in masonry*

poured-in-place concrete, and pre-cast concrete walls*

both new and existing.

(i) Resilient Floor Finishes - A study of features* limitations* and recommended uses of resilient floor

finishes

Plans for Fiscal Year 1937° Reports on studies (e) to (i)

inclusive in the foregoing list will be completed and work

will be initiated on new tasks* including the following;

(j) Working Drawings and Specifications - Review Government and industry practices and prepare recommended

practices

(k) Summary of Tests of Air Filters - Prepare and distribute to interested Government agencies summaries

of the results of performance tests of air filters

for ventilation systems of buildings.

(l) Underground Conduits and Pipe Insulations - Review

Government practices and prepare program for needed

research.
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MISCELLANEOUS (con„)

1003-20-4838 Aircraft Engine Air Filters

ObjectivesTo study the air -borne dust distribution around

the rotor of an operating helicopter with respect to concentration and particle size and to develop and construct

models of air cleaners that will be more effective than

presently-used devices in protecting airplane and helicopter engines from excessive wear in dusty atmospheres 0 Importance of the Projects Aircraft* and especially helicopters 5 necessarily operate in dusty atmospheres much of the

time, and available evidence indicates that present air

cleaners for combustion air are inadequate to protect them

from excessive wear. Reports of engine failure due to

this cause in less than 100 hours are common. Experiments

on this subject have been sporadically conducted by various

agencies of the United States Government* as well as Governments of other nations. Information is lacking on the dust

concentration and particle sizes that exist at various

levels above the ground in the vicinity of an operating

helicopter* and adequate sampling methods have not been

developed to secure representative samples for analysis.

Currently used air filters in the induction air systems of

helicopters are too low in efficiency and are inadequate

in dust-holding capacity. The work has been requested by

the Office of Chief of Transportation of the Department

of the Army. It is an extension of the work done on air

cleaners for tank engines during World War II and of the

continuing work on air cleaning devices for heating and

air conditioning systems for buildings.

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project which was

started in December 1953° During Fiscal Year 1955 and

Fiscal Year 1956* a survey of the literature on the subject was made* a novel test apparatus was built utilizing

glass fiber paper made at this Bureau as an absolute filter and a number of commercial air cleaners were performance-tested. Studies were also made of the dust distribution around helicopters operating on dusty landing fields

and two worn-out engines were examined for causes and extent of wear by dust.

During the Fiscal Year 1956* further types of commercial

air cleaners were tested and examined for usefulness in

helicopters. Modifications were made on several models

to improve their performance. An experimental cyclone

dust separator was studied* an investigation was made of
80

MISCELLANEOUS (con.)

1003-20-4838 ( con 0 ) numerous porous materials , as foam rubber and felt, to

be used as air cleaners . The advantage of precleaners

for certain types of air cleaners was determined experimentally,, Tests were made to determine the vertical and horizontal concentrations and particle size

distribution of dust around helicopters . A prototype

precleaner for an L-19 aircraft was laboratory tested

and furnished the OCT for field testing,,

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957° (l) A summary report on the

investigations is to be completed to indicate the merits

of the various types of air cleaners . (2) The utilization of heavy fabrics as dry air cleaners will be investigated. It is planned to make several prototype

designs of different fabrics, and possibly felt, and

furnish them for flight tests. (3) Improvement on commercial air cleaners will be negotiated with manufacturers, (4) The practicability of pre-filters will be

investigated further for the purpose of improving the

first design and broadening its application to other

types of air cleaners. (5) Cooperate with OCT on above

investigations. (6) Devise a simple apparatus to determine the operational condition of the air cleaners with

regard to need of maintenance. (7) Devise an apparatus

to determine the performance of an air cleaner with regard to filtering efficiency and pressure loss during

flight.

Underground Corrosion

Objectives: To Investigate the corrosion of metals, behavior of pipe coatings and asbestos cement pipe, in

soils. (For details, contact Metallurgical Division,

National Bureau of Standards.)
THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Functions and Activities

The functions of the National Bureau of Standards are set forth in the Act of Congress, March

3, 1901, as amended by Congress in Public Law 619, 1950. These include the development and

maintenance of the national standards of measurement and the provision of means and methods

for making measurements consistent with these standards; the determination of physical constants and properties of materials; the development of methods and instruments for testing materials,

devices, and structures; advisory services to Government Agencies on scientific and technical

problems; invention and development of devices to serve special needs of the Government; and the

development of standard practices, codes, and specifications. The work includes basic and applied

research, development, engineering, instrumentation, testing, evaluation, calibration services, and

various consultation and information services. A major portion of the Bureau’s work is performed

for other Government Agencies, particularly the Department of Defense and the Atomic Energy

Commission. The scope of activities is suggested by the listing of divisions and sections on the

inside of the front cover.

Reports and Publications

The residts of the Bureau’s work take the form of either actual equipment and devices or published papers and reports. Reports are issued to the sponsoring agency of a particular project

or program. Published papers appear either in the Bureau’s own series of publications or in the

journals of professional and scientific societies. The Bureau itself publishes three monthly periodicals, available from the Government Printing Office: The Journal of Research, which presents

complete papers reporting technical investigations; the Technical News Bulletin, which presents

summary and preliminary reports on work in progress; and Basic Radio Propagation Predictions,

which provides data for determining the best frequencies to use for radio communications throughout

the world. There are also five series of nonperiodical publications: The Applied Mathematics

Series, Circulars, Handbooks, Building Materials and Structures Reports, and Miscellaneous

Publications.

Information on the Bureau’s publications can be found in NBS Circular 460, Publications of

the National Bureau of Standards ($1.25) and its Supplement ($0.75), available from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C.

Inquiries regarding the Bureau’s reports should be addressed to the Office of Technical Information, National Bureau of Standards, Washington 25, D. C.