U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

R. P. LAMONT, Secretary BUREAU OF STANDARDS

GEORGE K. BURGESS, Director

Miscellaneous Publication No. 115 ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF STANDARDS

TO THE

SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

FOR THE

FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1930

UNITED STATES

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON : 1930

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C, Price 10 cents
CONTENTS

Page

General activities 1 Salaries 6 Equipment 14 General expenses 14 Improvement and care of grounds 15 Testing structural materials 15 Testing machines 19

Investigation of fire-resisting properties 20

Investigation of public-utility standards 20 Testing miscellaneous materials 22 Radio research 22

Color standardization 23

Investigation of clay products 24 Standardizing mechanical appliances 26

Investigation of optical glass 26

Investigation of textiles, etc 27 Sugar standardization 29

Gage standardization 30

Investigation of mine scales and cars 30

Metallurgical research 31 High-temperature investigation 32 Sound investigation 32

Industrial research 33

Testing railroad-track and other scales 39

Standardization of equipment 40 Standard materials 43

Investigation of radioactive substances and X rays 43

Utilization of waste products from the land 44

Investigation of automotive engines 45

Investigation of dental materials 46

Power-plant equipment 46

Transferred funds 47 Acknowledgments and recommendations 50

Appendix 52

Ii
I
Aealetant Director L.J

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310 S&et 2

VSIQSTS & XZAStJRU

H.W.Beeroe 9 f .a.Holbrook 80

EIAT & PCWXR

H.C.Dic'tlneon 206 Weet 13

oprioa

c A.Sklnnar 416 South 126

Resistance «H<sB6ur*aente

F. Uenivsr 118 lut 23

a

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-8

Inductance & O&pooitanoe n.L.Curtla 21? Eut 29

Electrical

Instruajflsta H.P.Brooke

109 Xaat 25

Magnetic 4Heaauroner,te

R.L.8«mford

114 KA*t 31

Photomst ry

J .F.Meyer

311 taet

Radio C J.H.Delllnger

207 Radio 42

Underground 7 Corrosion

Safety Standarde V.G.Lloyd

209 last 36

Electrochealetry 9 o.w.vmai

404 Eaat 93

Length

L .V .Judeon 209 South 232 - I

Kui

» A.T.Plenkoweky

fc 101 8outh 81

TIM

R.I. Gould 218 8outh

Capacity & ^ I*nalty

Oae Measuring 5Inetru*ante

R . 8 . P*aa 211 M 107

Thcraal 6Iipanelvlty

Soudor

103 South 79

Wte.a Mo a*. Law* 7 Administration

. R.«. Smith 21C South 322

RR Scales 4 Cara R.M.Roeeer, 8 Field Service.

( F.S.Rolbrook

215 South 80)'

Thermometry

Mlee J. Buses

205 neat 74

asetry I

H.T Weneel

210 Test 68

Heat Meaeuxosanta

E.F.iSueller 202 last 4€

Heat Tranefer

4- M.S. Van Duaan

201 seat 4«

Oryogenio

Laboratory

F.O.Erlckwedde 33 Los Temp. 184

fire Realatanoe

t, S.R.Ingberg

266 Ind. 78

Automotive

Power Planta H.X.Ouaainga

107 Teat 144

rrlctlon & Lubrloatlon V.D.Heraey

108 teat 97

3poctroaoopy J I W.F.Mcggere

213 South 84

Polarimatry _J> F.J.Batea

306 feat 33

Coloriaetry

I. 3. Priest

400 South 83

Cptloal

a Instnuaante ^ I .C. Gardner

407 Zut 103

Radlomatry b W.W.Cotlentt

119 South 71

Atomic Fhyelce, C Radius, X Ray

a

" F.L.Mohler

312 Eeet 203

Photogrephlo

Technology- R.Dmvls

338 Ind. 18

InterferoMtry

C .0. Patera

113 South 78

Gage 8 D . R .Ml lie r

i^C2 SW 153

Deterj

Cemer 2 aloe,

Oaa C 7 I.R.»

203 C

Telephone

tf\ Standarda ,w T. A. Wolff 410 teat 38

H.D. Hubbard

315 South 4

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Power Plant

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14313—30. (Face p. 1.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Department of Commerce,

Bureau or Standards,

Washington, July i, 1930.

The honorable the Secretary of Commerce.

Dear Mr. Secretary: I submit herewith a brief report upon the

work of the Bureau of Standards during the fiscal year ended June

30, 1930. The various outstanding accomplishments are grouped

according to the subjects for which the Congress had made specific

appropriations.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

Organization.—The present organization of the bureau is shown

by the chart on the opposite page.

Cooperation.—In addition to the several hundred governmental,

scientific, technical, and industrial organizations which help to make

the bureau's work effective, 38 industrial associations and individual

firms take part in the bureau's research program directly through

97 research associates stationed in the various laboratories.

Personnel.—In September, 1929, K. M. Hudson, assistant director

in charge of commercial standardization, resigned to accept the position of technical adviser to the New England Council with headquarters in Boston. As of July 1, 1930, J. S. Taylor will be promoted to chief of the division of building and housing. Mr. Taylor

has been connected with this division since its establishment in 1921Y and has served as its acting chief since 1928.

The regular staff at the close of the fiscal year numbered 1,055 employees. With miscellaneous assignments, the grand total was 1,161

persons, an increase of 89 as compared with last year. The turnover was 22.2 per cent. There were 645 promotions and reclassifications

to higher grades, and the average salary, $2,450, increased by $37.

The contributions of members of the bureau's staff to scientific and

technical progress have received public recognition in several cases. The degree of doctor of science was conferred on W. W. Coblentz.

by the Case School of Applied Science for his contributions in the

field of radiometry, while the same degree was conferred by Stevens;

Institute of Technology upon N. S. Osborne in recognition of his

research work on the physical properties of ammonia and steam. The director of the bureau was elected an honorary member of the

Imperial Japanese Society of Mechanical Engineers on the occasion

of the International Engineering Congress at Tokyo. E. C. Crittenden is serving as president of the United States National Committee of the International Commission on Illumination. A gold

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14318—30. (Paog p.

BUREAU OF STANDARDS

CHART OF ORGANIZATION

2 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

medal was awarded to the Bureau of Standards for its part in the

exhibit of the Department of Commerce at the Ibero-American

Exposition held at Seville, Spain, in 1929.

Visiting committee.—The present personnel of the committee is: W. K. Whitney, John R. Freeman, Gano Dunn, S. W. Stratton,

and Charles F. Kettering. The committee held one meeting at the

bureau, advocating the establishment of a national hydraulic laboratory, the purchase of additional land, the making of desirable alter- ations to buildings, and preparing a patent policy.

Hydraulic laboratory.—An advisory committee on the design,

scope, and problems of the National Hydraulic Laboratory, consisting

of representatives of the interested Government departments and a number of prominent hydraulic engineers, has been appointed. Tentative designs are now receiving consideration. It is expected that

the laboratory will be finished by July, 1931. The new laboratory will have three principal functions: (1) It

will carry out fundamental investigations on all types of hydraulic

phenomena to increase the accuracy of flow coefficients and to extend our knowledge of these phenomena; (2) it will conduct model studies

of proposed hydraulic structures to determine the form which is most

effective and least expensive to build and maintain; (3) it will con- duct routine tests on all kinds of hydraulic instruments, meters, and

accessories, and develop and improve such equipment.

International relations.—The International Committee on Weights

and Measures at its meeting in June, 1929, took definite steps toward

putting electrical units on a new basis and decided also to take up

the problem of the measurement of light. The action on electrical units followed exactly the recommendations made by the bureau to the International Advisory Committee on Electricity and approved

by that committee. The effect will be to make the electrical units

concordant with mechanical units as based on the fundamental centimeter-gram-second system.

A meeting of the Advisory Committee on Electricity was held

June 23-25, 1930, in Paris. The bureau submitted recommendations on photometric units and methods, including a proposal that

the complete radiator ("black body") at the freezing point of

platinum be adopted as the primary standard of light.

Two members of the bureau's staff served as technical advisers

to the American delegates at the first meeting of the International

Technical Consulting Committee on Radio Communications held

.at The Hague in September, 1929. This committee, which is to meet at 2-year intervals, deals with scientific and engineering

problems arising under the International Radiotelegraph Convention.

The first international steam-table conference held in London,

July 8-12, 1929, and the second conference held in Berlin, June

23-27, 1930, at the time of the Second World Power Conference were attended by two representatives of the bureau. The first con- ference adopted a master steam table, with values and tolerances,

which will serve as a gage to judge published tables for accuracy.

Instead of the kilocalorie, as defined by the London conference, the

bureau has suggested the use of the true joule and kilojoule as heat

units, in conformity with existing laboratory practice.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 3

For the Berlin conference a complete report of the bureau's work

on heat content of saturated water and steam up to 270° C, and

on latent heat of vaporization in the range 100° to 270° C, was

available in printed form.

Three papers were presented at the World Power Conference at Berlin, June, 1930, entitled " Scientific Research in the United

States on Gasoline Engines," "Volatile Liquid Fuels," and " Government Interest in the Advancement of Standardization."

Resistance thermometers have been intercompared at the National

Physical Laboratory, the Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt,

and the Bureau of Standards, in connection with work on the international temperature scale. Values obtained at four laboratories (National Physical Laboratory, Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt, Nela Research Laboratory, and Bureau of Standards) for the melting point of palladium

have been found to lie within a range of 4° C, thus justifying the

adoption of 1,555° C. for the international temperature scale. Standard cells have been exchanged with the national laboratories of Great Britain, Japan, and the Union of Socialist Soviet

Republics.

A source of error in a mica condenser measured at the National

Physical Laboratory and the Bureau of Standards was traced to damage received in transit, the actual capacitance measurements of

the two laboratories being in good agreement.

The director of the bureau attended the World Engineering Congress held at Tokyo, Japan, in November, 1929, and presented a paper on precision machines and instruments for the measurement

of length. In addition to presenting the paper and presiding over

several sessions of the congress he served as one of the official dele- gates of the National Screw Thread Commission and eight other

national bodies.

Visitors.—The bureau has been honored by many distinguished

visitors from all over the world, among whom may be mentioned

Profs. Masao Kamo and S. Jimbo and Dr. Seizo Saito, of Japan;

Profs. Heinrich Barkhausen, Beno Gutenberg, Ludwig Prandtl,

T. H. von Karman, D. F. Korber, and E. H. Schulz, and Dr. Karl

Maybach, of Germany; Prof. Ernst F. Petritsch, of Austria; Dr.

M. Chatelain, head of the Central Bureau of Weights and Measures; Dr. Richard Vieweg and Prof. E. A. Chudakov, of the Union

of Socialist Soviet Republics; Drs. Tranquillo Zervi and Umberto

Savoja, of Italy; Dr. Bengt Kjerman, of Sweden; Mr. Bernard

Brull, of France; Prof. Robert K. Murphy, of Australia; Prof. H.

Boiognini, of Argentina; Prof. P. H. Hermann, of Holland; and

Prof. W. Baldwin Fletcher, of England.

In addition to these individuals, the officers and graduating stu- dents of the Japanese Naval Academy, the Japanese Lighting Mission, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (in connection

with their fiftieth anniversary celebration), a special delegation of

professors and students from the University of Delft, Holland, the

Society of Motion Picture Engineers, a delegation of Swiss electri- cal engineers and metallurgists, and many other groups have visited

the bureau's laboratories. The records show visitors from such dis- tant places as Calcutta; Formosa; Harbin; and Tashkent, Turkestan,

besides practically every country in Europe and America.
4 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Weights and measures conference.—The twenty-third meeting of

the National Conference on Weights and Measures was held under

the auspices of the bureau on June 3 to 6, 1930. Two important

additions were made to the general specifications for weighing

scales ; antifriction elements must be used where necessary and provision made for adjusting the balance condition of scales. Minor

changes were made in the codes for liquid-measuring devices and

lubricating-oil bottles. A complete code for odometers was adopted

in tentative form and will come up for review and final action next

year. One amendment to the code for grease-measuring devices was

adopted.

A beginning was made in the development of a code of specifications for automatic-indicating scales, and it is anticipated that this

subject will be given consideration at several future meetings.

By resolution, the conference condemned the use of small-diameter, tall bottles with integral spouts and no vent for dispensing

lubricating oil, and approved the use of a chemical treatment to reduce the dust from coal, provided the treatment does not in- crease the weight per ton by more than 30 pounds, and provided

such coal is advertised as " chemically treated " coal. Technical papers on many weights and measures subjects were presented, and a special demonstration of gasoline-metering devices was

given for the benefit of the delegates.

Conference of State utility commission engineers.—The eighth an- nual conference of State utility commission engineers was held at the bureau on June 5 and 6. Committee reports were presented on

rural electrification standards, depreciation and obsolescence, rate

decisions, uniform types of rates, and charges for fire protection.

The technical papers covered radio interference ; submetering ; trends

in high-tension transmission practice ; investigation of complaints by

commissions; definitions in connection with utility appraisals; dis- tribution extension rules applicable to electricity, gas, and water : improvements in rural telephone service; trends in urban transportation ; future of electric railways ; and a discussion of a questionnaire on gas-service standards.

Conference on street and highway safety.—The bureau took an

active part in the national conference on street and highway safety

called by the Secretary of Commerce, and submitted several recom- mendations for traffic control. Federal Fire Council.—This organization was formed at a con- ference of Government representatives called by the Secretary of

Commerce on April 3, 1930, to function in advisory and informative

capacity on matters relating to fire prevention and protection arising

in connection with Government activities. While the period has

been required largely for organization and preparatory detail, sev- eral requests for assistance from departments and establishments

have received attention.

American Standards Association.—The bureau has continued its close cooperation with this association. The bureau is sponsor for

81 standardization projects and is represented on 14 committees having for their object the formulation of American standards.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 5

National Screw Thread Commission.—The activities of the commission have been directed principally along lines calculated to bring

its screw-thread standards into wider and more effective use. The

latest report of the commission (Bureau of Standards Miscellaneous

Publication Xo. 89) has been subdivided into three sections and re- published as separate pamphlets covering : I. Standard Threads ; II. Special Threads; and III. Plain and Thread Plug and Ring Gage

Blanks. These are intended primarily for shop use. They have also been submitted to industry, through the division of trade standards

for acceptance as commercial standards.

American Gage Design Committee.—The report of this committee

(Bureau of Standards Miscellaneous Publication No. 100) has met

with wide acceptance and approval by manufacturers and users of

]imit gages. Its wide use has resulted in substantial savings in

industry.

Federal Specifications Board.—This board, of which the Director

of the Bureau of Standards is ex officio chairman, has promulgated

its six hundred and fifty-first purchase specification. A large part

of the research and experimental work on which these specifications are based is performed in the bureau's laboratories, and the chairmanships of many of the board's committees are held by members

of the bureau's staff. Relations to Government departments.—The bureau is authorized

to receive funds for specific research projects from other departments, and in pursuance of this policy in the past year the bureau has

received $436,387 for the support of 37 projects representing work

for 10 Government establishments. In addition, the usual consulting, specification, and testing work has been carried on for almost

every branch of the Government.

Publicity, bureau reports.—The number of research papers published in the Bureau of Standards Journal of Research was 106. Including articles in the Journal, and all other papers in the regular

series of the bureau, the total number of publications released during

the year was 182. About 240 papers were published in outside

journals. The Technical Xews Bulletin and the newly established

Commercial Standards Monthly have been issued each month. The

latter has attained a paid circulation of over 5,000. There have

been released to the press 218 short accounts of interesting achieve- ments. The fourth annual number of the Standards Yearbook was

published in March.

Testing.—Table 1 gives a summary of the bureau's test work for

the past year. The total number of tests completed was 200,726,

and the fee value $683,614.51. The corresponding figures for 1929

are 173.512 and $544,402.33. In 1928 the tests numbered 132,213

with a fee value of $465,116.82.
6 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Table %*—Numbers of test items, determinations, and fee value for tests completed during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1930

Kind of instrument or material, class of

test, or nature of service rendered

Number of test items forPublic

Govern- ment de- partments and State

institutions

Total n,,„011 j number BuTMau

i of test Stand I items

ards

Number

of deter- minations

Electrical standards, instruments, and

materials

Electric batteries Electric lamps and lighting equipment

Length-measuring devices. Gages and gage steels Haemacytometers, sieves, thermal expansion, etc Weights and balances

Scales Timepieces Volumetric apparatus . Hydrometers

Density determinations, etc Laboratory thermometers

Clinical thermometers

Pyrometers, calorimeters, etc ._ Insulating materials

Fire-resisting materials Fuels and lubricants Automotive equipment, etc Airplane engines

Optical instruments and materials Carbohydrates

Radioactive materials Engineering instruments and appliances Aeronautic instruments Aerodynamic tests of models

Physical properties of engineering materials. Sound producing and measuring instru- ments Making of special castings Fusible boiler plugs Metallographic examinations

Miscellaneous metallurgical tests Pottery and china ware

Glass.—

Refractories and heavy clay products Cement, concreting materials, lime, etc Stone and sand-lime brick Miscellaneous ceramic materials Rubber

Textiles Paper

Leather

Paint, varnish, and bituminous materials .. Chemical analysis of metals Chemical tests of miscellaneous materials. _ Distribution of standard samples

784

286

131

2, 061

3, 382

4, 969

28 259

9, 746

522 2,719

27, 271 17652

9 246

10 60320

1, 228

11850

22 130

15

3516

1 23

12 136

21619

251 Total. 62, 348

635

4, 210

3, 649 142 440

1, 660 1,768

1,069

33

4, 938

571

10 1,105

73, 377

50

23

55

1, 388

11946 272

1, 589

11

2,944

25

27 301 770

269

7786 306

11, 959

109

2, 095 1,425

6, 105 1,427 602

1,974 372

1, 162 336

4 508

4 213

127

1, 13248 ! 47138

467 I 695 I 82

164

20947

153

46

1 147

20

567644

200

3 805

346

33 18727

5

1, 787

4, 214

4,443

277 2,714 5,169

7, 869

1, 097 340

15, 155

1, 131 477 4,519

100, 648

308

9168

1, 843

176

46

1, 028

1, 609

1, 240

1, 135 752

22

3, 120

41

174 301 968

616

77

106 362

12, 070

153 2,311 1,429

6, 933 1,785

738 2,009

575 1,208

7, 592

2,762

8,990

4,536 ! 2,093

11,518

j 18,577

17,643 30,558

4,013 31,197

2,661 562

18,9C0 402,512 1 4, 126 , 174 9,966

410

337

2,862

2,508

1, 191 1,288

3, 54032

6, 345

52 887

602 3,710

7, 059 330

208

1, 334

56, 430

611

7, 957

10, 613

15, 848 5,689

2, 540

15, 937

2, 361

4, 287

131, 204 7, 174

j 200, 726 3 725, 964

815. 00

2,310.68

752. 50

5, 544. 09

7, 143. 75

632. 50

437.00

3, 372. 00

s 156, 032. 0O

2, 096. 00

15, 982. 00

25, 423. 50

31, 078. 25

15, 851. 00

3, 870. 00

42, 585. 92

7, 019. 75

11, 771. 50

16, 764. 00

3 683, 614. 51

1 Includes fee value of $5,480.02 for inspecting 2,005,406 incandescent lamps at various factories for other branches of the Government.

