\ NOT FOR F

OR FOR REFERENCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS REPORT

4559

PROJECTS RELATED TO BUILDING RESEARCH

AT THE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

FOR FISCAL YEAR 1956

Complied by the

Building Technology Division

D. E. Parsons, Chief

<NBS>

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Sinclair Weeks, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

A. V. Aslin, Director

THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The scope of activities of the National Bureau of Standards is suggested in the following listing

of the divisions and sections engaged in technical work. In general, each section is engaged in

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

description of the activities, and of the resultant reports and publications, appears on the inside

of the back cover of this report.

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

Instrumentation. Electrochemistry.

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

Technology. Length. Engineering Metrology.

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

Engines and Lubrication. Engine Fuels.

Atomic and Radiation Physics. Spectroscopy. Radiometry. Mass Spectrometry. Solid

State Physics. Electron Physics. Atomic Physics. Nuclear Physics. Radioactivity. X-rays. Betatron. Nucleonic Instrumentation. Radiological Equipment. AEC Radiation Instruments. Chemistry. Organic Coatings. Surface Chemistry. Organic Chemistry. Analytical Chemistry.

Inorganic Chemistry. Electrodeposition. Gas Chemistry. Physical Chemistry. Thermochemistry. Spectrochemistry. Pure Substances.

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

Mass and Scale. Capacity, Density, and Fluid Meters. Combustion Controls.

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

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

Mineral Products. Porcelain and Pottery. Glass. Refractories. Enameled Metals. Concreting Materials. Constitution and Microstructure.

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

Applied Mathematics. Numerical Analysis. Computation. Statistical Engineering. Mathematical Physics.

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

Analogue Systems.

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

Gas Liquefaction.

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

Propagation Services.

Radio Propagation Engineering. Frequency Utilization Research. Tropospheric Propagation

Research.

Radio Standards. High Frequency Standards. Microwave Standards. • Office of Basic Instrumentation • Office of Weights and Measures
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS REPORT

MBS PROJECT NBS REPORT

1000-40-1099 March 1, 1956 4559

PROJECTS RELATED TO BUILDING RESEARCH

AT THE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

FOR FISCAL YEAR 1956

Compiled by the

Building Technology Division

D. E. Parsons, Chief

<NBS>

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The publication, ri

unless permission I

25, D, C, Such pe

cal ly prepared If I

Approved for public release by the

Director of the National Institute of

Standards and Technology (NIST)

on October 9, 2015.

in part, is prohibited

landards, Washington

sport has been specifieport for its own use.

INDEX

Acoustics . 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 009000000000

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Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration

Cement, Concrete, and Masonry

Codes and Specifications

Fire Detection and Prevention . . . Plumbing and Fluid Mechanics

Properties of Materials

Surface Finishes and Coverings

Testing of Materials and Products

ooooooooo

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Miscellaneous

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5

. 14

o 26

. 29

. 35

. 39

. 47

. 59

« 64

INTRODUCTION

This report lists unclassified projects concerned with

building research and related subjects in progress at the

National Bureau of Standards in Fiscal Year 1956°

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

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

belief that the basic information is sometimes applicable

to building research.

Each project is identified by ten digits. The first

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

at NBS which is carrying out the work. The next two indicate the scientific activity class, as follows:

10 Research

20 Development

30 Testing, Calibration, and Specifications

40 General Scientific Services

The last four digits identify the projects within the

basic organizational unit. Thus, project 1003-20-4832

refers to a Division 10, Section 3? development project.
,*

.
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS

APPEARING IN THIS REPORT

Abbreviation

American Society of Heating and

Air-Conditioning Engineers » . . . . . . ASHAE

American Society of Refrigerating

Engineers ............... ASRE

American Society for Testing Materials . . ASTM

American Standards Association ...... ASA

Atomic Energy Commission ......... AEC

Federal Housing Administration ...... FHA

General Services Administration ..... GSA

Illuminating Engineering Society ..... IES

International Organization for

Standardization ............ ISO

National Bureau of Standards ....... NBS

National Electrical Manufacturers

Association ....... ...... . NEMA

Office of the Chief of Engineers,

Department of the Army ........ OCE

Standards Electronic Automatic Computer . . SEAC

ACOUSTICS

0601-20-0600 Acoustic Calibration Procedures

Objectives : To conduct researches into and to develop methods

for absolute measurement of sound pressures and Intensities

over wide ranges. Application of such methods to maintenance of standards for normal threshold of hearing.