2 Includes fee value of $47,049 for sampling, testing, and shipping 3,315,116 barrels of Portland cement and 50,200 barrels of masonry cement.

3 Of these totals 195,124 determinations were for the public, fee value $72,251.45; 510,507 determinations were for the Government departments and State institutions, fee value $567,771.27; 20,333 determinations were for the bureau, fee value $43,591.79. The number of test items, and determinations necessary in connection with the bureau's own work of research and standardization, with the resulting fee values, is not included in these totals. SALARIES ($886,146)

This fund provides for personal services of administration and

operation; the establishment, upkeep, and comparison of standards; the development of methods of test, as well as most of the

testing; and for the determination of fundamental constants of
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 7

importance in physics, chemistry, engineering, and technology not

otherwise provided for. Standard wave lengths.—As possibly more suitable as a fundamental unit of length than the wave length of the red radiation

from cadmium, the wave lengths of the stronger lines of krypton

and of xenon have been compared with neon standards by interferometer methods; the average deviation of an observed wave number from the calculated value is less than 1 part in 20,000,000.

Special material for line standards.—The steel mentioned in the

annual report for 1929 proved to be unsatisfactory because of in- clusions, flaws, and excessive thermal expansion. A systematic

search of stainless steels finally located in a 14 per cent chromium

and one-half per cent carbon steel a material which appears to be

satisfactory from the five standpoints of polish, homogeneity, hardness, thermal expansion (practically same as platinum), and re- sistance to corrosion.

Comparisons of length standards.—The work of intercomparing

the bureau's meter bars has been continued, special attention being

given to the decimeter intervals of the subdivided meter bars and

to a group of 7 decimeter bars, 3 of which belong to the bureau and

4 to cooperating universities. All 7 of these bars were from the same original series issued by the International Bureau of Weights

and Measures.

The intercomparison of the bureau's platinum-iridium meters

having been completed, the following relations have been determined and will be regarded as official until such time as new certificates may be issued by the International Bureau of Weights and

Measures

:

M 27=1 m-1.40/x +(8.620 + 0.00177 T) X 10"G r.

as reported by the International Bureau,

M 21-71/ 27= +5.07 fx at 23° C. M 12- M 27= +4.49 fx at 23° C. M 4-iY 27= -4.29 /x at 23° C.

as determined at the Bureau of Standards.

Many comparisons of high precision were also made on 4-inch

scales and 1-decimeter scales ruled by the interferometric methods.

Graduation and calibration of circles.—Three 9-inch circles for

first-order Coast and Geodetic Survey theodolites and six 6%-inch

circles for second-order theodolites were graduated.

Methods of length measurement.—The high precision now being

obtained with the bureau's longitudinal comparator made advisable an investigation of computational methods proposed for the determination of corrections to the subintervals of a graduated line

standard.

Defeats inherent in Guillaume's abbreviated method, which has

been used at the bureau for several years, have been pointed out by

various writers. The computational methods of Dziobek and Leman

are being studied, and although the work is not yet completed, it appears that the average variation of the results of Guillaume's

simplified computation from these two results is about 0.02 micron.

14313—30 2
8 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Improvement in accuracy of end standards.—A set of 11 standards

submitted by a manufacturer, ranging by steps of millionths of an

inch from a nominal length of 0.100000 to 0.100010 inch, were tested

and all found correct within a maximum error of three ten-millionths

of an inch in planeness and parallelism of ends, and in length.

Weights and measures testing.—Many yard and meter bars, steel tapes, base-line tapes, level rods, sieves, haemacytometers, and other

standards, instruments, and devices of this character have been

tested. The longitudinal comparator has enabled the bureau to make comparisons and calibrations of length standards with high

precision and remarkable rapidity.

Seconds signals from a pendulum by use of a photo-electric cell.—

Seconds signals from the pendulum of the bureau's Riefler clock, by

the use of a photo-electric cell, have been in successful use in three

of the laboratories. A new precision clock designed by the chief of

the time section, and especially adapted to use with the photo-electric

cell, is now being constructed.

Cooperation with Horological Institute of America.—Repaired

watches, submitted to the institute by individuals as a part of an

examination for certification as qualified watch-repair men, have

been tested, as heretofore.

Speducations for stop watches.—Assistance has been rendered in

preparing Federal specifications for stop watches.

Glass volumetric apparatus and hydrometers.—The quality of

volumetric apparatus submitted for test has remained high, 98 per

cent of that submitted having been found qualified for test, and

94 per cent of that tested having passed the test for accuracy of

graduation.

Density of aqua ammonia.—The necessary material and apparatus

for determining the density and thermal expansion of anhydrous

ammonia and of various percentages of aqua ammonia have been

obtained and the work will be undertaken in the near future.

Density of chromic-acid solutions.—Density determinations have

been made on several samples of chromic acid.

Orifice meter tests.—A group of tests were made in Los Angeles,

Calif., on orifices in 16, 8, and 4 inch lines, particular attention being

given to large-diameter ratios and high-discharge velocities. The

results are very consistent and give additional information on the

effect of the expansion factor upon the discharge coefficient. Chromium plating, platinum plating, and nichrome for weights.—

Chromium-plated weights given a service test behaved about the same as other electroplated weights of the same type. Old analytical weights plated with platinum have not been found constant,

most of them showing a gain. In order to obtain data on the use- fulness of nichrome for weights preliminary plans have been made

for investigating this material.

Lacquer for weights.—Additional tests of insulating lacquers have

not developed any which are radically different from those pre- viously investigated. Tests on weights 23 years old show that age

has no tendency to change the behavior of shellac lacquer.

Improvement in constancy of weights.—The investigation on variability of weights with changes in the humidity of the air has re- duced the percentage of variable weights on the market and has
BUREAU OP STANDARDS 9

definitely prevented many laboratories from receiving seriously variable weights that would otherwise have been sold to them.

Maintenance of standard weights.—About 200 of the standard

weights of the mass section of the bureau were recalibrated. This

is nearly five times as many as were recalibrated during the preceding year. Equipment for testing weights.—A new high-precision 200-g bal- ance constitutes a valuable addition to the equipment of the sec- tion. A high-grade new balance of 50-pound capacity has also

been placed in use. Ratios of international electrical units to absolute units.—A considerable number of measurements have been made with the recon- structed Rosa-Dorsey-Miller current balance to determine the value

of the international ampere in absolute units, but no final value has

been reached. Another type of apparatus for the absolute measure- ment of current, known as the Pellat current balance, has been designed and partially constructed.

Measurements of inductance preliminary to determining the value

of the ohm have been nearly completed on a solenoid wound on a

porcelain cylinder, and two additional solenoids have been constructed, one on a pyrex-glass form, the other on a fused-quartz

form. These latter solenoids have been made with extreme care and

every precaution is being taken in the measurements, with the expectation that the final result will be accurate within 1 part in 100,000.

Standards of electromotive force.—Improvements have been made

in the standard cell equipment including the design and construction of a new laboratory room especially adapted to the purpose.

Additional space has been provided for the increased amount of

testing now required, refrigeration is available for holding the

temperature of the baths to a constant value in summer, and a new

and better oil bath has been constructed for the cells which consti- tute the primary standard. In moving the primary-standard group

from its old location no perceptible change in its value has been

introduced, check measurements in the old and new locations agreeing on the average to within four ten-millionths of a volt. Several

comparisons have been made with the national laboratories of England, Germany, and Japan. Complete data are not available in all cases, but the results indicate the same relative standing of the

units as before.

Intercomparison of resistance standards.—Three resistance standards of the new type developed by the bureau were measured at the British and German national laboratories. The results indicate

that the unit of electrical resistance as maintained by the three

laboratories is in agreement within two or three parts in a hundred

thousand.

Magnetic testing and research.—An investigation on the standardization of magnetic permeameters was completed. Work was

also done on testing with intense fields and on testing with alter- nating currents at low inductions. In the field of magnetic analysis,

experiments were carried out on the relation between magnetic

properties and impact strength, and a study of the phenomena

associated with the tempering of heat-treated bridge wire was

started, using the methods of thermomagnetic analysis.
10 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Standards of candlepower.—Four blue glass photometric niters

that had already been measured at the Physikalisch-Technische

Reichsanstalt and the National Physical Laboratory were measured

by three independent methods, and complete reports were submitted

to the cooperating laboratories in England, France, and Germany.

The glasses have been forwarded to France for measurement at the

Laboratoire Central d'Electricite. Carbon-filament standard lamps

have also been sent to the national laboratories of England, France,

Germany, Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, and Japan for international check measurements.

Waidner-Burgess standard of light.—The experimental work in

connection with the setting up of this standard has been completed,

the technique and procedure having been refined to a point where

the operation is mere routine. A thorough stud}7 has shown that

the standard is reproducible, practical, convenient to operate, and

inexpensive. The final result obtained is that an opening 1 square

centimeter in area in a black body at the freezing point of platinum

emits light equivalent to 58.84 international candles.

Constant of gravitation.—This project has been completed and

will be given publication in the bureau's Journal of Research within a short time. The mean result obtained is 6.6670 X10-8 in c. g. s. units.

Ahsolute determination of gravity at Washington.—Preliminary

work with brass pendulums has been completed. From the results obtained designs for several pendulums of fused quartz have been

prepared. A Shortt clock has been installed for the time measure- ments necessary. Elastic hysteresis research.—The source of the discrepancy in the

values of the elastic hysteresis modulus, when obtained by measuring

the deflection of bars under load and by observing the damping of

tuning forks, has been finally located. The results by the two

methods agree when, in the static method, the load is applied to both prongs of the tuning fork and the point of loading is selected

in accordance with the results of a theoretical study.

Platinum metals.—A simple and accurate method was developed

for the determination of osmium. It is now possible to determine

each of the six metals of the platinum group with satisfactory

accuracy if they have been separated from each other. Completion

of a system of methods of separation is the next phase of the research.

A method was developed for preparing spectrographically pure

iridium, but it is not satisfactory, either as to speed or yield, for

the preparation of reasonably pure iridum in quantity. The very

pure metal is needed for other phases of the work on the properties

of the platinum metals.

Some modifications were made in the previously developed method

for the purification of osmium. It is possible to prepare any one

of the six metals in any desired degree of purity.

Metaliographic technique.—Many requests have been received for

permission to copy the automatic metallographic polishing machine.

Using this machine, abrasives and polishing methods suitable for

various materials have been studied.

Pure metals and their alloys.—A publication was issued on the

properties of rhodium and the methods for mechanically working

it. Additional data on the physical properties of nickel of the
BUKEAU OF STANDARDS 11

highest attainable purity and of thorium have been obtained. In

cooperation with the alloys-of-iron research committee of Engineering Foundation a critical review of the literature on the preparation

and properties of pure iron has been undertaken. The study of the

A2 (magnetic) change in pure iron by means of the /?-ray spectrograph has been continued.

lasting of thermometers.—About 94 per cent of approximately

100,000 clinical thermometers submitted for test were eligible for

certification. Tests are now made in conformity with Commercial

Standard CSl-28 except for Government purchases under other

specifications.

Gas thermometry.—A new manometer was developed for the

measurement of gas pressures up to 1.5 meters of mercury with a

precision comparable to that attainable in length measurements.

Two glass cells, each 6 centimeters internal diameter to minimize

capillarity, are connected by a flexible, water-jacketed tube. The dis- tance between the cells is determined by gage blocks. The position

of the mercury surface relative to the cell is determined with a precision of about 0.0001 millimeter mercury by means of a special

instrument developed and constructed for this work at the bureau.

It employs a radiofrequency oscillating circuit which is very sensitive to small changes in electrical capacitance.

Low-temperature cryostat.—An improved cryostat, capable of

automatically maintaining temperatures as low as —150° C, constant to better than 0.01° was constructed for use in intercomparing

laboratory standards and for use in routine testing.

Application of the glass electrode for pH measurements.—The

degree of acidity, commonly expressed as " pH," is important in

many chemical processes, including electroplating. The hydrogen

and quinhydrone electrodes and colorimetric indicators previously

used in these measurements are not applicable in the presence of

oxidizing agents. Results thus far obtained indicate that the " glass

electrode" may be applicable to chromic-acid baths and other oxidizing solutions.

The chloroplatinate-chloroplatinite electrode.—The electromotive

force of this electrode has been found to correspond to a reversible

chemical equilibrium. The electromotive force has been measured

and the free energy of the reaction determined.

Thickness of adsorbed films of liquids.—Measurements of surface

tension of soap solutions have shown that there is no evidence for

the existence of thick plastic films on the surface of such solutions.

An investigation of the viscosity of liquids in very fine capillaries

recently completed has shown that there is no rigid adsorbed layer

thicker than 0.02 micron on glass or platinum surfaces when covered

with liquid, a conclusion of fundamental importance in connection

with lubrication.

The molecular weight of hydrocarbons.—An improved VictorMeyer apparatus has been designed and constructed. By making

two determinations, one at 1 atmosphere and the other at 0.5 at- mosphere, it is possible to determine the molecular weight with an

accuracy of about 0.3 of a unit.

Chemical nature of rubber.—Very pure rubber hydrocarbon has

been prepared in the gel form. By cooling an ethereal solution of
12 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

this pure rubber the hydrocarbon is deposited in a crystalline form.

Combustion analyses have been completed and apparatus is in course of construction for molecular weight determinations and for

obtaining photographs of the crystalline rubber.

Detergents.—Information was collected and made available on the

preparation and uses of various types of polishes. A circular of

information on washing and cleaning materials and their applications was also prepared.

Analytical reagent chemicals.—Fifty-seven individual methods for

the determination of various impurities in 30 reagent chemicals were

studied and in many cases modified or replaced by better methods.

As in other years this work formed a substantial part of the preparation of specifications for reagent chemicals by the American

Chemical Society.

Accelerated weathering tests.—It has been found that the simple

cycle of continuous exposure to light from a carbon arc with periodic spraying with water gives valuable information on pigmented

coatings, bitumens, etc., but is too drastic for varnishes and other

transparent coatings.

Durability of spar varnish.—Outdoor exposure starting at two

different seasons of the year, laboratory tests, and accelerated weathering tests on a large number of commercial and experimental var- nishes showed that while the durability of spar varnish veries greatly,

depending on the season exposed, the relative durability of a series

of varnishes is quite constant. The accelerated weathering cycle

detected the poor varnishes but did not differentiate between good

and very good varnishes. The kauri reduction test gave fairly good

indications as to durability. Varnishes meeting the Federal specification are above the average in durability, while those made from some of the modern synthetic resins were better than varnishes of

the same oil content made from rosin, ester gum, or kauri.

Softening point of bituminous materials.—A method based upon

a modification of previously used apparatus and procedure for determining the softening point of materials which have no definite melting point has been developed.

Physical tests for grease.—The Bulkley consistometer has been

found useful in studying the properties of grease. Tests have also

been made with a long metal capillary under high pressures showing

that the curve for rate of flow of grease, when plotted against inlet pressure, passes through a maximum due to the consistency of the

grease being made stiffer under high pressures. Standard analytical methods.—The bureau cooperated with the

American Society for Testing Materials in the preparation of methods of analysis for steels, cast irons, and various paint materials, in

the preparation of specifications for sampling sheet steel and ferroalloys and tentative specifications for glazier's putty, in exposure

tests on the stability of foundry coke, and in investigations on the

hiding power of paints and pigments and the tinting strengths of

pigments.

Methods for silvering glass.—In connection with the preparation

of a new circular on silvering glass, considerable work has been done

in refining and improving the technique and simplifying the formulas in order to make success in their use more certain and less
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 13

dependent upon previous experience. The new circular will give

methods for the chemical deposition of silver, copper, platinum, and

lead sulphide, and for the production of mirrors by cathode sputtering and by the condensation of metallic vapors on glass.

Effect of ultra-violet rays on the transparency of special window

glasses.—Exposure to the mercury arc diminishes the ultra-violet

transmission of these glasses more than exposure to the sun. It has

been found that exposure of these glasses to the sun, after their

exposure to the mercury arc, raises their ultra-violet transmission

above the minimum value obtained with prolonged exposure to the

sun. In 17 out of 20 samples, comprising 6 different makes of

special window glasses, the recovery was from 1 to 6 per cent above

the minimum value obtained by exposure to the sun alone. This

recovery appears to be produced by radiation of wave lengths in

the region of 365 millimicrons.

Construction of instruments and apparatus.—The bureau's shops

constructed many special instruments for the laboratories, including

high-grade blown-glass apparatus, and cabinet work such as cases for instruments, besides repairing furniture and woodwork required

in the general upkeep of the buildings. Metal specimens for routine tests were machined, and the preparation of standard steel and

alloy samples was carried on as before. Apparatus built included

the following: Seven resistance standards, air-cooled resistor for current balance, resilience meter, double automatic polishing machine, high-frequency oscillator, wool meter (including optical

parts), cathode-ray oscillograph, revolving circuit breaker, flicker photometer, marginal relay, two reflectometers, beat-frequency oscillator, electrostatic voltmeter, hook gage, variable-voltage trans- former, expansivity furnace, and an abrasion machine.

Other projects.—In addition to the work described in the foregoing paragraphs, some progress has been made on the following:

Determination of the regularities in the arc spectrum of titanium

and zirconium, Zeeman effects of spectral lines, the " Kaman " effect,

density changes and refractive index changes produced in glass by

various heat treatments, filters for changing the color temperature

of incandescent sources to mean sunlight, standards for index of

refraction, aberrations of astronomical objectives, actino-electrical

and photo-electrical properties of substances, infra-red absorption

spectra of selected compounds, resonance radiation excited by higher

series lines, thermal expansion of glass at high temperature, measure- ments of the difference in index of refraction in striae and the

surrounding glass, problems of aerial mapping, thermal conductivity

of metals, revision of tests of clinical thermometers, construction

of* special platinum resistance thermometers, correlation of data on thermal properties of methane, precise measurements of pres- sures from 1 to 100 atmospheres, measurement of diophantine quantities, preparation of equipment for liquefying helium, platinum

resistance thermometry at low temperatures, alloys of platinum

metals for resistance thermometry at low temperatures, establishment of a practical laboratory scale of temperatures in the range

below liquid-air temperatures, standardization of capillary tube vis-
14 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

cometers, rotation viscometers, " bleeding " test for greases, reclamation of used oils, preparation of circulars of metallurgical information, particularly on zinc and cadmium.

EQUIPMENT ($88,000)

Important purchases.—Several important additions have been

made to the bureau's laboratory and plant equipment.

Nine large cylindrical weights of 1,000 pounds each with operating

mechanism were purchased for the bureau's 100,000-pound deadweight testing machine.

A 3 -stage electrically driven compressor for pressures up to 500

pounds per square inch, to be used in the liquefaction of helium, was purchased for the low-temperature laboratory.

A newT quartz spectrograph was added to the equipment of the

spectroscopy section, while an interchangeable glass spectrograph was

purchased for the atomic physics section.

Equipment purchased for the radio section included an aircraft

radiobeacon receiver, a short-wave aircraft radio-transmitting set, and a large storage battery of 125 cells. The surface condenser and auxiliary equipment for the new 750-

kilowatt turbo-alternator was purchased and installed in the new

central power plant. Two storage batteries of 60 cells each, one having a capacity of 240 ampere-hours and equipped with Plantetype plates, and the other with a capacity of 400 ampere-hours with

pasted plates, were also purchased for the bureau's plant.

A 750-horsepower electric motor and high-pressure fan were purchased for the automotive power-plants section. These will be

installed in one of the existing altitude chambers to be used in

connection with dynamometer testing of air-cooled engines.

A spectrophotometer was added to the equipment of the colorimetry section, and a new drying box and auxiliary equipment were

purchased for the semicommercial levulose plant.

A 5 by 8 inch double-geared laboratory rolling mill was bought

for the metallurgical division, and a precision bench lathe with 38-

inch bed and 8-inch swing has been purchased for the instrument

shop.

The equipment of the gage section has been increased by the purchase of 36 sets of internal micrometers with master rings.

In addition, a large amount of smaller equipment has been added

to the bureau's power plant, shops, and laboratories.

GENERAL EXPENSES ($64,000)

Maintenance of mechanical plant.—The usual maintenance work,

such as the replacement of piping, fittings, valves, etc., has been car- ried on. A number of changes have been made in piping layouts to

facilitate connection to the new power plant.

Electrical construction and repair.—The usual maintenance work

on the electrical installations has been carried on, and a great number

of new electrical installations incident to laboratory expansion have

been made.

Plumbing and pipe work.—In addition to the usual maintenance

work on existing pipe work, new extensions to steam, water, gas, air,
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 15

and vacuum lines were made incident to the installation of new laboratory equipment. A new water main has been installed to supplement the water supply. Many changes in the pipe work in the north

building have been necessary on account of the alterations to be

made in that building.

Library books.—The number of volumes accessioned was 1,784

(previous year, 1,639), and 101 were canceled, making the total number of accessioned volumes 35,554. Scientific and technical periodicals

received number 1,247, as compared with 1,056 last year. IMPROVEMENT AND CARE OF GROUNDS ($14,400)

Good progress has been made in improvement of the grounds by

grading, sodding, and planting of shrubs. The fill at the east end

of the industrial building has been completed and will be seeded this

fall. TESTING STRUCTURAL MATERIALS ($288,150)

City planning and zoning.—Surveys of city planning and zoning

laws and ordinances showed further progress in the use of the bureau's recommendations. A pamphlet on the preparation of zoning

ordinances was prepared.

Construction economics.—An extensive study was made of the

planning and control of public works, and from December on several

staff members aided in the department's work of coordinating the

activities of Federal, State, and local officials in expediting publicworks construction.

Home financing.—A preliminary report has been written on the

basis of field work regarding the volume of mortgage writing and

cost of administration.

Survey of small-house construction.—A digest of data obtained

through a field survey made last year in 31 cities has been prepared

for publication.

Care and repair of the house.—A handbook for home owners and

those interested in keeping their property in good condition was pre- pared. It gives simple and specific directions for home repair work

and describes tools and materials needed.

Cooperation with other agencies on building and housing problems.—Cooperation was continued with Federal and State agencies

and with thousands of local governments and private organizations

concerned with building and housing. City planning and zoning,

building codes, and home-ownership problems were taken up jointly

with bodies such as Better Homes in America with its 6,500 local committees and organizations representing architects, engineers,

• business, civic, and other groups.

Plumbing investigation.—An extension of the plumbing investigation carried out in 1921-1923 for the building-code committee of

the Department of Commerce has been undertaken in cooperation

with the industry to include pipe sizes and design of systems for

tall buildings.

Preliminary observations and measurements were made on (1) the

capacities of drains and (2) the loads carried by the drains under

actual service conditions in five large buildings in New York City

14313—30 3
16 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

and in two of the larger Government office buildings in Washington.

Other data pertaining to the loads on plumbing systems in actual

service were obtained. An extensive experimental program is planned for the current year. Building codes.—A survey of the amount and character of combustible contents of typical fire-resistive buildings in Washington,

D. C, was made as an aid in classification from the fire-hazard

standpoint.

Experimental work to determine the inherent fire hazard and

protection required for household heating appliances was nearly

completed. This was preceded by a survey of existing conditions

in residences and apartments and examination of premises where

fires from stoves, furnaces, and their pipes have occurred.

Cement reference laboratory.—The cement reference laboratory,

a cooperative project of the Bureau of Standards and the American

Society for Testing Materials, conducted inspections at 175 laboratories. Apparatus was tested, methods demonstrated, and miscellaneous data collected. This information is proving valuable in

outlining further work of the laboratory. Requests for inspection

have been received from 194 laboratories, indicating a widespread

interest in this work.

Branch laboratories and inspection of cement.—The branch laboratories at Northampton, Pa., Denver, Colo., and San Francisco,

Calif., all test cement, while the Denver laboratory also tests con- creting materials and the San Francisco laboratory makes miscella- neous chemical and physical tests. Cement-inspection service was

established at six plants. During the year 1,628,187 barrels were sampled and tested and 1,255,947 barrels shipped to Government

projects.

Diatomaceous silica.—The effect of adding diatomaceous silica to concrete has been studied. The materials ranged from 7.5 to 34.7 pounds per cubic foot, and most of the material submitted was

composed very largely of diatoms. The addition of diatomaceous

silica requires the use of more mixing water, the lighter the silica the more water required. Diatomaceous silicas tend to produce a lower strength in concretes of equal flows, but permit a larger flow

without the separation of the constituent materials of the concrete. Waterproofing compounds.—Concrete test specimens containing

integral waterproofing compounds subjected constantly to a 20

pound water pressure showed in most cases only a slight permeability at the end of one year. After drying in the air of the laboratory for one month permeability generally increased. At the end

of a year the majority of these treatments were of little value.

About one-third of the specimens were considered to be sufficiently

effective for practical use. Cast stone.—Some very unusual characteristics were exhibited

by samples of cast stone. The modulus of rupture ranged from

200 to 1,500 pounds per square inch. The compressive strength of

the best specimen was 23,000 pounds per square inch, and the strength

for all specimens 1,500 pounds per square inch. The maximum

48-hour absorption was 13.5 per cent, and the minimum 2 per cent. The resistance to freezing and thawing ranged from complete failure

within 40 cycles to specimens that exhibited no signs of disintegration at 500 cycles.
BUREAU OF STANDAKDS 17

Durability of concrete aggregates.—No one test appears to be

suitable for determining the durability of all types of concrete ag- gregates exposed to freezing and thawing. Petrographic analysis

may be used to advantage in determining the merits of the material.

The presence of clay in certain forms, such as laminae, seems to cause early disintegration in certain types of rock.

Concrete masonry units.—Tests on 50 samples of concrete masonry

units gave compressive strengths from 400 to 2,000 pounds per

square inch of gross area. There seemed to be no relation between

absorption and compressive strength except that usually the sand

units had the greatest strength and least absorption while for cinder

and haydite blocks the reverse was true. The weights of sand blocks varied from 125 to 150 pounds per

cubic foot, and cinder units from TO to 100 pounds. Haydite were

the lightest, ranging between 70 and 85 pounds per cubic foot. Phase study of the system CaO-jSi02-B2 Os.—A study of a portion of the CaO-Si02-B2 3 system has shown that the presence of

small amounts of B2 3 in dicalcium silicate lowers the refractive

index, and also lowers the temperature of the inversion from the

beta to the alpha form.

Reaction of water on calcium aluminates and calcium aluminate

cements.—The study of the mechanism of the reaction of water on

one domestic and seven foreign calcium-aluminate cements, and the

ternary compound 4CaO.Al2 3 .Fe2 3 shows that these cements re- acted with water to form a metastable solution in the early periods

which approximated the composition of monocalcium aluminate.

The boundaries wherein these solutions occur have been determined.

Clays as admixtures in concrete.—In cooperation with an engineering firm an investigation of the value of clay admixtures in concrete has been undertaken.

Survey of common brick.—In cooperation with the Common Brick

Manufacturers Association samples of brick from about 200 plants

are being tested to determine their compliance with specifications.

Test of large concrete cylinders.—In connection with the design

and construction of dams by the Aluminum Co. of America,

twenty-three 24 by 48 inch concrete cylinders were fabricated and

sent to the bureau for testing. It was found that Poisson's ratio

for the concrete was about 0.15 for all stresses within the range

from to 1,000 pounds per square inch. Tests of the Arlington Memorial Bridge.—Continuous records of

the temperatures of the concrete in one of the main arch spans are being obtained. The average temperature of the arch has varied

between 28° and 80° F. Measurements of the deformations and

deflections of the arch barrel caused by temperature changes, both

before and after the construction of the walls and roadway, were made to determine the effect of the restraint of the superstructure on the deformations of the arch.

Transmission of water through brick masonry.—The durability

of bond between brick and mortar may be improved by finding and

using mortars which, under any conditions, undergo relatively small

volume changes. It is believed that there are several ways in which

this may be accomplished without any material increase in labor or building cost.
18 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Properties of sand-lime brick.—In determining weathering ability,

partial immersion as well as total immersion absorption data have

been obtained together with the bulk volume and density of the

bricks. Freezing and thawing cycles on these bricks are now being

made to find whether there is any correlation between absorptive

properties and resistance to freezing and thawing.

Manufacture of gypsum products.—Properties of gypsum fiber concrete: Volumetric changes of gypsum fiber concrete made from

five different lots of calcined gypsum are being studied. Setting

expansions range from 0.06 to 0.40 per cent. Within the temperature range of 25° to 45° C. the thermal coefficient of expansion of

the neat gypsum specimens is about 160 X 10 ~ 7 and that of the fiber concrete containing 12.5 per cent wood chips about 130X10 -7

. Lime investigation.—(a) Soundness of hydrated lime: Steaming

a paste of hydrated lime in an autoclave at 120 pounds pressure

has proven most satisfactory to determine the soundness of hydrated lime. It is hoped that the method may also be made applicable for testing the soundness of pulverized quicklime.

(5) Particle-size distribution of hydrated lime: The particlesize distribution of hydrated lime is being studied by determining

the rate of sedimentation of lime in anhydrous normal butyl alcohol.

(c) Specifications for chemical lime: Recommended specifications

for quicklime and hydrated lime for use in soap making have been

published.

Elastic pointing materials.—A special apparatus which has materially simplified the testing process has been designed and built to determine the effectiveness of these materials in masonry joints

when subjected to tensile stresses.

\ Slate.—Samples of roofing slate were secured from old buildings

where they had been exposed under service conditions for periods

ranging from 12 to more than 100 years. This has afforded considerable information on the nature and causes of slate weathering.

Some deposits of slate in this country seem to be very resistant to destructive weathering agents, while others may not be good for more than 25 years of service.

Blistering of vitreous enamels on gray cast iron.—This work in

cooperation with the American Ceramic Society shows that " blister- ing 55 irons possess a much narrower range of temperatures within

which the enamel can be burned without blister formation than do

nonblistering irons. The range of suitable firing temperatures for a given iron corresponds with a decrease in the rate, or a cessation

of the oxidation of carbon from the surface of the iron. Rapid

oxidation of carbon from the surface is believed to reduce the pres- ence of " temper carbon," a very finely divided carbon formed

immediately in the breakdown of cementite and previous to ag- glomeration to the coarser " graphite carbon." In general, the re- moval of the surface layer from a " blistering " iron renders it " nonblistering " in its behavior when enameled.

Chemical testing and methods of analysis.—Samples of structural

materials were tested for various branches of the Government.

These included Portland cement, cast irons, steels, alloy steels,

ferro-alloys, brasses, bronzes, bearing metals, boiler plugs, Monel

metal, and light aluminum alloys. Several improved and more

rapid test methods were developed.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 19

TESTING MACHINES ($41,000)

Hardness testing of metals.—During the past two years, a large

number of steel specimens, having high Brinell numbers, have been

tested. The results have been used in the derivation of formulas for

the relation between the Rockwell and the Brinell numbers. The

new formulas do not differ greatly from earlier formulas published

by the Bureau of Standards but give the metallurgical industry more

reliable methods of obtaining the Rockwell number from the Brinell

number or vice versa. Recommendations have likewise been pre- pared covering the use of the Brinell machine, which should secure greater uniformity in test results from different observers.

Electrically welded steel tubing.—The physical properties of

tubing made from sheet steel containing from 0.08 to 0.25 per cent carbon, in which the longitudinal seam was welded under pressure

by the electrical-resistance method were determined. Seven different

tests were applied, which showed that the properties of the base

metal (the metal not affected by the welding operation) can be used

in determining the working stresses for different structural uses of

tubing made by this process. Flat plates under edge compression.—In the pontoons or float? of

seaplanes and in the outer covering of airplane fuselages flat plates are subjected to compressive forces in the plane of the plate. In

order to determine the loads such plates can carry, an investigation was conducted in cooperation with the Aeronautics Branch. Tests were made on four different materials—nickel, duralumin, stainless

iron, and Monel metal, having thicknesses up to 0.095 inch, a length of

24 inches (direction of load), and widths up to 24 inches. It was

found that the plates could be subjected to an increase of load after

they had begun to buckle and that especially in the thinner and wider

specimens it was possible for the plate to carry many times its theoretical buckling load under uniform thrust without permanent

deformation.

Fixation of struts.—The strength of tubular steel struts as used

in airplane fuselages, loaded in compression and with their ends

restrained, is being determined in cooperation with the National

Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and the Navy Department.

Various conditions of end support, varying from no restraint to

infinite restraint are being used, and it is expected that the results of this investigation will enable designers to reduce the weight of

aircraft structures with safety.

Welded structures.—In cooperation with the structural steel welding committee of the American Bureau of Welding, tensile tests have been made of 125 large welded joints, as an aid in determining

safe working stresses when designing welded structures. Torsional properties of tubing.—An investigation of the torsional

properties of tubes for aircraft structures has been undertaken in

cooperation with the Bureau of Aeronautics, Navy Department.

The first tests are being made on standard sizes of chrome-molybdenum steel tubing up to 2 inches in diameter and up to 0.065 inch

thick. These specimens fail by buckling after permanent deformation of the material has begun. These results will enable designers

to estimate closely the torsional strength of tubular members of

aircraft.
20 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Specifications for empty shipping containers.—With the cooperation of the Forest Products Laboratory and the industry, tentative

specifications have been prepared for solid-fiber boxes, corrugatedfiber boxes, nailed and lock-corner wooden boxes, plywood boxes,

and wire-bound boxes. Specifications for sheet -steel drums and for

cylinders for compressed gases are in preparation.

INVESTIGATION OF FIRE-RESISTING PROPERTIES ($30,000)

Furnace for fire tests of walls and partitions.—A new gas-fired

furnace for conducting fire tests of wall and partition constructions was completed which accommodates specimens 11 feet high and 16

feet wide and in which loads up to 350,000 pounds can be applied. Tests of fire-detecting systems.—Tests were made of five automatic

fire- detecting systems for the Steamboat Inspection Service to determine their acceptability under the law requiring their installation on passenger vessels. Fire tests of roofing mateHals.—Data on fire tests of roofing materials in common use were prepared for publication. These included

new materials, and similar materials from roofs 5 to 30 years old, as well as new and weathered roofings covered or impregnated with

fire-retardant compounds.