Development of sound sources for use in calibrating microphones for measurement of high sound intensities.

Importance of the Project ; This project Is concerned with

maintenance of standards for acoustic measurements.

Absolute measurements of sound intensity are basic to

researches in acoustics. Calibrated microphones are

required for measurement of sound radiated by loudspeakers,

and for the measurement of noises and other complex sounds.

They are required also for audiometric measurements. Consequently, calibrated microphones are used by industrial,

academic and governmental laboratories. Calibrations of

these microphones are effected by comparison with standards maintained in the Sound Laboratory.

Activity Summary ; Microphone calibrating equipment for both

free-field and pressure measurements has been overhauled

during the year as part of the long-term program on the

absolute measurement of sound. A regular schedule has

been set up for calibrating our own laboratory standard

condenser microphones by the reciprocity technique. The

free-field ("dead") room is being rebuilt; a study of the

properties of existing sound-absorbing wall coverings has

been made. ' The room interior will be covered with wedges

of sound-absorbent material, designed to minimize reflections of sound over a wide frequency range.

The work on audiometric standards was carried on by

summarizing recent preliminary data on the mechanical

impedances of the foreheads and mastoids of ten subjects.

The results indicate that a simple artificial mastoid can

be built for calibrating bone-conductors used in measurement of hearing. The system need consist only of a small

mass associated with a stiff spring, rather heavily

damped and mounted on a massive base. Foreheads and mastoids are similar in stiffness, but the mastoid appears

to be less dense than the frontal bone. The results conform to the idea that the spring force encountered arises

from flexing of the skull in the vicinity of the driving

tip, and the mass encountered is the plug of the bone and

flesh set into motion by the driving tip.

-1
0601-20-0600 - continued

A sound source for ear impedance measurements which

appears to have stable impedance characteristics has been

developed and checked. Equipment for measuring the

impedance of ears and mastoids has been checked and worked

over, preliminary to carrying out measurements on 50 to

100 subjects at the Forest Glen Annex of Walter Reed Hospital. Assistance was provided to the Forest Glen Annex

staff for work they are undertaking in investigating the

source of the differences between British and American

standards for normal threshold of hearing.

0601-30-0605 Acoustic Measurements

Objectives ; (l) To measure the sound absorption of acoustic materials; (2) to measure the sound insulation properties of wall and floor constructions; (3) to perform standard calibrations of microphones, sound level meters,

earphones, and audiometers.

Importance of the Project ; Large quantities of acoustic

materials are used annually by the Government and the

performance of the material used is measured under this

project, to check its compliance with Federal Specifications SSA-llS-B, and SSA-111. Measurements of the sound

absorption of acoustic materials, and of the sound insulation of building constructions are also made for industry

and private individuals. The reason is that measuring

methods in this field are not yet fully standardized, and

systematic differences between results obtained in various

laboratories have not yet been resolved. (Work is in progress under Project O6OI-IO-O632 to standardize on good

measuring techniques in this field.) The performance of

standard calibrations of microphones and other electroacoustic devices has been requested by various laboratories, including Governmental as well as industrial and

university laboratories.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuing project that was

started about thirty years ago. During Fiscal Year 1955

the following tests were reported- 18 reverberation-room

tests, 9 sound transmission loss tests, 6 microphone calibrations, 10 impedance tube tests, 4 box tests, 1 sound

level meter calibration, 2 miscellaneous acoustical tests.

- 2 -
O6OI--IO-O632 Architectural Acoustic s Objectives % (l) To investigate the basic physical phenomena

involved in the transmission and absorption of sound in

acoustic materials* building materials and building structures; (2) to develop new measuring techniques in architectural acoustics and improve existing techniques; (3) to

assist in developing appropriate standards in this field.