Spontaneous heating and ignition of materials.—Determinations

of ignition temperature and susceptibility to spontaneous heating of

various materials have been made at the request of other Government

departments, using available equipment and methods. Additional

fundamental test methods for this work are being developed.

Research on the susceptibility to spontaneous heating and ignition

of jute is being conducted in cooperation with the Bureau of Chemistry and Soils of the Department of Agriculture and a committee

of the Marine Underwriters. The results indicate that jute presents no greater hazard from this standpoint than other materials that are generally regarded as presenting at the most a low hazard.

Other active research projects.—Plans for temporary equipment

for fire tests of welded steel floor constructions, to be conducted in

cooperation with the American Institute of Steel Construction, were

completed. Fire tests were made of columns protected by precast

and poured gypsum. Work was continued on the report giving

results of compression tests of steel and cast iron at high temperatures. Fire, impact, and loading tests were made of insulated safes to obtain data for revision of Federal specifications. Tests were made to determine the effectiveness of fire-retardant surface treat- ments for wood scaffolding.

Technical assistance was given in connection with tests of sprinkler

systems in airplane hangars, conducted by the Aeronautics Branch,

and in the formation of an organization of Government officials concerned with fire prevention.

INVESTIGATION OF PUBLIC-UTILITY STANDARDS ($107,290)

Measurement of high voltages and large currents.—The large

absolute high-voltage electrometer was operated in some preliminary

trials at 90,000 volts and showed the expected sensitivity. Modifi-
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 21

cations have been made to reduce air-current disturbances. A special

microscope has been constructed for determining the location of the

attracted disk relative to the guard ring.

A standard current transformer and accessory apparatus, which

have been completed, raise the possible range of testing from 2,500

to 6,000 amperes.

Electrical codes.—Assistance was given in completing the revision

of the Wisconsin State Electrical Code. The preparation of a pictorial edition of the National Electrical Safety Code was continued.

In cooperation with a national committee, specifications for testing

line insulators of more than 750 volts were completed. Assistance was rendered the International Electrotechnical Commission on

regulations for overhead transmission lines and the National Board

of Fire Underwriters in revising the National Electrical Code.

Protection against lightning.—Miscellaneous Publication No. 95,

entitled " Protection of Electrical Circuits and Equipment against

Lightning," was issued. Assistance was given the National Fire

Protection Association in the preparation of a report dealing with oil tanks, and an investigation was carried on in the oil fields of

California, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Government telephone service.—The bureau's work on telephone

service has been directed almost entirely to the planning of efficient and economical service for Government offices in Washington and

elsewhere, and to the defense of damage suits involving very large

claims for telephone equipment used here and abroad during the war

period.

The first unit of a group of dial private-branch telephone exchanges

planned to serve in a properly coordinated and throughly modern

manner the executive departments and establishments in Washington

was put into service May 31. For the new Commerce Building,

which will house all of that department's activities except the Bureau

of Standards, a consolidated, combination dial and manual, privatebranch exchange has been designed.

Detailed studies were carried out for the Budget Bureau on the

telephone service for Federal agencies in cities outside of Washington, and recommendations were made for Asheville, Chicago,

Fargo, Kansas City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Springfield, 111. Underground corrosion.—About 3,000 specimens of pipe materials

have been removed from TO locations. Their condition and that of

the soil in which they were buried are being determined. This is part of a 12-year project now two-thirds completed.

Field tests of 50 protective coatings in 29 soils have been started

with the cooperation of coating manufacturers, the American Gas

Association, and the American Petroleum Institute, who will bear

about two-thirds of the expense of the investigation.

Hotel ranges.—The efficiency of ovens and cooking tops of hotel

gas ranges was measured and a limited amount of work was done on domestic electric ranges to assist Government institutions, such

as hospitals, barracks, etc., in the selection of such equipment.

Corrosion of materials for gas-oven linings.—A large number of

materials have been tested by an improved method. The corroded

materials have been submitted to a committee of the American Gas

Association, which contributed to the research as an aid in preparing

specifications.
22 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Domestic range turners

. —An investigation of the optimum design

of domestic gas-range burners for using carbureted water gas was

conducted to find how design factors differ when using water gas

as compared with propane and butane previously studied.

Use of propane in the Lighthouse Service.—It has been found that

propane burners could be substituted for the kerosene burners now

used for the larger lights with a simplification of equipment re- quiring less attention from the operator, and with the same efficiency

in terms of candlepower-hours per thousand British thermal units.

The greater cost of propane at the present time probably makes its substitution for kerosene inadvisable except possibly for unattended

stationary lights.

TESTING MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS ($46,400)

A great variety of tests were made for Government departments on paints, varnishes, roofing and waterproofing materials, rubber

goods, packings, inks, typewriter ribbons, carbon paper, textiles,

boiler waters and compounds, detergents, chemicals, gold alloys, etc. Miscellaneous materials were tested to determine their fire hazard

to guide the Steamboat Inspection Service in making rulings on

the transportation of commodities on passenger vessels. RADIO RESEARCH ($85,700)

Primary frequency standard.—A primary frequency standard with an error of one part in several millions, consisting of four special

piezooscillators of great accuracy, has been in operation for several

months. Currents are furnished by this standard at 100,000, 10,000,

1,000, 100, and 10 cycles per second, and seconds impulses are given.

These accurately known frequencies can be made available for meas- urement purposes in most of the bureau's buildings. The frequencies

of the four piezooscillators are found to increase at the rate of about one part in a million per month.

Secondary frequency standards.—Some of the causes of erratic

behavior of temperature-controlled piezooscillators constructed by

the bureau have been eradicated by improvements in design. Two

of the best piezooscillators maintain their frequencies from day to day within ±1 part in a million. The frequencies of this group of

piezooscillators have been found to increase about one or two parts

in a million per month.

Standard frequency dissemination.—Regularly scheduled trans- missions of eight frequencies per month were sent out for the use of

all those interested in accurate frequency calibration. The accuracy

of these transmissions is better than 0.01 per cent. Intercomparison of frequency standards of various lab oratories.—

The frequency standards of several foreign countries were intercompared by carrying a piezooscillator to the different laboratories

and by measurements on a quartz light resonator circulated by

Japan. The latter measurements showed the national standards of

four nations to be in agreement within 0.002 per cent. Measurement of radio field intensity.—Field intensity measure- ments made at frequencies from 550 to 5,400 kilocycles per second

over distances up to 3,200 meters over fresh water show that 15 per
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 23

cent of the signal is absorbed at 1,500 kilocycles and about 50 per

cent is absorbed at 5,400 kilocycles. Measurements of transmissions

from broadcasting and Government stations at distances up to 270

kilometers show that the absorption at a distance of 270 kilometers

is 99 per cent for a 760-kiloeycle transmission and 90 per cent for a 338-kilocycle transmission.

Variations of radio wave intensity and direction.—Measurements

with an automatic fading recorder at the Kensington field station

show that magnetic storms do not affect the received intensity but

increase atmospherics. The eclipse of April 28, 1930, did not affect the records.

Height of the Kennelly-Heavyside layer.—Oscillographic records

made on pulse signals sent by NKF on 4,045 kilocycles and 8,650

kilocycles show the virtual height of the Kennelly-Heaviside layer

to be from 225 to 250 kilometers on 4,045 kilocycles and about 290

kilometers on 8,650 kilocycles. A 100-kilometer layer was also observed on the lower frequency. The height of the layer changes during the day and is affected by magnetic storms. Studies of piezo-electricity

.

—The modes of vibration of crystalline

quartz plates of various cuts have been studied by observing the pat- terns formed by lycopodium powder on the surfaces of the plates.

The air currents emanating from the periphery of a vibrating cir- cular plate have been utilized to determine the angle of vibration of

the plate. The experimental work has been accompanied by a theoretical study of the problem of free vibrations of an elastic solid. Radio-frequency power factor of mica.—Power-factor measure- ments between 100 and 1,000 kilocycles per second were made on 34

samples of domestic and foreign mica for the Bureau of Mines for use in a report to the War Department.

COLOR STANDARDIZATION ($15,800)

Filters for the reproduction of sunlight and daylight and the

determination of color temperature.—A series of filters reproducible

from chemical specification has been developed for use in photographic sensitometry, colorimet^, and photometry. One has been

recommended for adoption as a standard of artificial sunlight by the

Seventh International Congress of Photography. Others are being

considered for adoption as standards by the subcommittee on colorimetry of the International Commission on Illumination.

Theory of reduction of mixture data in colorimetry.—A paper on

the mathematical treatment of physical properties which determine

the colors of reflective and transmissive materials and on the data

which give the properties of the average normal eye has been

published.

Standardization of Lovibond glasses.—Two hundred and twentyfive Lovibond red glasses submitted by users have been compared

with the bureau's standard glasses. In addition, 36 glasses submitted by the makers, Tintometer (Ltd.) , of England, and 19 belonging to the American Oil Chemists' Society were compared with the

standards.

New color comparator for incandescent lamps.—The experimental

conditions affecting accuracy of comparison of two colors have been

14313—3<
24 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

studied, and a comparator designed for incandescent lamps has

been constructed. It has been found that the precision is about

double that obtainable with the comparator previously used.

Miscellaneous.—Lack of space prevents more than mention of the

following investigations on which work has been done during the

year : Analysis of color stimuli in terms of dominant wave length

and purity, selection of a standard neutral stimulus for colorimetric

purposes, color specifications for railway and traffic signals, diffuse

reflection and its measurement, and standard data on reflection of

various materials.

INVESTIGATION OF CLAY PRODUCTS ($49,000)

Crazing of semiporcelain dinner ware.—The effect of composition

and physical structure on changes in volume, as produced by reac- tions of water-permeable bodies with moisture, as well as the nature

of the reaction itself, are being studied with the autoclave. It appears that bodies of more than 2 per cent water absorption will

undergo a sufficient change in volume when subjected to moisture

to rupture or craze a glaze coating. Feldspar may undergo greater

volume changes than clay matter and a temperature of at least 240°

C. is required to remove the moisture causing this change in volume

and to complete the accompanying volume contraction.

Cutlery marking of chinaware.—Permanent marking of chinaware

by cutlery appears to be due to the formation of an extremely thin

layer of lead sulphate on the surface of the glaze during the manufacture of the ware. One manufacturer was able to produce ware no

longer susceptible to this cutlery marking by substituting an elec- trically heated muffle for the firing of his decorated ware. Study of feldspar.—A tentative commercial standard classification

for feldspar has been established. The suggested specification is entirely technical in nature and is based on an investigation of 19

commercial feldspars which has been carried on for several years. Study of fire clays.—Data obtained on 26 representative fire clays

show that their thermal expansions after firing at 1,400° C. may be

greater or less than after firing at 1,155° C, depending on their composition. The moduli of elasticity and rupture of the clays are generally greater after firing at 1,400° C. than after firing at 1,155° C. The percentage increase is greater in highly siliceous clays than

in aluminous clays. The plastic deflections of the clays are also

less in the siliceous type of clays than in the aluminous.

Problems relating to saggers.—It has been found that the life of saggers made from individual bodies is directly related to small

changes in porosity, but because of the importance of other properties, which have also been determined, the porosity of a series of

different bodies apparently does not bear an important relation to their life when subjected to thermal shock.

Effect of variations in composition on vitreous enamels.—Two vitre- ous enamels having identical calculated melted compostions, but differing in their raw batch mixtures, were prepared. The cone formation temperatures of the two resulting enamels differed by approximately 40° C. Additional heat treatment at the temperature of

preparation (1,250° C), was given and records obtained of the cone
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 25

deformation temperatures and indices of refraction. These indicate

that the initial difference in properties is due to a more stable condition than that of mere arrested reaction.

Resistance of metals to the abrasive action of plastic clay.—Comparative wear values of 12 metals and alloys have been studied

with the following results, the resistance of a chrome-nickel-tungsten

composition being used as unity: Carbon-cobalt-chromium, 2.3; average for several cast irons, 30.9; carbon-chromium-nickel steel, 39.1; electrolytic copper, 161; and manganese-zinc bronze, 276.8. Casehardened metals are not suitable for continuous abrasive resist- ance. As soon as the outer layer is worn away the successive layers

become less wear resisting.

Hollow-ware dies.—This investigation has shown that within rea- sonable limits both " core " and " die " length have a more marked

effect on power consumption than taper without a proportional

improvement in the column structure. Hollow-ware dies that are

too short produce columns with serious defects. Taper affects the

column structure more than it does power consumption and rarely

should be less than 3° for both cores and die. Compressible lubricants such as steam and air are far more effi- cient, easier to control, and less liable to damage the product than

liquids, such as water and oil. Properties of architectural terra cotta.—In cooperation with the

National Terra Cotta Society, about 190 buildings containing terra

cotta were inspected to determine the serviceability of this ware. Laboratory research is being conducted to improve the structure of

this material and to develop better methods of manufacture and

setting.

Ceramic bodies (except mixtures containing blast-furnace slag),

with high-moisture absorptions, developed considerable expansion.

Bodies with low absorptions composed of pure clay and feldspar

developed practically no moisture expansion, while those composed

of clay, feldspar, and more than 20 per cent silica developed considerable moisture expansion. By adding magnesite the resistance

of a ceramic body to moisture expansion was improved. Additions

of whiting, iron oxide, and titanium oxide were not as beneficial as magnesite.

It was found that crazing caused by moisture expansion of bodies can usually be prevented by proper manufacturing control. Columbus laboratory.—As the result of experimental work on 118

glazes and glasses, it is now possible to approximate by calculation

values of tensile strength, Young's modulus of elasticity, and mean

linear coefficient of expansion of a glaze in the temperature range

from 25° C. to the lower limit of the critical range. The investigation of English and domestic china clays and kaolins is nearing

completion. The separation and study of collodial material has

been applied to the investigation of representative alluvial and glacial

clays, the data indicating that slaking time, tempering water, drying

shrinkage, and " green " modulus of rupture tend to increase with

increase in the quantity of colloidal matter. A new method has

been developed for studying the relative resistance of refractories

to slag attack in boiler settings.
26 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

STANDAKDIZING MECHANICAL APPLIANCES ($29,300)

Testing of engineering instruments.—The number of calibrations

of water-current meters and other engineering instruments now ex- ceeds 1,000 per year. Experimental work was done in cooperation

with the United States Geological Survey in the development of new standard suspension arrangements for water-current meters. Investigation of propeller fans.—In cooperation with a manufacturer the performance of 2-blade propeller fans has been meas- ured for a wide range of pitch-diameter ratios and the results of the

measurements prepared for publication in the Journal of Research.

Fire-extinguishing appliances.—The testing and investigation of

fire-extinguishing appliances, principally for the Steamboat Inspection Service, has been further extended to include additional

devices and new types of equipment. The volume of this work

has more than doubled in the past year. Elevator safety interlocks.—Additional commercial interlocking

devices have been tested, and the data made available to certain

regulatory bodies, as, for example, the Federal Government, certain

State governments, and casualty insurance companies. These performance tests have recently been adopted, substantially in the form

originally developed, as a part of the American Standard Code for

Elevators.

Automatic postal machines.—Cooperation has continued with the

Post Office Department in the technical study and testing of auto- matic postage-vending and postage-metering machines from the

standpoint of mechanical design, accuracy, and reliability for use by the Government.

Numbering machines.—Numbering machines of the lever type have

been tested for compliance with Federal specifications. Performance

specifications are being developed for numbering machines of other

types.

Thermostatic radiator traps.—The new Government construction

program requires a great many thermostatic radiator return line

traps, and an unusually large number of tests of these traps have

been made during the year. INVESTIGATION OF OPTICAL GLASS ($27,300)

Production of optical glass.—Thirty-one pots embracing six different kinds of optical glass were made in attempts to improve

melting procedures and to obtain consistently satisfactory quantities

of good glass.

Blanks numbering 12,552 and weighing approximately 2,670

pounds were molded and annealed, the majority being used by the

Navy Department.

Viscosity of glass.-—Four hundred and six viscosity determinations have been made on five kinds of optical glass. The most

probable values, as shown by graphical analyses of data, are as follows

:
BUKEA.tr OF STANDARDS 27

Viscosity (poises) at—

Kind of glass 1,000° C. 1,100° C. 1,200° C. 1,300° C. 1,400° C. Barium flint Light barium crown.

Borosilicate crown.. Medium flint Dense flint

8,510

6, 840

3, 390

2, 140

2, 100

1,514 858

667 672

490

403

234

221 253

190

14994

120

110

93

7460

10050

54

Physical properties of glass as affected by thermal treatment

(including annealing)

.

—Tentative values for the increases in refractivity and density of dense barium crown glass have been found to be respectively 0.000057 and 0.00044 per degree centigrade decrease

in the effective annealing temperature. This temperature is determined by the character of the annealing and is essentially that

temperature at which the glass is in physiochemical equilibrium;

that is, continued annealing at this temperature causes the glass to show no further increase or decrease in either density or refractivity.

Gases dissolved in glass.—More satisfactory methods have been

developed for determining the gases in glass which can be removed

at high temperature by evacuation. Since these gases probably

have appreciable effects on the properties of the glass and may be the

undetermined cause of serious difficulty in the working, the development is of considerable importance.

Relations between chemical composition, density, and index of

refraction of glasses.—Data obtained from the index of refraction,

density, and composition of 40 glasses of the soda-lime-silica series lead to the conclusion that the index of refraction (N) and density

(D) of these glasses can be computed from the following:

N=a+b+c

D = a' + b' + c' a = 0.042712 (^) - 79487 - 0.2

6 = 0.0153 5-0.00837

c = 0.017219 (7-0.00103

a' = 0.07977 A (86.5 -A)°-42107 + 2.203 A

b

f = 2.0150 CB-0.5) 1 - 065

in which A, B, and O are the percentages of silica, soda, and lime

in the glass.