Importance of the Project ; As the noise levels produced by

society increase * more attention has to be paid to reducing

noise levels inside buildings . Acoustic materials are

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

for improving the sound Insulation of walls * floors and

doors. Many of the phenomena of sound propagation in

materials and structures are imperfectly understood* and

need theoretical and experimental elucidation before advances can be expected. Measuring techniques in this field

are generally antiquated and poor* and require much improvement. For example* reverberation room measurements

of the sound absorption of acoustic materials made in different laboratories often produce different results for

the same material. The same is true of sound insulation

measurements of wall constructions. There is urgent need

for Improving these measuring techniques. Another item of

importance is the development of sound insulation standards

for building codes. The United States is lacking such

standards although several European countries and Canada

have them; this project would be the logical place to

develop them.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuing project which was

started about thirty years ago. During the past year the

main effort has been in the following three activities:

(1) Investigation of the effect of interference patterns

on reverberation room-measurements. Measurements on the

patterns confirmed the theoretical predictions* and the

results have been published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society. These results are important in that they

explain aspects of reverberation-room measuring technique

which were not understood before* for example* the effects

of sample position In the room. The work will result in

significant changes in measuring methods. An ASTM standard on sound- transmission-loss measurement is being

redrafted* and will incorporate some results obtained in

this work. (2) A new Impedance tube was designed and

built to replace an older one that was defective. The

new tube embodied several improvements and is operating

very well. (3) The limitations of the reverberation-room

- 3-
0601-10-0632 - continued

method of measuring the sound power output of noise sources

were studied. It was established that above 4000 cps a correction becomes necessary to account for air absorption.

A correction was derived theoretically and is being checked

experimentally.
AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING, REFRIGERATION

0603-30-06l3 Testing-Wind Equipment

Objectives 1 To calibrate wind-measuring equipment to develop

test methods

Importance of the Project : Wind-measuring instruments are

widely used by the weather services and in the heating

and ventilating field. Government agencies, private

users, and manufacturers have need for calibrated instruments either for direct use or for checking the accuracy

of other instruments. Instruments in the field are

periodically returned for recalibration. Other instruments

are checked for conformance to government specifications.

Manufacturers use calibrated equipment in the development

of new instruments and as standards for manufacturing.

1000-20-1003 Refrigerator Safety

Objectives ; To cooperate with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association in preparing performance criteria

for devices to prevent suffocation in refrigerators, home

freezers, and ice boxes.

Importance of the Project s The House Committee on Interstate

and Foreign Commerce requested the Bureau to work with

industry in a determined effort to obtain a solution to

the problem of suffocation of children trapped inside

refrigerators, home freezers, and ice boxes. According to

the evidence accumulated by the Committee, the problem is

serious and the frequency of deaths of children due to

this cause is increasing, in spite of the enactment of

laws in a number of states regulating treatment and storage of refrigerators and similar equipment not in use.

Activity Summary ; Active participation in this work by the

Bureau was initiated in September, 1955- Since that time,

the Bureau has worked with the National Electric Manufacturers Association in developing tentative performance

criteria for refrigerator safety devices, and has worked

with the Children's Bureau In making tests to determine

the forces exerted by children in attempting to free themselves from confinement in a small enclosure. These data

are required to determine a reasonable maximum value of

the force that might safely be required to operate certain

types of safety release mechanisms.

- 5-
1000-20-1003 - continued

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : Continue to work with the NEMA

on the problem of acceptable criteria for refrigerator

safety devices, and to give engineering assistance in the

design, instrumentation, and conduct of such further

experiments as may be required to provide information

needed in the development of acceptable criteria. It is

expected that this project will have a limited scope and

short duration, and that the testing of proposed safety

devices for conformance to the criteria will be undertaken

by the Underwriters Laboratories.

1003-20-1014 Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment

Objectives : To develop test methods for heating, air conditioning, and air cleaning equipment, and to provide the

data essential for developing specifications, codes, and

standards for heating, refrigerating, air conditioning and

associated equipment.

Importance of the Project : There is a continuing need on the

part of government agencies, professional societies, and

industry for the basic data essential for preparing and

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

following three fields are examples of this need. A survey has shown that the Federal agencies purchased between

two and three million dollars* worth of self-contained air

conditioning units during 195^- All agencies recognize

that the ratings applied to these units by industry are

not consistently reliable. Laboratory and field tests of

typical units at NBS have corroborated these conclusions.

The Federal specification for self-contained air conditioning units needs revision and its use should be

encouraged

.