The composition of any glass of this series can be determined from

its index of refraction and density.

Weathering of sheet glass in storage.—A study of this problem

has been undertaken to determine, if possible, the conditions neces- sary to prevent the fogging or surface deterioration of window glass

during storage and the consequent loss to manufacturers of many

thousands of dollars annually.

Silk weighting.—In cooperation with the Silk Association of

America, National Eetail Dry Goods Association, National Better

Business Bureau, the American Home Economics Association, and

c' = 0.03415 (7 d - 0.04743

INVESTIGATION OF TEXTILES, ETC. ($53,900)
28 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

other national bodies, technical studies have been made on the effect of tin weighting on the properties of silk. It was found that not

only the amount of weighting, but also the method of applying it, the construction of the fabric, and other factors have an important

influence on serviceability. The effect of diffuse light on weighted

silks was studied. A standard method for determining the amount

of weighting on silk was developed.

Cotton fabric for parachutes.—In cooperation with the Xational

Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, improvements were made in cotton fabric for parachutes, which increase the resistance to tear. At the present time, at least two commercial firms are producing

fabric suitable for parachutes.

Coarse fabrics (bagging, etc.).—In studying the requirements of

specific uses in the coarse-fabric field, a systematic study of the

relationship between the properties and the twist, yarn number, and

construction was made. This investigation required the making of

320 fabrics in the bureau's cotton mill.

Textile test methods.—A simple method has been devised for

specifying the slipperiness or smoothness of a fabric by measure- ment of the coefficient of friction between two pieces of the material.

A " flexometer " for measuring the energy required to fold the

fabric and the energy which is recovered when the sample is al- lowed to unfold has been built. This gives data on the tendency to wrinkle. It is believed that the flexometer can also be applied to the evaluation of draping quality. An apparatus for rapidly measuring the thermal transmission of fabrics has been built. Permanence of papers.—The testing of representative current commercial writing and printing papers in reference to their probable stability has been practically completed. Progress was made

in the preparation of similar types of papers in the bureau's paper

mill. These papers will have a definitely known history, and the

chemicals and mechanical processes used in their preparation are being varied to measure their effect on paper stability. With a fund granted by the Carnegie Foundation, extensive surveys of

library storage conditions and a study of their effects on papers are being made. The information so far gained shows that the degree

of purity of papers and their strength are the important factors

in their permanence.

Government papers.—Additional information was published on

the currency-paper study. Various treatments for protection of the

paper money against surface wear, which is now the main limiting

factor in its life, were investigated. In the cooperative investigation with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on postage stamps,

the type of paper used was found to be the most important factor

affecting adhesion of stamps. Through experimental studies, a

thinner and more flexible paper was developed. Since the adoption of this type of paper, complaints respecting nonadherence of

stamps have decreased to a satisfactory minimum.

Paper testing methods.—A report was published on the burstingstrength test, including a discussion of the alleged variables in this

test, and precautions were suggested for minimizing the effect of

the more significant variables. An additional publication on the

standard type of folding tester was issued. Progress was made in
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 29

obtaining information on the application of hygrometry to the special conditions of laboratory testing. The cooperative work with

the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry on the

development of official association paper-testing methods resulted

in the completion of a method for unimpregnated roofing felt, and

revision of the methods for paraffin, starch, and fiber composition.

Miscellaneous.—Additional work under this fund has included an

investigation of substitutes for chromium in dyes (for the War Department) , the development of a white stainless mineral oil for knitting machines, studies of several new materials, including New

Zealand flax, for paper making, and the establishment of standards

of quality for several paper products.

SUGAR STANDARDIZATION ($75,000)

The structure of the sugars.—In the bureau's study of the molecular structure of sugar a number of new compounds and methods have

been found, among which were (1) a method for separating methyl

glycosides which yielded two crystalline methyl gulosides, and (2) a method for deacetylation by means of a small quantity of barium

methylate which gave monoacetylglucosido-mannose, a representative of a new type of sugar derivatives. The general problem of a possible relation between optical rotation and atomic dimension was

attacked, and what is known as the fluorating process for sugars was

studied. Four new crystalline compounds of levulose were prepared.

Crystaliographic studies of the sugars.—The identification of crystals and the determination of their crystallographic properties has

become an indispensable aid to the advancement of knowledge in the* carbohydrate field. The bureau's facilities for this work have been

extended, including microphotographic work and the actual growing of perfect crystals under controlled conditions. A study of crystalline turanose, a little-understood rare sugar, has been completed.

Standardization of sugar products.—The problem of suitable specifications and standards for commercial sugars has long been one of

the outstanding problems in the sugar industry. Numerous representative samples of white granulated sucrose were carefully studied

by means of spectrophotometry analysis, and existing knowledge of

the small but all-important amount of color remaining in these so- called white products was materially extended thereby. It is ex- pected that these data will be of assistance in the classification of

commercial sugars according to color. An important by-product of

this work was the simplification and improvement of some methods

used in sugar colorimetry.

Hard refined levulose production.—Portions of the bureau's plant

for the semicommercial production of levulose were placed in operation and studies made of the functioning of various steps in the

process. Several new pieces of equipment were developed. Constant improvement has been made in a system of analyses of levulose

products, and the densities, rotatory powers, and refractive indices

of pure levulose solutions have been determined. Two new crystalline difructose anhydrides have been discovered. Approximately 50

tons of artichokes were extracted and the juice concentrafed to furnish a continuous supply of material for factory experimentation.
30 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Miscellaneous.—In addition to the items described above, progress

has been made on the following investigations: The rotation and

rotation dispersion of rare sugars for certain wave lengths of light;

spectrophotometry measurement of the color of soft sugar ; preparation of pure sugars; a standard sugar color, its absorption spectrum,

luminosity, and classification ; an optical method for the identification

of various sugars ; the lime precipitation of levulose and its crystallization from aqueous solution; preparation of ribose; identification

and properties of unknown constituents of hydrolyzed inulin; the

polysaccharides of the Jerusalem-artichoke and similar plants; investigation of the relation of optical rotation to atomic dimension ; and

the application of the fluorating process to sugars. GAGE STANDARDIZATION ($40,000)

Certification of master gages.—The measurement and certification

of the accuracy of the dimensions of master gages has constituted a large part of the work, and, as in other recent years, the master gages

of the American Petroleum Institute have constituted an important

item. The measurement of the grand and regional masters of

American Petroleum Institute rotary tool joint gages has been

practically completed. The principal manufacturers of sucker rods

are now supplied with approved gages. Increased tolerances (not,

however, inconsistent with approved gaging practice) are now being

used on these gages. Master gages were also submitted by many

automobile manufacturers, and there was a 70 per cent increase in the

number of precision gage blocks tested. New equipment.—A comparator for long gage blocks and end

standards up to 60 inches in length and a lead-testing device were

designed and constructed in the bureau's shop. An improved leadtesting device for large thread plugs and rings was made, and a device for measuring angular displacements or spacing, to an accuracy

of about 5 minutes of arc, was purchased.

Method of gaging fish nets.—At the request of the Bureau of Fisheries an investigation has been started of methods of gaging the mesh

of gill netting. Preliminary results show that " as fished " condition

rather than the factory condition should apply when making

measurements.

Interchangeable ground-glass joints.—Nine sizes of joints have

been adopted as commercial standards for chemical glass apparatus.

All have a taper of 1 in 10 on diameter. Steps have been taken to secure gages of the required accuracy for use as masters. INVESTIGATION OF MINE SCALES AND CARS ($13,400) Tests of mine scales.—The mine-scale testing equipment was

operated in the eastern coal fields. Tests were made of 185 scales used for weighing coal or clay at the mine. Sixty-three scales, or

34.1 per cent, were within the tolerance, while 122, or 65.9 per cent, were found to be incorrect. Installation practices and operating

conditions at mines are not favorable to maintenance of weighing

machinery within current tolerances.
BUKEAU OF STANDARDS 31

Protective coatings for heavy weights.—Research was begun on

adequate corrosion protective coatings for industrial test weights of

large denomination. The condition of a great number of weights

treated with a variety of recommended protective coatings and subjected to practical conditions of use will be recorded from time to time.

METALLURGICAL RESEARCH ($51,000)

Heat-treated bridge wire.—The strength necessary in wire for the

cables of suspension bridges may be developed by cold working or by heat treatment. Wire of the former class is, however, used exclusively for this purpose, since attempts to use heat-treated wire

have been unsuccessful. Various tests, including thermomagnetic

analyses, endurance, and other mechanical tests have been made on

rejected heat-treated wire. The work will be continued with special

attention to the effect of surface conditions arising in the zinccoating operation upon the stability of the wire under various conditions of stress. High-speed tool steel and the machineability of steel.—-A report

has been issued on the characteristic behavior of tools of high-speed

steel containing various addition elements, of which cobalt is the

only one which appears to be beneficial in its effect. A report was

also published on the method for studying the behavior of tools

when used for finishing cuts. A similar report on the behavior of

sintered tungsten carbide lathe-cutting tools has been published.

Rail steel.—The tensile properties of rail steel at temperatures

ranging from normal room temperature to one somewhat below the

rolling temperature of the rails have been studied, and the probable

relationship determined between the low ductility observed at the

elevated temperature—" secondary brittleness "—and the development of transverse fissures in the rails later in service. Further work is in progress on rail steel of various compositions

and heat treatment in the endeavor to establish the cause of the

phenomenon of " secondary brittleness."

Fusible boiler plugs.—Changes have been recommended in the

specifications for fusible-tin boiler plugs, one, which has received

the approval of the Steamboat Inspection Service, being that maximum impurities in the tin filling of 0.7 per cent will be allowed

instead of 0.3 per cent as heretofore.

Properties and new uses for bismuth.—In cooperation with one of

the large producers a study has been made of bismuth and some of

its alloys. This little-used metal possesses some interesting properties which should make it of value industrially.

Foundry materials and methods.—Cooperation with the Steel

Castings Research Bureau in the study of steel castings has been

continued. The problem of " liquid shrinkage " of cast metals (in

cooperation with the American Foundrymen's Association) has in- cluded a study of methods for determining the volume changes

undergone by metals cooling from the liquid state to room temperature. Data obtained permit construction of the complete specific

volume-temperature curve from room temperature to a temperature

considerably above the melting point of the metal. These tests are being applied in a practical manner to a variety of cast irons.
32 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

The test for determining the ability of molten metal to fill a mold

completely has been modified and greatly improved.

Metals of the platinum group.—The study of the refractories for use in melting metals of the platinum group has been completed,

while that on the properties and mechanical working of the rhodiumplatinum alloys is nearly finished.

Additional research projects.—In addition to the items already

mentioned some progress has been made on a revision of specifications for copper-base casting alloys, on a study of the effect of

impurities on bearing bronzes, on exposure tests of art bronzes, en- durance tests of metals, test methods for foundry sands, accelerated

corrosion testing, corrosion of locomotive boilers, and a study of the

crystal structure of metals.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE INVESTIGATION ($10,200)

Freezing point of platinum.—The freezing point of pure platinum was found to be 1,773° C. on the international temperature scale. It

is estimated that the result is not in error by more than 2° C. Freezing point of bismuth.—The freezing point of bismuth of

very high purity was determined with a platinum resistance thermometer as 271.3° C. on the international temperature scale. Ther7iio electric properties of metals and alloys.—The electromotive force against platinum of a series of platinum-rhodium alloys

with rhodium content from 1 to 100 per cent was determined last year from 0° to 1,200° C. This year the investigation has been

extended to include a series with rhodium from 0.001 to 1 per cent. The electromotive force against platinum of nickel of very high

purity and of spectroscopically pure zinc and cadmium was determined from 0° C. up to the melting points of these metals.

Investigation of pyrometer protection tubes.—The rate of passage

of air through the walls of pyrometer protection tubes at a series of

temperatures up to 1,300° C. was determined for 51 primary tubes

of 14 different types and 17 secondary (metal) tubes of 8 different

types, representing practically every type of pyrometer tube used

in this country.

The investigation showed that, in general, if a tube was gas-tight

at room temperature, it was practically gas-tight up to the maximum

temperature at which the tubes were tested. Miscellaneous.—Other investigations under way include : Determinations of freezing points of several metals, correlation of high

temperature tests of dental gold alloys, effect of high temperature on mica and special refractories, and methods for making ceramic

shapes for laboratory use. SOUND INVESTIGATION ($11,260)

Acoustic properties of building materials.—An improvement in

method has been effected by which sound-absorption measurements

are taken by means of instruments, eliminating the variable human

ear as a factor. The study of soundproof walls for airplane cabins

has been continued, and some 20 combinations have been tested. These have not given better results than those tested last year and

described in the bureau's Journal of Research for May, 1929.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 33

Ultrasonic waves.—Experiments have been conducted on the

speed of ultrasonic waves in certain liquids. By means of measure- ments of this character it is possible to determine the adiabatic compressibility of a liquid and of a solid suspended in a liquid in which

it does not dissolve.

INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ($204,000)

Storage-battery construction and operation.—Attention has been

devoted to the use of lead oxides whose physical and chemical

properties have been the subject of previous study. Experimental

work has been done on pasting formulas, pickling, and formation

of storage-battery plates. Batteries have been assembled from these

plates and tested for electrical characteristics. Equipment for the

automatic control of such tests, by which it is hoped to increase the

output but decrease the labor of making the tests, has been designed.

Insulating liquids.—Four insulating liquids of high purity have

been prepared, namely, pentane. hexane, heptane, and octane. Apparatus for measuring the conductivity of liquids after distilla- tion in a vacuum has been assembled and tested. Landing altimeter.—Altimeters of the aneroid type were tested for

drift, seasoning, secular error, and temperature errors with special

reference to their use during the landing of aircraft. Flight tests were also made. When using sensitive altimeters of the best quality

now available and applying such of the instrumental corrections as are determinate, a residual uncertainty equivalent to about 40 feet in altitude was found to exist. Wind pressure on structures.—Additional measurements of wind

pressure have been made on the power-plant stack, and a paper has

been prepared giving all the information available on the wind

pressure on circular cylinders and chimneys.

Measurements of the distribution of wind pressure over a model

of one type of factory building at several angles to the wind have

been completed in the 10-foot wind tunnel. The wind force on a model of a wooden oil derrick has been measured.

Orifice-meter investigations.—In cooperation with the American

Gas Association further experiments have been made on natural

gas at high pressures and on the effects of pipe size. The Chicago

tests of large gas meters with air have been analyzed and a report on them is in preparation.

Heats of combustion of hydrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide.—With a new and improved type of calorimeter the heats of

combustion of the above gases have been measured with a high

degree of precision. Preliminary values to which certain small

corrections have yet to be applied are as follows

:

International joules per mol 30° C. Formation of H2 Combustion of CO

Combustion of cm

Best value 285, 610

18 -0. 02 -.05

-.05

282,900

0.03

889, 600

5 0.03

.07 +.75

Average deviation _ __ . . percent . Maximum deviation . . .do

Difference from previously accepted values do
34 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Properties of steam.—Values have been obtained for the heat

content of saturated water from 0° to 270° C, and for latent heat

of vaporization and heat content of saturated steam from 100° to 270° C.

Gas analysis.—Several improvements in apparatus for volumetric

gas analysis have been developed, including a method of controlling

the flow of mercury into the burette, a pipette in which the gas is forced through a perforated platinum plate into the absorbing re- agent in the form of very fine bubbles, a compensator with the

manometer inclosed to reduce fragility, and improved means for

cleaning the contact and opening the compensator to air, a new

method of lighting the meniscus to permit greater accuracy in

reading volumes, and several details of mounting.

Thermal conductivity of insulating materials at ordinary tern- peratures.—An important feature of this work is the demonstration

that the arrangement of fibers has a very large effect on the insulating value of a mass of packed fibers. Work in cooperation with the American Society for Testing Materials showed that samples of rubber-graphite compositions are

suitable standards for the comparative measurement of the thermal

conductivity of electrical insulating materials.

In cooperation with the Celotex Co. the temperature coefficients of conductivity, through the range —30° C. to +80° C, of a number of typical*insulating and building materials were determined.

Theory of heat conduction.—A note on the theory of heat conduction, published in the Journal of Research, outlines a method

whereby the solution of many problems of steady heat flow with

variable conductivity can be obtained directly from the solutions

of the same problems with constant conductivity.

Heat transfer through building walls.—Heat transfer through a number of types of walls used for dwelling houses and other small

buildings has been measured. The thermal resistances of the vari- ous components of completed walls have been determined, so that

the insulating value of any particular combination can be calculated. Properties of petroleum products.—In cooperation with the

American Petroleum Institute, measurements have been made of

the compressibility and thermal expansion of 14 petroleum oils at pressures 1 to 50 atmospheres and temperatures 0° to 300° C. Practical working tables have been prepared whereby the change in

volume of an oil with temperature and pressure may be determined

readily with a knowledge of specific gravity and viscosity at standard temperatures.

Oiliness of lubricating oils.—Experiments on the Herschel oili- ness machine have confirmed the existence of a finite speed at which

there occurs a maximum coefficient of friction. Further studies

with this machine have shown an average reduction of 20 per cent

in the friction of mineral lubricating oils due to the addition of 2 per

cent of fatty acid.

Engine tests^ of lubricating oils.—Refinements in the methods used

for standardizing tests on lubricating oils were made for the Quartermaster Corps of the Army. Engine-operating conditions are auto- matically recorded throughout the test periods.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 35

Journal-bearing performance.—In cooperation with the American

Society of Mechanical Engineers, the effect of the length of the

bearing and closeness of fit on friction losses has been determined

for a series of 21 different sets of journal bearings.

Cutting fluids.—Scientific analysis of 12,000 returns from 68 of the

largest users of cutting fluids showing current machine-shop practice

has been completed and reported to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, as a step in a cooperative program for improving

the efficiency of metal-cutting operations.

Wear-resistant alloys.—The behavior of identical materials when

subjected to " wear n in a variety of ways has been studied to establish reliable test methods for determining relative wear resistance

of metals. The results emphasize the importance of fitting the test- ing procedure to the conditions of wear in service. Heat-resisting alloys.—Cooperative work has continued with the

American Society for Testing Materials and American Society of

Mechanical Engineers in correlating test results obtained by workers in a number of different laboratories on identical metallurgical

products. Eesults of long-time tension tests of metals at high temperatures have been coordinated with similar short-time tests. Data

on the suitability of various materials for the construction of apparatus for high-temperature service were published.

/Solubility of gases in metals.—The equilibrium relations existing

between carbon and oxygen in liquid iron at 1,550° to 1,600° C. and

the relation between the carbon and oxygen content of the liquid

iron and the composition of an overlying gaseous mixture of CO

and C02 at a total pressure of 1 atmosphere have been studied using

the vacuum-fusion and the " residue " methods of analyses developed

by the bureau.

Quenching media for steel.—Sodium silicate—"water glass"—has

been used to quench steel. The results indicate that it is a useful

quenching medium with a " cooling velocity " intermediate between

water and oil. Abrasion tests for rubber.—Standard abrasion-test methods for

rubber have been established involving the development of a standard and easily reproducible comparison compound. In order to check the uniformity of the different lots of standard compound an

abrasive track sufficient for several thousand tests without appreciable change has been installed. By maintaining standard test samples at all times for comparison it should be possible to include an abrasion test in several of the Federal specifications where such

a test is much needed.

Antioxidants in rubber compounds.—A series of aging tests has

been made on rubber compounds containing commercial antioxidants.

The results show that under practically every condition to which

rubber compounds are ordinarily subjected, these materials retard

deterioration, although under some of these conditions the effect

is much more pronounced than in others. Effect of humidity and temperature on the properties of rubber

compounds.—In cooperation with the American Chemical Society, an

Outline of Standard Laboratory Procedure for the Preparation and

Physical Testing of Rubber Samples has been published.
36 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Acid in leather.—The investigation of the effects of sulphuric acid on vegetable-tanned leather shows that leather tanned with one of

the catechol tanning materials possesses a high degree of resistance to deterioration by acid, while leather tanned with a pyragallol

tanning material shows a low resistance. The influence of the degree

of tannage on the deterioration by acid has been studied: and.

although the high degree of tannage leathers deteriorate more rapidly

the influence of this factor is not as great as the type of tanning

material. The rate of deterioration rapidly increases with relative

humidities above 80 per cent. Grease content influences deterioration but little even for leathers containing from 10 to 20 per cent of cod oil and tallow. It has been shown that certain leathers take

up sulphur groups from polluted atmospheres in sufficient quantities to cause deterioration, thus demonstrating the need for means of

preserving leather which was originally satisfactorily made. A

laboratory test to determine the hydrolysis of leathers when digested

with acid has been devised and the results obtained follow very

closely the trends shown in the actual aging tests. Sole leather.—Chrome leather which has been retanned with vegetable tanning materials will wear from 25 to 75 per cent longer than

ordinary vegetable-tanned leather, depending upon the extent of

the retannage. Those heavily retanned so as to resemble more nearly

vegetable-tanned leather showed the least increase in comparative

wear. Further work has been started to determine whether the

added durability of heavily retanned leathers may not be obtained more economically by using curried or flexible vegetable leathers. Specifications and properties of leather.—It has been found that

in the case of split leathers the grain portion possesses very little strength since the strength-giving fibers lie in the flesh portion.

The failure of many leathers in service is attributed to excessive

splitting off of these strength-giving fibers and emphasizes the

need of careful attention to splitting on the part of the tanner and

shoe manufacturer.

Properties of electrical insulating materials.—It has been found

that the electrical properties of rubber slowly change with time when

there is a sudden change in temperature or pressure. Heterogeneity of pyrex glass.—Refractive index measurements on

various prisms cut from a pyrex glass disk show that a striated nonoptical glass may be very uniform in its average optical density and

indicate that such optical measurements may be made with high

precision and thus be used to supplement or replace mass-density

determinations which have been used almost exclusively when investigating variations in the properties of commercial glasses.

New instrument for testing photographic lenses.—Good progress

has been made on the design and construction of a new lens-testing

apparatus which, by a series of exposures on a single plate, will give

complete information regarding the performance of a photographic

lens. This is very important in connection with airplane mapping.

Resolving power and sensitivity of motion-picture film.—Representative developer formulas of the types recently coming into use

for reduction of " graininess " of motion-picture films were investigated for their value in spectrography and other scientific uses demanding the optimum combination of resolving power and sensitivity.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 37

It was found that resolving power is not susceptible to any considerable improvement by development methods.

Spectral sensitization of photographic materials.—The spectral

sensitization produced by bathing photographic plates with mixtures

of two important dyes used for this purpose, pinacyanol and pinaflavol, was investigated. Conditions causing coagulation of the dye

bath and changes in relative and absolute effectiveness of the two

were determined.

Specific gravity balance.—The development of the improved specific-gravity balance was completed. The new equipment was given

a trial in field use, and has been adopted as the official standard by

the Natural Gasoline Association of America.

The phase equilibrium diagram for the system Cr2 3-Si02 . —The

diagram has been determined and is characterized by complete nonmiscibility of the two components in the liquid state. The melting

point of Cr2 3 has been determined in an oxidizing atmosphere and

found to be 2,140° C, a value materially higher than any previously

reported.

Spectrochemical analysis.—Besides numerous spectroscopic tests of metals, alloys, precipitates, etc., researches on the structures of

certain spectra have given information as to the lines which may be

expected to be most sensitive for this purpose. New descriptions of

the spectra of lutecium have made an analysis of their structures

possible. This is the first of the 14 rare-earth elements to succumb

to this method of analysis.

Atomic structure investigations.—Studies of the photo-electric

effect in metal vapors, particularly csesium vapor, have shown that

the sensitivity extends far beyond the range predicted by theory.

The mechanism of this anomalous sensitivity is found to involve a photochemical reaction between the atoms which are excited by

absorption of light and other atoms, and the constants of these

reactions have been studied.

Identifications.—Increased attention has been given to the identification of questioned documents, bullets, and firearms which have

been or are to be submitted in evidence in cases in which the United

States Government is a party at interest. The testimony of the

bureau's experts has been directly responsible for saving the Government very large sums of money.

Thermal resistance of nickel-chromium-iron alloys.—Most of the

alloys investigated have been found resistant to heat up to 1,000° C.

Thermal expansion of carboloy.—Data on the thermal expansion

of carboloy, a tungsten carbide containing cobalt, have been obtained at various temperatures between 20 and 400° C.

Additional projects.—Progress has also been made on the following investigations : Regularities in spectra, development of a stereo- scopic thread gage, refractive changes produced by heat treatment

of glass, recombination of ions and electrons, vapor pressure of car- bon dioxide, specific volume of carbon dioxide, expansion and compressibility of crude oils saturated with methane, spontaneous generation of heat in materials, measurement of thermal conductivity

of metals at high temperatures, specific heats of organic materials

at low temperatures, standard methods for testing brake linings,

antifreezing liquids for automobile radiators, consistency of plastic
38 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

materials, standardization of hardness of grease, fluidity of oils at low temperatures, load-carrying capacity of journal bearings, ef- ficiency of gears, combustion of carbon monoxide, heat capacities

of aqueous solutions, factors involved in silver plating, microscopy

of organic compounds for identification purposes, development of

thermal expansion apparatus, and precision screw cutting and rul- ing machine.

Research associates.—Table 2 gives the names of associations and

manufacturers cooperating with the bureau under the research associate plan, together with the number of associates and the problems on which they are engaged.

Table 2.Research associates at the Bureau of Standards

Assigned by- Num

ber Specific project

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, W. E. Hadley, secretary, care of Clark Thread Co., Newark, N. J. American Chemical Society, rubber section, Mills Building, Washington, D. C. American Dental Association, 58 East Washington Street, Chicago, 111. American Electric Railway Association, R. H. Dalgleish, president, Capital Traction Co., Washington, D. C

American Face Brick Association, 130 North Wells Street, Chicago, 111. American Foundrymen's Association, Cleveland, Ohio.. American Gas Association, 342 Madison Avenue, New

York, N. Y. American Institute of Steel Construction, New York, N.Y

American Petroleum Institute, 250 Park Avenue, New

York, N. Y. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 29 West

Thirty-ninth Street, New York, N. Y. American Society for Testing Materials, 1315 Spruce

Street, Philadelphia, Pa. American Standards Association, 29 West Thirty-ninth

Street, New York, N. Y.

Asphalt Shingle and Roofing Institute, 2 West Fortyfifth Street, New York, N. Y.

Associated Knit Underwear Manufacturers of America

(Inc.), 329 Main Street, Utica, N. Y.

Atlas Lumnite Cement Co., 25 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Brown Co., Berlin, N. H

Bunting Brass & Bronze Co., 715-755 Spencer Street, Toledo, Ohio. Bureau of Efficiency, Washington, D. C.

Cast Iron Pipe Research Association, 566 Peoples Gas

Building, Chicago, 111. Celotex Co., 645 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, 111 Cerro de Pasco Copper Corporation, 44 Wall Street, New

York, N. Y. Committee on Glass, E. C. Sullivan, chairman, Corning

Glass Works, Corning, N. Y. Common Brick Manufacturers of America, 2121 Guarantee

Title Building, Cleveland, Ohio. Copper and Brass Research Association, 25 Broadway, New York, N. Y.

Cooper, Hugh L., Co. (Inc.), 101 Park Avenue, New York, N. Y. Cotton Textile Institute (Inc.), 320 Broadway, New York, N. Y.

Dardelet Thread Lock Corporation, 120 Broadway, New

York, N. Y. Indiana Limestone Association, Bedford, Ind.

International Association of Electrotypers, Dan A. Hoynes, 1760 East Twenty-second Street, Cleveland,

Ohio. Marine Underwriters' Committee, 82 Beaver Street, New

York, N. Y.

Assisting in study of methods for test- ing fastness to light of dyed fabrics. Physical testing of rubber. Study of dental materials. Lubrication of journal bearings. Face brick absorption and transverse compression; efflorescence. Liquid shrinkage in metals. Research on gas; corrosion of pipe lines. Fire tests on battle deck floor construction. Properties of petroleum products. Steam-table research and high-temperature measurements.

Research in cement; testing. Development of instruments and

methods for testing elevator-safety equipment.

Relative values of different fibers used

in roofing felts. Standardization and simplification of underwear sizes; methods of manufacture. Research in cement; testing, etc. Permanency of paper. Testing of bronze. Routine testing of paper. Investigation of causes of soil corrosion. Heat transfer of building-insulating

materials. Development of new uses for metallic bismuth.

Physical properties of glass. Moisture transmission of brick walls. Corrosion of copper roofing materials. Use of clays in concrete mixtures. Study of specific uses for cotton materials. Locking devices for screw threads. Study of physical properties of Bedford limestone. Plating of electrotypes.

Investigation of spontaneous ignition

of jute fibers, etc.
BUEEAU OF STANDARDS 39

Table 2.Research associates at the Bureau of Standards—Continued

Assigned by—

Midvale Co., Philadelphia, Pa

National Association of Glue Manufacturers, J. R. Powell,

secretary, care of Armour Glue Works, 1355 West Thirtyfirst Street, Chicago, 111. National Association of Hosiery and Underwear Manufacturers, 334 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y.

National Lead Co., 105 York Street, Brooklyn, N. Y

National Research Council, Washington, D. C

National Terra Cotta Society, 19 West Forty-fourth

Street, New York, N. Y. Non-Ferrous Ingot Metal Institute, 308 West Washington

Street, Chicago, HI. Portland Cement Association, 111 West Washington,

Street, Chicago, 111. Society of Automotive Engineers, 29 West Thirty-ninth

Street, New York, N. Y.

E. R. Squibb & Sons Co., New Brunswick, N. J

Steel & Tubes (Inc.), 224 East One Hundred Thirty-first

Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

Number

Specific project

Properties of metals at high temperatures. Use of glue in paper sizing. Study of methods of manufacture of

hosiery and knitted goods. Research in pigments.

Radio; insulating materials; deteriora- tion of paper; gumming of petroleum; mechanics, etc. Investigation of architectural terra

cotta. Nonferrous ingot metal research. Constitution and hardening of Port- land cement.

Cooperative fuel research. Investigation of antifreeze mixtures. Tension, compression, elongation, deformation, etc., tests of tubes. TESTING RAILROAD-TRACK AND OTHER SCALES ($48,900)

Calibration of test cars.—Fifty-five calibrations were made on 17

self-contained and 8 compartment-type track scale test weight cars at the master-scale depot at Clearing, 111. In 17 of the calibrations the

cars were found to be heavy and in 38 the cars were found to be

light. The average error of self-contained cars was 9.5 pounds and

that of compartment-type cars was 58.6 pounds.

Cooperation with industrial technical groups.—The bureau co- operated with the National Scale Men's Association, the National

Scale and Balance Manufacturers' Association, and the American

Railway Engineering Association in the development of specifications for railway-track scales and test-weight cars. Formal committee contact has been maintained with the American

Kailway Engineering Association on matters relating to railway

weighing machinery and methods of use. Master-scale tests.—Sixteen of the 19 master-track scales in the

United States were calibrated. One master scale at Heading, Pa., was retired and replaced with a new installation.

Railroad-track scales.—Eight hundred and fifty railroad-trackscale tests were conducted, an increase of about 15 per cent over the

preceding year and about 20 per cent over the fiscal year 1928. Of the scales tested 71.8 per cent were within the bureau's tolerance

of 0.20 per cent. The average weighing error for the scales tested was 0.21 per cent, or slightly more than the above-cited tolerance.

The figures are substantially the same as those for recent years. Scales owned by railroads generally exhibit better weighing performance under test than those owned by industry or commercial or- ganizations. The differences may be ascribed to the fact that the

railroads maintain special departments to keep their weighing equipment in proper order.

The comparative standing of the eastern, southern, and western

districts with regard to the proportion of correct scales is represented

by the respective values, 72.3, 64.4, and 79.3 per cent.
40 KEPOIiT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Track scales for weighing grain.—A separate analysis made of

test results for 41 track scales in grain-weighing service indicates

that on the basis of the 0.10 per cent tolerance, 21 scales, or 51.2 per

cent of the total, were correct. For the entire group, the average

weighing error was 0.14 per cent. Comparatively few track scales in

grain-weighing service even at terminal markets conform to the

type specified for this work, whereas in other lines, such as in the

" origin " weighing of coal at Great Lakes ports, nearly all scales are of approved-specification type. Out of 27 of such scales tested

85 per cent were correct within the regular tolerance of 0.20 per

(Cent. Test-car calibrations in field.—The weights of 24 track scale test cars were restandardized for railroads or industries which do not

have master-scale facilities. Track-scale census.—The railways of the country were circularized

to secure a revised census of railroad-track scales and the returns will

be used in revising the office records and in working up a new map

system. The returns indicate that the number of track scales now in use is roughly 25 per cent less than in 1925 when the last census was taken. There are now approximately 3,800 railroad-owned

scales and 5,200 industry-owned scales. . Cooperation with States in weights and measures matters.—Formal State conferences were attended in California, Illinois, Maine,

Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania; informal conferences were held with officials in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada,

New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania,

Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, travel in

these, cases being largely incident to attendance at formal meetings.

Preparation of a digest of weights and measures court decisions

has been continued, and a publication was issued describing equipments in use by officials for the testing of large-capacity scales. Cooperation with other Government departments.—Frequent consultations have been held with representatives of other Federal

departments on weighing or measuring problems and equipment, and

numerous weighing and measuring devices have been tested or .examined for these agencies, both in Washington and at Clearing.

STANDARDIZATION OF EQUIPMENT ($220,000)

General conferences on simplified practice.—Fifteen general conferences were held to adopt simplified-practice recommendations.

Simplified-practice recommendations covering 113 commodities have

been approved and adopted by the industries affected, while others

are in the process of acceptance. Printed recommendations have

been issued for 100 commodities.

Revision and reaffirmation conferences.—Thirty-nine conferences

of the standing committees took place to consider the desirability of

revising existing simplification programs. Thirty-four recommendations, or 85.3 per cent of the total number reviewed, were

reaffirmed, without change, for another year. This compares favorably with the figures for last year, during which 31, or 75.5 per cent,

of the 41 recommendations reviewed were reaffirmed.
BUEEAU OF STANDARDS 41

Adherence to simplified practice recommendations.—Surveys of

production, distribution, and use showed that the average adherence

to simplified practice recommendations covering 25 commodities was

86.7 per cent. In 1929, the percentage for 26 commodities averaged

85.43. Table 3.

Degree of adherence determined by actual survey

Commodity

Paving brick -. Bedsteads, springs, and mattresses Asphalt Milk bottles and milk-bottle caps. Bed blankets Hollow building tile Structural slate Roofing slate Blackboard slate Hospital beds

Roofing ternes Loaded paper shot shells Paint and varnish brushes

Sidewalk, floor, and roof lights

Degree

of ad- herence

Per cent 87.8

91

89.4

7990.5

89.5

63.7 94.5 95.6

91.3

10099.5

83.7

98.2

S. P. R. No. Commodity

Tinware, galvanized, and japanned ware

Metallic cartridges Metal spools Automobile brake lining Roller bearings Metal and fiber flash-light cases

1-piece porcelain insulators Ash handles. Hickory handles

Floor sweeps

Photographic paper Average

Degree

of ad- herence

Per

Variety surveys in progress.—Upon request, 34 preliminary conferences were organized for 32 different industries. In consequence,

surveys of existing overdiversification of product were instituted by

simplified-practice committees appointed by 16 of those industries.