Little factual data are available about the magnitude

of air leakage in residences or larger buildings. This

is probably the greatest unknown factor in both heating

and cooling load calculations. NBS has developed a portable infiltration meter applicable to field measurements

of air leakage that could be used to develop data on air

leakage as affected by type of building construction,

ambient temperature, and wind velocity.

The air filter industry working in collaboration with

the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning

Engineers has failed to attain agreement on standard test

- 6 -
1003-20-1014 - continued

methods and test dusts. NBS has conducted extensive surveys of air cleaner performance for the Public Buildings

Service and remains the sole source of comprehensive comparative data on air cleaner performance.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuing project. During the

last year a report was completed and published on "Water

Demand Rates for Electric Drinking Water Coolers"; the

first draft of a manuscript on forced warm air heating in

a one-story house was completed; the chapter in Codes and

Standards in the ASRE Data Book was revised and brought

up to date; a survey on the use of package air conditioners

was planned and conducted in cooperation with the Federal

Construction Council.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956: (l) Conduct investigations in

cooperation with ASHAE on the infiltration in one and

two-story residences under summer and winter conditions

as affected by wall construction and floor construction,

(2) revise the Federal specification on self-contained

air conditioners, (3) prepare a paper on the studies of

panel heating in the Test Bungalow, (4) complete the

paper on forced warm air heating in one-story houses.

1003-20-1015 Heat Transfer Measurements

Objectives : To determine the thermal conductivity and heat

transfer properties of materials and building constructions, and make calibration measurements on specimens for

reference use by other laboratories; to improve apparatus

and develop new methods; to furnish advisory technical

information in the field of heat transfer to governmental

agencies regarding design, specifications, standards and

special applications.

Importance of the Project : The thermal conductivity and heat

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

of design, specifications and procurement by governmental agencies. They are considered by governmental agencies, private industry and technical societies as a paramount source of dependable data for guidance in this

field. Governmental, industrial, university and private

laboratories utilize its services for calibration of

reference specimens for standardizing their equipment.

The services provided in regard to measurements and

- 7-
1003-20-1015 - continued

calibrations of the thermal conductivity of metals at

temperatures up to 800°C appear not to be furnished by

any other laboratory in the country; they have been in

continuous use for the past two years by defense agencies

and a few industrial laboratories. The experience of its

personnel is sought on an advisory basis by an increasing

number of governmental and private laboratories in regard

to proposed methods and apparatus for measurements in this

field.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuing project. For the

past three years, an annual average of eight calibrations

and Jk other measurements have been made on insulating

materials; in 1955* calibration measurements were made on

nine metal specimens. A new method for metals, having

promise for measurements from low to high temperatures,

has been developed and preliminary trials of it made, preparatory to construction of an improved apparatus. A

paper, "Determination of the Thermal Conductivity of Porcelain Enamels", was prepared for oral presentation, and

submission to the Editorial Committee. Advisory services

have been furnished to governmental agencies, and to a considerable extent to technical societies in connection

with compilations of data for publication.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 ; Continue services on thermal

conductivity measurements and calibration of reference

specimens; construct apparatus for comparative measurements on thin specimens of materials such as rocks,

ceramics, etc.; develop new apparatus for more rapid

measurements on insulations, involving a new design of

heat flow meter; prepare publications on accomplished

phases of work.

1003-10-4831 Air Conditioning Underground Structures

Objectives ; To obtain engineering data essential for proper

design of heating and air conditioning systems for underground spaces or installations.

Importance of the Project ; Underground installations are

recognized as an important protective means for essential

material, equipment, and activities in modern warfare.

Certain inherent advantages may lead to their use for

other than military purposes in some instances. Such

installations are seldom suitable for occupancy without

- 8 -
1003-10-4831 - continued

heating and air conditioning systems and present design

data for such systems are inadequate. There are no comprehensive publications on the subject.

Activity Summary ; During the past year, observations at

ah experimental site were completed and the premises

were vacated by our staff. The approximation method of

computing rock heat absorption from underground spaces

based on solution of the relevant differential equations

by means of the SEAC computer, was developed to a state

of practical workability and the results were checked

against the experimental observations. Available literature was reviewed to gather information based on experience with underground air conditioning systems in this

and foreign countries as far as possible. Existing data

on properties of materials and physiological effects were

gathered and considered as a basis for recommended air

conditions for underground installations. A draft of a manual on air conditioning underground structures is about

60 percent complete. Copies of four of the proposed six

chapters were submitted to the sponsor for comment.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 ; Observe heat transfer phenomena

and performance of air conditioning equipment in one

existing and one proposed underground installation; gather

experimental data on the air conditioning effect of

tunnels or shafts and on the heat absorbing capacity of an

underground reservoir serving as a heat sink; compare the

results obtained with those of an approximation method

based on analysis; continue the literature survey; compile

data on the thermal properties of rock; complete the draft

of the manual including the results of the above work;

furnish consultation service as required.

1003-20-4832 Refrigeration and Field Equipment

Objectives ; To develop portable and mobile refrigeration

"and field equipment with improved military characteristics

of performance, size, and weight by improving designs,

developing new methods and components, analyzing the

performance of prototypes, recommending modifications in

prototype equipment, revising Federal specifications, and

standardizing capacities, rating conditions, and certain

physical components of such equipment.

- 9

-
1003-20-4832 - continued

Importance of the Project ; The Office of the Quartermaster

General makes wide usage of portable and mobile refrigeration equipment for the preservation of food and medical

supplies,, transportation of food, manufacture of ice cream

and for similar purposes during both war and peacetime

conditions. During World War II commercial equipment was

modified to meet emergency requirements in many cases.

This solution was not considered adequate on a permanent

basis, however, because the operating conditions were

often more severe in military applications, mobility

imposes special problems of durability and places a premium on small size and weight, gasoline engines are used

for prime movers when an electrical distribution system

is too remote, and the factors of vibration and atmospheric dust make ordinary controls inadequate in some

cases. In addition, the need for stocking spare parts in

remote areas of the world emphasizes the need for standardization of parts and a reduction in the number of

models or sizes of units that are to be used. The preparation and revision of Federal specifications

enable the military agencies to buy commercial items in

some cases in a way to take full advantage of competition

among many manufacturers.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuing project started in

1944. During the last year a study was completed showing

the effect or capacity of a complete refrigerating system

of varying the speed of the compressor, condenser fan,

and evaporator fan proportionally and of varying the compressor speed and the two fan speeds independently; the

performance of a typical hot-gas defrosting system was

analyzed in both an empty and loaded warehouse; the

Federal specification on domestic refrigerators was completely revised; development of an exhaust-gas-torefrigerant- heat exchanger for warehouse heating was

undertaken; the development of a complete modulating

thermo-mechanical control system for a portable refrigerating system was commenced; several warehouse panels were

investigated for simultaneous heat and vapor transmission

characteristics; and investigation on a newly-developed

inverted gasoline lantern was completed; and advice and

consultation was provided on test methods for standardization of refrigeration compressors.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1936 ; (1) Complete the design of an

exhaust-gas-to-refrigerant heat exchanger for the 1-ton

warehouse unit, (2) complete the design of a modulating

- 10 -
1003-20-4832 - continued

thermo-mechanical control system for the 1-ton warehouse

unit; (3) revise the Federal specification for commercial

refrigerators; (4) evaluate the standardization procedures

proposed for refrigeration compressors by testing some

specimens and making recommendations for modifications of

the procedures; (5) continue with the study of vapor trans

mission in insulated warehouse panels; (6) perform tests

of prototype refrigerated trailers, refrigerating units,

etc .

1003-10-4881 Insulation of Underground Pipe

Objective : To provide data on the insulating properties,

water permeance, expansion characteristics, mechanical

and chemical stability of insulating materials and methods

for underground steam and hot water lines as a basis for

the preparation of adequate specifications for such materials by Federal agencies.

Importance of the Project : Central heating plants often

require extensive underground piping systems for distribution of steam or hot water to the area of usage. Such

piping systems are usually insulated to reduce heat losses

and to prevent rapid corrosion of the pipe as a result of

chemical and electrolytic action. Some of the characteris

tics desired for underground pipe insulation are low thermal conductivity, low moisture permeance, high crushing

strength, suitable expansion characteristics, adequate

stability at temperatures ranging from below freezing to

350 °F, and long life. Many types of insulation and embedment have been used in addition to various kinds of tunnel construction. The Corps of Engineers of the Department of the Army expends several million dollars each

year for installations of this type and require information on the performance of such insulating materials

in order to prepare adequate specifications for purchase.