Similar activity is contemplated by the other 16 groups.

Simplified practice and distribution.—Simplification of materialhandling equipment and containers in general has recentty received

attention. A field study of wrapping and packing methods and

supplies used in department stores is in progress. Upon request, the

bureau has surveyed 34 department stores, located in 17 cities throughout the United States. Directory of governmental laboratories.—As the result of a re- quest from the War Department, the chief coordinator arranged for

the preparation by the bureau of a classified list of all governmental

laboratories, facilities, etc., available for the testing of supplies and

materials for the purchasing officials of the various governments.

Encyclopedia of specifications.—Manuscript for the second volume

of the encyclopedia series, entitled " Standards and Specifications

for Nonmetallic Minerals and Their Products," was revised to bring

it down to date and will soon be published. This is a companion

volume to Standards and Specifications in the Wood-Using Industries, already published, and Standards and Specifications for Metals

and Metal Products, the manuscript of which is now in preparation.

Cooperation with public purchasers.—In its compilation of the

Encyclopedia and the Directory of Commodity Specifications, and

in collecting material for the Standards Yearbook, the bureau has

established contacts with more than 25,000 public purchasers.

Facilitating the use of specifications.—In order to facilitate the

use of Federal specifications and commercial standards by governmental purchasing agencies, there has been sent to these agencies names and addresses of more than 3,000 " willing-to-certify " manufacturers. The following commodities are now covered: Abrasives
42 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

and polishing materials ; brick, common ; brushes and brooms ; builders' hardware ; cement, Portland ; commercial standards ; dental and

surgical supplies ; electrical supplies ; fire extinguishers and liquids

;

floor coverings ; glass ; heat-insulating materials ; inks ; leather goods

;

lime and plaster ; liquid-measuring devices ; lumber, softwood ; packing and gaskets ; padlocks ; paints and paint materials ; paper ; pipe

and pipe fittings ; refractories ; ribbons, typewriter ; road and paving

materials; roofing, bituminous, and waterproofing; rope, wire;

safes, burglar-resisting; scales, railroad track; scales, weighing;

screws, wood; soaps and scouring compounds; tableware, silver- plated; textiles; and tubing, metallic.

Commercial standards.—Five general conferences were held, cov- ering the following subjects : Plain mohair-upholstery plush, redcedar closet linings, plate-glass mirrors, interchangeable groundglass joints, and feldspar.

A satisfactory majority of acceptances have been received to warrant the success of the following 16 projects : Diamond-core

drill fittings, plain and thread plug and ring gage blanks, builders'

hardware (nontemplate) , builders' template hardware, dress patterns, men's pajamas, foundry patterns of wood, standard screw

threads, special screw threads, standard weight malleable iron or

steel screwed unions, feldspar, interchangeable ground-glass joints,

domestic and industrial fuel oils, hickory golf shafts, wall paper, and

staple vitreous-china plumbing fixtures. The 12 following commercial standards have been issued in printed

form: Wrought-iron pipe nipples (CS6-29), standard weight malleable iron or steel screwed unions (CS7-29). builders' template hard- ware (CS9-29), brass pipe nipples (CS10-29), regain of mercerized

cotton yarns (CSll-29), domestic and industrial fuel oils (CS12-

29), dress patterns (CS13-30). men's pajamas (CS15-29). wall

paper (CS16-29), diamond-core drill fittings (CS1T-30), hickory

golf shafts (CS18-29), and foundry patterns of wood (CS19-30).

Safety codes.—In cooperation with a committee of national scope, a new edition of the Elevator Safety Code has been prepared.

Members of the staff have participated actively in the work of the

safety code correlating committee and in sectional committees pre- paring and revising safety codes for various industries. Revisions

of the factory-lighting code and the code for abrasive wheels were

completed by such committees. Work was continued on codes dealing

with walkway surfaces; conveyors and conveying machinery; cranes, derricks and hoists $ mechanical refrigeration; industrial sanitation;

mechanical power transmission; and traffic signs and signals.

Assistance was given various States in the preparation of local regulations. A survey of accidents in the homes of club women in North

Carolina was made as a preliminary to a movement in cooperation

with the General Federation of Women's Clubs to reduce accidents

in the home.

Heating radiators.—The original program of work on cast-iron

tubular-type radiators was completed. This included determinations

of effectiveness and heat dissipating ability of the various commercial

sizes of radiators of this type. The general conclusion was that the

size and style influenced the effectiveness, but not to any great extent. Apparatus was constructed with which to test radiators of

the fin-convective type.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 43

Algebraic computation of spherical aberration.—The investigation of algebraic methods for computing the aberrations of lenses

has been continued. For spherical aberration a new system of

formulas has been developed. These are in a form suitable for use with a computing machine.

Dry-cell standardization.—The qualification tests made primarily

in connection with Government purchases have been continued,

and have included samples from practically all1 makers of dry cells in this country. The mechanical equipment for controlling the

tests makes it possible to test a large number of batteries with a minimum amount of labor. Results of these tests have served as a

basis for a revision of the American Standard for dry cells and

also for a revision of the Federal specification.

Specifications for storage batteries.—Automotive storage batteries are now covered by a specification which was completed and ready

for transmission to the Federal Specifications Board at the close of

the year. Progress has been made in the preparation of a standard

specification for sulphuric acid and battery electrolyte.

STANDARD MATERIALS ($10,600)

During the year 7,592 samples were distributed, having a sales value

of $16,764, and approximately $73,073 worth of standard samples were added to the salable samples on hand. The standard samples include

ores, ceramic and metallurgical products, and pure chemicals, and

are used to check methods of chemical analysis that control the

manufacture and sale of metallurgical, ceramic, and agricultural

products ; to calibrate scientific instruments ; and to further research

in methods of analysis. A direct result of the use of the samples

is a saving of thousands of dollars a year through improved manufacturing operations and the avoidance of costly disputes based on

faulty analyses. The standard sample fund is unique in that the return to the United States Treasury in fees and accumulated stocks

of salable samples has always far exceeded the appropriation.

INVESTIGATION OF RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND X RAYS

($31,500)

Cosmic radiation.—Certain results of experiments using three

Geiger-Mueller tube counters placed vertically one above the other,

with a strong magnetic field introduced between the two lower

counters, are interpreted as indicating that cosmic radiation consists

of electrified particles with velocities corresponding to 10 9 volts

accelerating potential.

Development of X-ray standards.—A service for the precise cali- bration of X-ray dosage meters has been established, and a number of

instruments have been calibrated for cancer hospitals.

A portable secondary standard X-ray ionization equipment of

weight and volume about one-fifteenth that of the standard equipment has been developed for comparing the standards in this country and abroad—a condition heretofore impossible of attainment with

sufficient accuracy.
44 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Study of X-ray generators.—In cooperation with a number of

manufacturers an investigation of X-ray equipment, including that

in hospitals, is in progress. Measuring high direct -current potentials of X-ray generators.—Up

to the present, the spark gap has been used almost exclusively for

this purpose, with inadequate accuracy. An equipment of the volt- meter-multiplier type with an error of only two-hundredths of 1 per cent has been devised, constructed, and found entirely satis- factory for measuring the rippled voltage furnished by X-ray

generators.

Radium testing.—Eleven hundred and seventy-three preparations

of radium, totaling nearly 10,000 milligrams of the element, and

fixing a sale value of about $650,000 were tested ; also, 67 samples of

luminous material were measured for brightness.

Other investigations.—Progress has also been made on the following investigations: «-ray tracks in various gases; a possible relation

between the energy levels and the magnetization of an iron atom;

dosage measurement in X-ray therapy; the nature of the action of

the Geiger counter; quality determination of X rays; cathode-ray

dosimetry ; X rays from thin targets ; deflection of cathode beams by

thin metal foils; functioning of X-ray equipment; and study of

mechanism of electrical conduction of rarefied gases. UTILIZATION OF WASTE PRODUCTS FROM THE LAND ($52,700)

Utilization of cornstalks and wheat straw.—In the manufacture of

wall board from cornstalks, new types of machiner}7 have been tried

out in a successful effort to find the best-suited equipment for this

purpose. Wall board has been made having a thickness of onehalf inch and twice as strong as any insulating board on the market.

An insulating board 2 inches thick without lamination has been

made for use in refrigerators.

From a process developed at the bureau a material called " maizolith " has been produced from cornstalks, which has many characteristics of hard rubber or vulcanized fiber. The work on the manufacture of paper from straw pulp is being

continued in an effort to improve the quality of the paper produced.

Samples of pulp have been forwarded to Washington and made

into paper and the paper tested. New quarters have been established and new equipment is being installed for the continuation of

this work.

Manufacture of xylose.—In cooperation with the University of

Alabama, the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, and the Alabama Industrial Development Board, a semicommercial factory was success- fully operated at the plant of the Federal Phosphorus Co., AnnistonT Ala., for the manufacture of xylose from cottonseed-hull bran, and

other raw materials such as peanut shells and corncobs.

By a process developed in the laboratory in Washington, xylose was manufactured at the rate of 100 pounds per day. The crude

xylose was given a purification and recrystallization treatment which

rendered it 99.99 per cent pure.

Samples of xylose have been forwarded to individuals and con- cerns all over the world who are cooperating in the investigation of
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 45

its possible use in the dyeing and tanning industries, in foodstuffs,

in explosives, for manufacture of chemicals, of alcohol to be used as solvent for lacquer, etc. Miscellaneous.—A preliminary investigation of artichoke tops was

conducted and a very good grade of board was obtained therefrom.

The utilization of sugars from the waste products of corn was

studied as well as the separation of glycosides by means of calcium

chloride addition compounds.

INVESTIGATION OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINES ($26,500)

Automobile-engine acceleration.—From tests made in cooperation

with the American Petroleum Institute, the National Automobile

Chamber of Commerce, and the Society of Automotive Engineers

with the portable spark accelerometer on a number of representative

automobile engines at the laboratories of the companies manufacturing them, it was concluded that the effect on acceleration of fuel

volatility is qualitatively independent of engine design.

Antiknock characteristics of fuels.—To secure uniformity in ex- pressing antiknock value, the subcommittee on methods of measuring detonation, appointed by the cooperative fuel-research steering

committee with which the bureau -is cooperating, has recommended

that all laboratories be invited to express their present knock-rating

scales in terms of octane numbers. The octane number of a gasoline

is defined as the number of parts by volume of iso-octane that must

be added to 10 parts of normal heptane to produce a blend of

equivalent detonation characteristics.

The antiknock investigation is now the major problem of the

joint motor-fuel research supported cooperatively by the American

Petroleum Institute and the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce through the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Vapor lock in airplane fuel systems.—It has been found that for

gasoline which does not contain appreciable amounts of propane

the vapor-locking temperature is equal at sea level to the American

Society for Testing Materials 10 per cent point and decreases about

2° F. for each 1,000 feet altitude. The effect of weathering of the

gasoline on the vapor-locking tendency has also been studied. Data

on temperatures which exist in fuel lines during flight are being

secured through cooperation with the Army, the Navy, and the

National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

Gumming characteristics of gasoline.—Gum in gasolines may

cause objectionable deposits in the intake manifold and on the

intake valves. The bureau is making a study of the gumming characteristics of gasolines on behalf of the Army Air Corps. New

methods of test are being developed since the present procedure is not satisfactory.

Phenomena of combustion.—Upward of 3,000 photographic rec- ords of the progress of the gaseous explosive reaction as it occurs

at constant pressure in a soap bubble used as a bomb have been

reaction. The experimental data show that for a charge of given

analyzed pressure on the rate of the
46 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

proportions the linear rate of propagation of the reaction zone within

the explosive gases is constant and independent of pressure, and that

as a result the rate of molecular transformation is proportional to pressure. Combustio-n hi an engine cylinder.—Equipment for making ^troboscopic observations of flame movement and simultaneous measure- ments of pressure development in an engine cylinder has been used

to obtain diagrams showing the movement of the flame in all parts

of the combustion chamber and the variation of pressure during

burning. Such data correlate the more fundamental studies of the

gaseous explosive reaction at constant pressure with actual engine

performance. The work is in cooperation with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

Supercharging of aircraft engines.—Altitude chamber performance

tests of a Curtiss D-12 engine equipped with a Roots-type supercharger, having a critical altitude of 5.000 feet at 2.000 revolutions

per minute, were made for the Army Air Corps, and tests with a geared centrifugal supercharger are in progress. Oil recommendations.—A statistical study has been made of the

various grades of oil recommended by the automotive vehicle manufacturers and oil refiners for about 200 makes of trucks, tractors,

and passenger cars and the results summarized in convenient form

for practical use and published by the Chief Coordinator.

Miscellaneous.—Work on the following projects is under way:

Standard tests for fuels for automotive engines, tests of fuel volatility, tests of miscellaneous devices for automotive transportation,

and motor-vehicle tax ratings.

INVESTIGATION OF DENTAL MATERIALS (85. 300)

Government purchases of dental golds, amalgam, alloys, etc., having an estimated value of $100,000. have been tested. About

half this amount has been rejected as unfit for use in service. Replacements have been made and approved. Specifications have been

prepared for dental investments and a thorough test made of all investments on the market. Assistance has been given dental schools,

manufacturers, and testing laboratories interested in equipping for

this type of research. Lectures and clinics have been given in TTashington, New York, Boston, Des Moines, Chicago, and Columbus.

One of the most satisfactory aspects of this program is the move

by a number of manufacturers to guarantee certain of their products

to comply with the specifications adopted by the American Dental

Association, through cooperation with the bureau.

POWER-PLANT EQUIPMENT ($100,000)

The boiler-room equipment was completed and that section of the

plant was put in full operation at the beginning of the heating

season. The principal units of permanent equipment in the engine- room section of the plant have been installed and will be put in

operation within a short time.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 47

TRANSFERRED FUNDS ($436,387)

Organization and projects.—During the year funds were trans- ferred from the following branches of the Government covering the

projects listed

:

Aeronautics Branch, Department of Commerce

Air-navigation aids. Aeronautical research. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

:

Electrodeposition.

Paper currency and stamps. Coast and Geodetic Survey : Making of

special castings. Coast Guard : Development of radio- receiving sets. National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics : Aerodynamic problems.

Embrittlement of duralumin.

Duralumin and steel tubes. Aeronautic power plants. Substitutes for parachute silks. Navy Department

:

Airship girders. Aircraft instruments.

Gas-cell fabrics. Carbon and chrome steel. Corrosion investigation.

Aeronautic fabrics. Airplane ignition systems.

Navy Department—Continued.

Humidity research. Battery testing.

Submarine storage batteries. Production of optical glass. Post Office Department : Development

of accelerometers. Steamboat Inspection Service : Fire- alarm systems.

United States Shipping Board:

Studies of petroleum.

Miscellaneous engineering and physical investigations.

Miscellaneous chemical investigations. War Department

:

Gasoline investigation.

Superchargers for aircraft engines.

Embrittlement of duralumin.

Radio apparatus for signal service- Friction and lubrication studies. Substitutes for leather. Substitutes for chromium.

Nontin metal. Experimental gages. Development of machine guns. Many of these projects were supported partly by bureau and

partly by transferred funds. The more important of these have

already been described under the appropriate bureau fund. Important investigations supported wholly by transferred funds include

the following

:

Air-navigation facilities—Radio.—In cooperation with the Aeronautics Branch, experimental work on the 2, 4, and 12 course visualtype radiobeacons was completed. The sensitivity of the vibratingreed indicator was increased fourfold. The development of a new

transmitter for the simultaneous transmission of radiotelephone messages and visual-type radiobeacon signals on the same radio-frequency was begun. An automatic volume-control device for use in

the reception of visual beacon signals was developed, thereby relieving the pilot of the duty of controlling the receiving-set sensitivity.

A complete system of radio aids showing good promise for blind

landing of aircraft was developed.

Contact and cooperation with the aircraft and radio industries in

the development of engine ignition shielding was maintained. A

commercial shielding assembly patterned after an assembly developed by this bureau met with marked success. A direction finder

permitting aural or visual indication of the direction of the received

signal was developed.

Lighting of airports and airways.—Photometric measurements

have been made on 24-inch beacons, code beacons, and gaseous-discharge tube beacons, and observations of their visibility have been

made from fixed stations and from airplanes. Observations on several types of boundary lights have been made from two distances
48 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

by 16 observers. Experiments on the lighting of wind-indicator cones have been continued, and measurements are in progress on

aviation red and green signal glasses, for the purpose of preparing

specifications.

Radio-receiving sets for the Coast Guard.—Apparatus was purchased and developed suitable for determining the electrical sensitivity, selectivity, fidelity, and overload characteristics of radio-receiving sets. The sets tested include 9 submitted as bid samples to the Coast Guard, 3 high-frequency sets for the Navy, 1 intermediatefrequency set for the Bureau of Lighthouses, 4 aircraft radio sets for the aeronautic research division, and 1 set purchased by this

bureau.

Corrosion of storage-battery plates.—Corrosion of the positive

plates in certain submarine batteries has led to a study of the effects of organic material and the conditions under which corrosion of the

plates may occur. Conflicting evidence on the effect of acetic acid

in storage batteries has been explained, and a method for the determination of small amounts of acetic acid in the presence of large

amounts of sulphuric acid has been developed.

Type testing of commercial airplane engines.—The engine-testing

laboratory at Arlington is operating at full capacity and a fourth

torque-stand unit will be added to provide for probable increased

demands. Of 52 engines received for test during the year 26 passed,

23 failed, and 3 were withdrawn. This work is supported by the

Aeronautics Branch of the Department of Commerce.

Effect of spark character on ignition ability.—In cooperation with

the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and the Bureau of

Aeronautics of the Navy Department, the relative effectiveness of

ignition sparks has been compared by determining the amount of

chemical reaction which takes place when different sparks are passed

through an explosive mixture of oxygen and hydrogen at low

pressure and liquid-air temperature.