Their experience has indicated that not all of the materials offered as underground pipe insulation possess the

important characteristics to the required degree.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuing project which was

started in the third quarter of fiscal 1954. Some modifications were required to the apparatus constructed for • this project during fiscal 1955 to provide accurate

measurements of the heat transfer from the measuring

section of the insulated steam pipe. The heat loss per

- 11 -
1003-10-4881 - continued

unit length of a pipe insulated with 4 inches of Gilsulation was determined, with dry earth surrounding the pipe

and with the water table one foot below the center line

of the pipe,, at the center line of the pipe, and one foot

above the center line of the pipe. The expansion and

contraction characteristics of the material were studied

under cyclic heating and cooling of the steam pipe and

the polymerization of the material were studied by a chromatographic method.

A prefabricated conduit called Durant Insulated Pipe

was studied in an outdoor trench to determine its insulating qualities, the softening characteristics of the

asphalt covering, and whether or not the insulation could

be adequately dried out either buried or above ground if

it became wetted during installation. Information was

obtained on the movement of water vapor in a radial direc

tion under the influence of the temperature gradient

around a hot steam pipe.

Preliminary studies have been made on the insulating

qualities and water permeance of an envelope for a steam

pipe made of a mixture of portland cement and granulated

reclaimed rubber known as Wicor.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 . (l) Complete investigation of

thermal conductivity and heat transmission of Wicor as

influenced by water table and study its resistance to

moisture penetration; (2) study the characteristics of

Hylag insulation consisting of a fire clay mixture surrounded by an impregnated paper tube; (3) study the

characteristics of an insulating concrete called Z-crete;

(4) determine the thermal insulating properties of dry

and damp earth around a steam pipe and the distribution

of moisture in earth under the influence of a temperature

gradient

.

1003-10-4882 Reflective Thermal Insulation

Objectives : This project is sponsored by the Aluminum Company of America under the NBS Research Associate Program

to provide information as to the thermal insulating value

of aluminum foil and reflective surfaces in various appli

cations, either alone or in combination with other

materials

.

Importance of the Project ; Data obtained at the National

Bureau of Standards in regard to the thermal insulating

- 12 -
1003-10-4882 - continued

value of plane reflective air spaces have resulted in

great interest on the part of insulation producers and

users in its potential applications, and generated a need

for additional data as to its performance in various

applications. Among the questions of interest are (a)

its use in combination with other insulating materials,

(b) applications in conjunction with air spaces of uneven

thickness, (c) the effects of air leakage and moisture in

reflective air spaces, (d) the permanence of its reflective qualities, (e) experimental determination of the

theoretically great value of reflective surfaces in insulating against heat flow downward from attics in summeryinformation in connection with these matters is needed by

the insulation industry and users to provide a sound basis

for the further development of reflective insulation products and for their proper installation and use.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1958 : The several items proposed for

investigation are: ( l) Combinations of aluminum foil and

other insulations; (2) use with air spaces of uneven

thickness; (3) insulating effect of reflective surfaces

exposed iri an attic application to radiation from a solar

heated roof; (4) effect of air leakage between reflectively insulated air spaces; (5) permanence of reflectivity of aluminum foil surfaces; (6) study of moisture

and condensation problems with reflective insulations;

(7) effect of installation in air spaces with one side

open; (8) thermal conductivity of various aluminum alloys.

Priority will be given to Items 1, 2, and 3j the remainder

will be dealt with as time permits. The results of the

work are to be prepared for publication.

- 13 -
CEMENT, CONCRETE, AND MASONRY

0903-20-4428 Qualities of Refractory Concretes

Objectives” To determine whether specimens of concrete that

have been cured, heat-treated, and tested for Young's

modulus of elasticity and flexural strength have changed

structurally after exposure to the elements for a year or

longer

.

Importance of the Project ; Refractory concretes for jet aircraft warm-up aprons have been tested for various properties to evaluate their usefulness for that purpose. In

order to complete the evaluation of such concretes, it

would be desirable to learn whether the bonding cement

has rehydrated during weathering, therby increasing the

strength of the concrete which had been subjected to heat

treatments. Because concrete aprons are subjected to

heating and weathering the Information gained from the

tests of weathered specimens could be correlated with

actual service conditions.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuation of a project

started In July 1951. The work includes the study of

hydraulic cements and aggregates and the design and

testing of concretes that might be suitable for jet aircraft aprons. During the past year, four aggregates have

been used in designing 12 concretes. Each aggregate was

used with three different cements. The concretes were

mixed, and specimens were fabricated, cured, and tested

after different curing periods and increasing heat

exposures

.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 ; To determine Young's modulus of

elasticity by the sonic method of a wide variety of

tested and weathered refractory concrete specimens and

also to obtain information on their compressive strengths.

Approximately four months will be required for this phase

of the work, which should complete the project.

0906-20-0910 Physical Properties of Concreting Materials

Objectives ; To provide basic information leading to a better

understanding of the effects of environmental factors upon

the performance of concrete and to relate the physical

properties of concretes and their ingredients to performance .

- 14 -
0906-20-0910 - continued

Importance of the Project ; Approximately $700,000,000 worth

of portland cement is used annually in the United States.

By the time this cement is incorporated in concrete a

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

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

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

on the properties of concrete and concrete aggregates, as

well as additional development of techniques to measure

these properties.

Activity Summary : The results of a preliminary study of the

Volume changes which take place in concrete during

freezing and thawing were reported In the NBS Research

Paper 2000. This work was done with a mercury displacement dilatometer. Tests were made at various cooling and

heating rates and with concretes of various moisture contents. It is proposed to continue this type of work,

using imbedded SR-4 strain gages to measure the volume

changes

Comparisons have been made of the relative resistance

of various concretes when exposed to the four types of

laboratory freezing and thawing cycles specified by the

ASTM. This work has also involved cooperative investigations with ten other laboratories.

Approximately 200 samples of portland cement representing most of the types and sources of United States

production have been subjected to all of the standard

physical and chemical laboratory tests, as well as to

additional special tests. Concretes from each of these

cements have been subjected to wetting and drying,

freezing and thawing, and other exposure tests.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : Recent laboratory work has

demonstrated that imbedded SR-4 strain gages can be used

to give the same type of information as that obtained

with the mercury displacement dilatometer. Using this

technique, it is proposed to chart and interpret the

dimensional changes in cement paste specimens in which

the following properties of the specimens are varied:

(l) degree of saturation; (2) size of specimens ;( 3) curing

of specimens; (4) casting of specimens; and in which the

exposure is varied in the following respects: (a) rate

of cooling and thawing; (b) extent of cooling and thawing;

- 15 -
0906-20-0910 - continued

(c) exposure of specimen to moisture. Measurements will

continue on the exposure- test specimens, and a few additional cements may be added to the 200 which will be

under test at the start of the fiscal year. Attempted

will be correlations between measured properties of the

cements and their concretes.

0906-10-0923 Chemical Properties of Cementing Materials

Objectives ; To provide basic information leading to a better

understanding of the mechanism of hardening of cement and

related materials, and of the reactions attending the

deterioration of these materials under various conditions

of use.

Importance of the Project : Cementing materials, including

Portland and other cements, lime, plaster, and the aggregates employed therewith, are used in great quantities in

the construction of highways, dams, and nearly all types

of buildings. Portland cement production in the United

States alone amounts to about 50 million tons a year.

Occasionally these materials fall short of standard performance in service, and considerable economic loss

results from deterioration of concrete, mortar, and

plaster. In many cases the causes of failure are not

entirely understood, perhaps because of imperfect know-ed n

ledge of the reactions that normally occur in the hardening processes. The various cements and plasters have

in common the property of reacting chemically with water,

thereby hardening and developing strength. Much is

already known, in an empirical way, about the relation

between chemical and physical properties and performance

in service, but it is increasingly evident that more

fundamental knowledge is required

Activity Summary ; Work on the system lime-silica-water has

involved the following; (l) An extensive literature

survey; (2) a study of phase equilibria in the system at

l8o°C; (3) a thermochemical study of reactions in limesilica gel pastes; and (4) a study of rate of reaction

between lime and silica gel in excess water. These tasks

are in various stages of completion. Hydrothermal

studies are being made of the formation and the composition of the hydro-garnet phase in the system lime-aluminasilica-water. A related, study, in which strontia was

substituted for lime, has been completed. Measurements

of the surface areas of hydrated cements have been made

-16-
0906-10-0923 ~ continued

by water and nitrogen sorption, and the causes of the

observed reduction in surface on storage are being sought.