Effect of air humidity on engine performance.—An improved

form of psychrometer has been developed as a by-product of this

work, which is in cooperation with the Navy Department; action to obtain a Government patent will be initiated. Engine power tests have been made, extending the range of humidity from 1 to 80 millimeters mercury pressure of water vapor.

These tests accord with the oxygen-content hypothesis. Results in- dicate an increase in effectiveness of tetraethyl lead as a knock suppressor at increased humidities. Especial attention was given to the

possibility of changes of humidity causing error in knock rating.

Aircraft-instrument developments.—A strut thermometer of the

electric-resistance type, an improved suspended-head air-speed meter

of the commutator-condenser type, and a maximum indicating ac- celerometer were constructed for the Bureau of Aeronautics, Navy

Department. A mooring-force indicator for the airship Los Angeles and a suspended Pitot static-head air-speed meter are under

development. Investigations to provide a basis for the specification

of performance of banking indicators, magnetic compasses, and

tachometers were conducted. A standard vibration board was designed and constructed for the purpose of testing aircraft

instruments.
BUREAU OF STANDARDS 49

Reduction of noise in airplanes.—In cooperation with the Aeronautics Branch of the Department of Commerce, studies have been

made of the possibilities of reducing noise in airplanes.

Aileron investigation.—In cooperation with the National Advisory

Committee for Aeronautics and the Aeronautics Branch of the Department of Commerce, the effect of variation of chord and span of

ailerons on rolling and yawing moments at high angles of attack

lias been studied.

High-speed airfoil tests.—In cooperation with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the aerodynamic characteristics

of eight airfoils of circular-arc section were determined at speeds

up to and slightly above the speed of sound. These airfoils are more efficient at high air speeds than ones of conventional type, and

are therefore of advantage in designing high-speed propellers.

Investigations of wind-tunnel turbulence.—In cooperation with the

National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics the significance of

measurements with the hot-wire anemometer has been investigated

by studying the transition from laminar to eddying flow around a thin flat plate parallel to the wind.

High-frequency fatigue testing.—In cooperation with the National

Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, seven air-driven, high-frequency fatigue machines are now operating at frequencies of approximately 200 cycles per second. Each test bar is subjected to 200,-

000,000 cycles of stress if failure does not occur before this limit is reached.

Flat plates under normal pressure.—At the request of the Navy

Department, an apparatus was designed and built for testing speci- mens representing pontoon construction by subjecting them to a normal water pressure. Strength of welded aircraft joints.—To assist the Aeronautics

Branch of the Department of Commerce, the strength and efficiency

of 40 types of acetylene-welded fuselage joints made of chromemolybdenum steel tubing were determined. The use of gusset plates

welded to the tubes increased the strength about 30 per cent in the

case of some types of joints.

Distinguishing steel airplane tubing of different compositions.—

Preliminary work with the Bureau of Aeronautics and the National

Advisory Committee for Aeronautics indicates that a magnetic test and a spark test may give satisfactory results as rapid nondestructive

methods for distinguishing between plain carbon and chrome-molybdenum steel tubing. A simple chemical "spot test" appears to be

Impossible.

Prevention^ of embrittlement of sheet duralumin by corrosion and

of deterioration of magnesium alloys by corrosion.—Eesults of 3-year

exposure tests closely confirm laboratory tests in showing the superiority of pure aluminum as a coating material for duralumin and

of the necessity of proper heat treatment if maximum corrosion

resistance is to be obtained. Laboratory tests have shown the decided

advantage gained in coating aluminum allo}^ by giving the surface

a preliminary treatment by the anodic oxidation process. Experiments show that coating magnesium-alloy specimens to resist atmospheric corrosion is a more serious problem than in the case of

aluminum alloys.
50 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Bearing alloys.—In cooperation with the War Department, a study has been started of lead-base and tin-base bearing allo3r s for

Army trucks. The work will be extended to include the copper-lead

bearing materials.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Congress has recognized the need of several projects rec- ommended in previous reports by making due provisions and appropriations. Thus, the regular appropriations for 1931 contain

increases over 1930 for salaries, grounds, structural materials, mechanical appliances, textiles, sugar, gages, metallurgy, industrial

research, standardization of equipment, automotive engines, railroad

scales, and dental materials, totaling $263,925. Appropriations for new projects in 1931 include $350,000 for the hydraulic laboratory, $75,000 for addition to the shops building, and $400,000 for

additional land. Provision was also made for stationing a medical

officer of the Public Health Service at the bureau to eliminate

health hazards in certain lines of work and care for emergencyaccident cases. Radio stations.—There is pending in the Senate an authorization

which has passed the House, making provision for two radio sta- tions at locations removed from extraneous influences. These sta- tions are needed (1) for transmitting continuously standard signals

to enable broadcasting stations to check at will their wave lengths

and (2) for experimental purposes, particularly with reference to short-wave phenomena.

New buildings.—The present buildings of the bureau are greatly

overcrowded, and it is urgently recommended that adequate provision be made for expansion. The most urgent need is for an administration building, costing about $400,000, which would free cer- tain spaces greatly needed in laboratory buildings as well as providing adequate accommodations for the rapidly expanding work

of the standardization group and also for the administrative and

other general functions of the bureau, including librae and conference rooms.

Provision has been made for additional space in Federal buildings at San Francisco and Denver.

There has been previously submitted a 5-year building program^

which includes provision for a high-voltage laboratory, fire-resist- ance laboratory, extension of the dynamometer laboratory, an en- larged low-temperature laborator}^ and new laboratories for mechanical engineering and high-precision testing in weights and

measures. As the demands for the bureau's services grow, provision should

be made, in Washington and the branch laboratories, to meet these

needs by increasing the facilities and personnel engaged in research

and testing.

Very truly yours,

George K. Burgess,

Director Bureau of Standards*
APPENDIX

GENERAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT

During the fiscal year 1930 the bureau expended and accounted for funds

aggregating $2,938,467.62, including $431,721.62 received by transfer and reim- bursement from other departments for special researches. The amounts and objects of each appropriation for the past fiscal year and

two previous fiscal years, together with disbursements, unpaid orders out- standing, and unexpended balances for each appropriation are shown in the

following table: Table 4.

Disbursements, liabilities, etc., 1930, J 929, and 1928 appropriations

Appropriation

1930

Salaries ... ... Equipment

General expenses. - . Improvement and care of grounds.

Testing structural materials.. Testing machines

Metallurgical research.. Investigation of optical glass. Standard materials Investigation of textiles Sugar standardization. Gauge standardization High-temperature investigation Testing railroad scales Investigation of fire-resisting properties Testing miscellaneous materials

Investigation of public-utility standards Radio research

Industrial research Sound investigation Investigation of clay products

Color standardization

Investigation of radioactive substances and X rays.. Standardizing mechanical appliances

Investigation of mine scales and cars Standardization of equipment

Investigation of automotive engines

Utilization of waste products from the land

Investigation of dental materials Power-plant equipment

Appropriations transferred from other departments which are available for the current year:

Aircraft in commerce

Air navigation facilities Incidental expenses of Army

National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

.

Materials and miscellaneous expenses, Bureau of Engraving and Printing Air Corps, Army

Signal Service of Army

Aviation, Navy

Export industries, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce

Gages, dies, and jigs for manufacture Ordnance service and supplies, Army

General expenses, Coast and Geodetic Survey

Engineering, Bureau of Engineering Contingent expenses, Coast Guard

Cooperative construction of rural post roads Contingent expenses, Steamboat Inspection Service (Footnotes at end of table.)

Total appropriation

$686, 146. 00

88, 000. 00

» 65, 790. 49

14, 400. 00

2 272, 343. 51

41, 000. 00

3 51, 052. 32

27, 300. 00

10, 600. 00

53, 900. 00

4 78, 900. 00

40, 000. 00

10, 200. 00

48, 900. 00

30, 000. 00

46, 400. 00

8 107, 423. 30

85, 700. 00

8 207. 000. 00

11,260. 00

49, 000. 00

15, 800. 00

31, 500. 00

29, 300. 00

13, 400. 00

7 220, 015. 00

26. 500. 00

52, 700. 00

5, 300. 00

100, 0C0. 00

101, 600. 00

97, 450. 00

29, 042. 00

46, 000. 00

15, 000. 00

14, 950. 00

1, 800. 00

78, 200. 00

2, 640. 00

2, 800. 00

2, 555. 00

100. 00

4, 000. 00

2, 000. 00

4, 500. 00

1, 000. 00

Disburse- ments

$684. 509. 65

73, 705. 11

56, 925. 25

14, 230. 58

256, 522. 98

36, 048. 07

45, 827. 59

26, 910. 27

10, 045. 56

53, 427. 63

78, 409. 72

37, 598. 02

9, 548. 64

46, 963. 71

28, 890. 92

45, 827. 61

103, 696. 63

82, 622. 70

192, 300. 96

11, 171.89

46, 777. 30

15, 297. 49

27, 768. 11

27, 895. 66

12, 042. 32

205, 750. 22

26, 102. 36

50, 673. 06

4, 435. 86

80, 512. 47

85, 345. 78

86, 076. 18

26, 581. 87

45, 205. 38

13, 260. 42

12, 497. 66

1, 610. 53

72, 172. 28

2, 610. 73

2, 424. 99

2, 281. 63

45. 15

3, 199. 90

1, 733. 18

3, 065. 28

Liabilities

$1, 175. 32

13, 996. 95

8, 371. 57

120. 98

15, 742. 39

4, 939. 75

5, 208. 10

381. 74

436. 09

440. 93

472. 61

2, 385. 26

637. 19 1,418.61

1, 009. 19

541. 70

3, 724. 81

2, 718. 46

14, 550. 44

33. 72

2, 183. 81

495. 11

3, 596. 57

1, 339. 94

1, 057. 51

14, 058. 57

391. 68

2, 016. 12

793. 74

19, 055. 03

16, 144. 71

10, 996. 87

2, 271. 47 764.44

1, 714. 15

2, 434. 96

180. 43

5, 810. 07 11.89

361. 90

250. 00

744. 15

264. 24

1, 407. 87

909. 35 51
52 REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE

Table 4.

Disbursements, liabilities, etc., 1930, 1929, and 1928 appropriations—

Continued

Appropriation Total appropriation Disburse- ments Liabilities Balance

Appropriations transferred from other departments which are available for a period of two years: Ordnance and ordnance stores Total.

Equipment -- General expenses Improvement and care of grounds

Testing structural materials Testing machines

Metallurgical research Investigation of optical glass. Standard materials Investigation of textiles Sugar standardization Gauge standardization High-temperature investigation Testing railroad scales Investigation of fire-resisting properties Testing miscellaneous materials

Investigation of public-utility standards.- Radio research

Industrial research Sound investigation Investigation of clay products

Color standardization

Investigation of radioactive substances and X rays... Standardizing mechanical appliances

Investigation of mine scales and cars Standardization of equipment- Automotive engines

Utilization of waste products from the land

Investigation of dental materials Power-plant equipment.

Testing structural materials, 1929-30 Appropriations transferred from other departments which are available for the current year:

Aircraft in commerce

Party expenses, Coast and Geodetic Survey

Incidental expenses of Army.

National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics... Air Corps, Army

Signal Service of Army.

Materials and miscellaneous expenses, Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Aviation, Navy

Export industries, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce

General expenses, Coast and Geodetic Survey

Air navigation facilities Appropriations transferred from other departments which are available for a period of two years: Gages, dies, and jigs for manufacture Ordnance stores, ammunition, 1929-30 Ordnance and ordnance stores Safeguarding dome of rotunda, 1929-30 Automatic rifles, 1929-30 Total.

1928

Salaries Equipment

General expenses Improvement and care of grounds.

Testing structural materials Testing machines

Metallurgical research Investigation of optical glass Standard materials Investigation of textiles

$15, 000. 00 $10, 676. 00 $57. 17

2, 938, 467. 62 I 2, 761, 225. 30 167, 617

648, 146. 00

8 88, 014. 11

» 71, 761. 60

14, 431. 00

io 268, 653. 68

41, 003. 00

51, 614. 00

27, 420. 00 10,824.00

54, 144. 00

ii 61, 027. 00 40,713.00

10, 401. 00

49, 085. 00

30, 213. 00

47, 125. 00

12 107, 715. 19

is 56, 429. 03 n 205, 679. 78

11, 469. 00

49, 370. 00

10, 950. 00

31, 741. 00

29, 677. 00

13, 688. 00

is 192, 584.51

26, 833. 00

53, 148. 00

5, 421. 00

100, 000. 00

12, 500. 00

16 140, 360. 00

2, 000. 00

10, 000. 00

43, 372. 15

11, 500. 00

1,800.00

15, 000. 00

66, 140. 00

2, 640. 00

200.00

15, 700. 00

2, 750. 00

1, 000. 00

12, 000. 00

3, 000. 00

2, 555. 00

2, 751, 798. 05

572, 060. 00

88, 000. 00

i? 71, 856. 36

13, 000. 00

is 241, 897. 38

19 38, 025. 00

20 48, 414. 92

20, 520. 00

10, 000. 00

40, 700. 00

643, 702. 87, 779.

70, 418.

14, 407. 261, 982.

40, 288.

49, 213.

27, 067.

10, 657.

54, 101.

60, 682.

39, 965.

9, 321.

48, 681.

29, 628.

46, 987.

106, 256.

56, 324.

204, 078.

11, 297.

46, 629.

10, 930.

31, 283.

28, 194.

13, 472.

187, 836.

26, 434.

49, 137.

5, 257.

99, 959.

10, 928.

140, 290. 36

1, 927. 73

9, 970. 13

42, 389. 91

11, 487. 22

1, 781. 94

14, 853. 15

66,031. 51 2,615.26 | 200.00 | 15, 647. 86

2,026.67

939. 01

11, 644. 00

2, 700. 03

2, 080. 62

22. 32

300. 50

9. 65 34.00 7.50

14.00

57.50

6.00

20. 85 10.00 3.00

161. 88

"l, 164." 66'

52.60

2. 10

2, 709, 495. 01

571,

87, 71,

12, 241,

37,

48,

20,

9, 40,

685. 41

784. 10

000. 89

883. 53

161. 26

753. 37

229. 18

457. 48

922. 19

462. 49

33. 60

500.00

57.65

250. 00

3, 071.

(Footnotes at end of table.)
BUEEAU OF STANDARDS 53- Table 4.

Disbursements, liabilities, etc., 19S0, 1929, and 1928 appropriations—

Continued

Appropriation Total appropriation Disburse- ments Liabilities

1928 Sugar standardization Gauge standardization High-temperature investigation Testing railroad scales Investigation of fire-resisting properties Testing miscellaneous materials Investigation of public-utility standards Radio research

Industrial research Sound investigation Investigation of clay products

Color standardization

Investigation of radioactive substances and X rays.. Standardizing mechanical appliances

Investigation of mine scales and cars Standardization of equipment Automotive engines

Utilization of waste products from the land..

Investigation of dental materials Power-plant equipment

Sugar standardization, 1928-29 Standardization of equipment, 1928-29 Radio research, 1928-29

Salaries, 1928-29 Color standardization, 1928-29 Furnaces and shelter, 1928-29 Appropriations transferred from other departments which are available for the current year: Aircraft in commerce

Incidental expenses of Army

Compensation of employees, Bureau of Engraving and Printing Export industries, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce - National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

Aviation, Navy

Air Corps, Army

Signal Service of Army , Air navigation facilities Appropriations transferred from other departments which are available for a period of two years: Ordnance and ordnance stores Ordnance stores, ammunition, 1928-29 Air Corps, Army

Automatic rifles, 1928-29 Gages, dies, and jigs for manufacture

Total

21 $50, 960,

9, 47,

28, 44,

22 100,

49,

23 175,

10, 47,

10, 29,

27,

12,

2< 130,

25 27,

50,

5, 100,

25,

15, 30,

35,

5, 22,

00

320. 00

740. 00

000. 00

100. 00

000. 00

282. 46

800. 00

860. 00

580. 00

000. 00

000. 00

540. 00

800. 00

800. 00

135. 50

700. 00

000. 00

000. 00

000. 00 000.00

000.00 000.00 000.00

000.00

000.00

110, 000. 00

10, 000. 00

11, 000. 00

2, 820. CO

34, 900. 00

77, 500. 00

2, 500. 00

1, 800. 00

234. 50

12, 000. 00

1, 000. 00 500.00

2, 000. 00

2, 750. 00

$50, 692. 40

38, 214. 76

9, 732. 09

46, 974. 92

27, 821. 02

43, 899. 84

100, 014. 23

49, 669. 96

175, 411. 69

10, 517. 65

46, 579. 21

9, 829. 64

29, 433. 33

27, 633. 33

12, 750. 64

130, 091. 49

27, 345. 94

49, 732. 27

4, 983. 60

99, 911. 23

24, 906. 21

14, 923. 59

29, 944. 20

34, 939. 73

4, 341.63

21, 990. 33

10S, 693. 51

9, 910. 79

10, 913. 94

2, 765. 82

34, 605. 16

76. 727. 01

2, 419. 00

1, 695. 42

234. 50

11, 775. 44

951. 06

425. 71

1, 836. 63

2, 616. 62

$138. 29

5. 00

20. 35

150. 00

2, 540, 096. 12 2, 529, 195. 44 313. 64

Includes reimbursements and transfers received from other departments as follows:

1 $1,790.49.

2 $4,193.51.

3 $52.32.

4 $3,900.

» $133.30.

6 $3,000.

* $15.

8 $14.11.

• $1,906.60. " $1,595.68. " $2,800.

12 $418.19.

is $657.03. " $2,052.78.

i* $461.51.

I6 $360.

i' $2,001.36.

18 $1,897.38. » $25.

20 $274.92. « $2,800.

22 $282.46.

23 $3,540.

2* $135.50.

2* $2,700.