Studies of the alkali-aggregate reaction in concrete have

demonstrated large volume increases and the development

of considerable pressure. Microscopic studies have been

of aid in observing the course of the reaction. The setting of oxychloride cements has been studied by thermochemical methods.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1996 : (l) Completion of a literature

survey on the system lime-silica-water; (2) study of phase

equilibria in the system lime-silica-water at selected

temperatures below l80°C; (3) completion of the thermochemical study of lime-silica gel pastes; (4) study of the

reaction rate between lime solution and silica gels, and

attempted correlation with other properties; (5) completion of hydrothermal study of the lime-alumina-silica

hydrogarnets; (6) investigation of the cause of "instability" of surface of hydrated portland cement; (7) study

of the effect of carbonation at different relative

humidities on the surface of hydrated cement; (8) measurement of pressure developed by aggregates in cement paste,

by means of cells using SR-4 strain gages; ( 9 ) microscopic study of diffusion of Na and Ca into aggregates;

(10) determination of heats of formation of natural and

synthetic hydrated calcium silicate.

0906-30-4415 Cement Reference Laboratory

Objectives ; To standardize and improve the testing of portland cement at laboratories throughout the country.

Importance of the Project ; The KBS carries on a large cementtesting program and, in connection therewith, does work on

the development and refinement of test methods. The tests

are somewhat empirical in nature and, for this reason,

comparable test results between laboratories are obtainable

only through standardization of equipment and techniques.

The work of this project makes an important contribution

to this need.

Activity Summary : The Cement Reference Laboratory sends

qualified men, together with calibrating equipment, to

cement- testing laboratories throughout the country. Upon

request, these men check and calibrate cement-testing

equipment, demonstrate testing methods, and observe the

- 17 -
0906-30-4415 - continued

methods used in other laboratories. The laboratory also

distributes cooperative test samples throughout the industry and analyzes the test results reported. It also makes

contributions to test methods and apparatus and takes an

active part in technical committee work.

Over 250 cement- testing laboratories take advantage of

this, service, and each is visited at approximately 3-year

intervals

.

0906-30-4433 Acceptance Testing, Cement

Objectives ; To make acceptance tests on portland cement used

by the various Federal agencies throughout the United

States

.

Importance of the Project ; Most of the projects for which

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

air fields, etc.) and the cement-acceptance program prevents difficulties with the concrete resulting from the

use of sub- standard cement.

Activity Summary ; This project has been in continuous operation for over 40 years. Currently, samples representing

approximately 13 million barrels of cement per year are

being tested in laboratories located in San Francisco,

California; Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colorado; Allentown, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D. C.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956; It is expected that the project

will continue at substantially the same level. Some

reduction in testing volume will result from a proposed

statistical testing plan which is expected to go into

effect during the year.

The Volume of testing is somewhat seasonal. During

slack periods work will also be accomplished on development of test methods, both physical and chemical, and on

cooperative test programs with other laboratories.

0906-30-4444 Miscellaneous Testing

Objectives ; To make tests, both acceptance and of other

types, on a variety of materials, such as hardened and

fresh concrete, concrete aggregates, soils (engineering

-18-
0906-30-4444 - continued.

properties) bituminous aggregates, filter trickling media,

floor hardeners, integral concrete admixtures, and

spelters

Importance of the Project ; The information obtained from

this project enables the various Federal agencies to control the quality of concrete and other materials going

into Federal construction in the D. C. area. It furnishes

information (on soils) required in engineering designs.

It contributes to the determination of the causes of

failure In performance of unsatisfactory concretes.

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project, with the

major portion of the work being accomplished in the

Washington D. C. laboratory, although a few tests each

year are made in the Seattle and San Francisco cementtesting laboratories.

0907-10-0914 The Chemistry of Portland Cement

Objectives; To obtain fundamental data on the structures

and mechanisms involved in the burning of portland cement

clinker and the hardening of concrete, leading to improved

understanding of these processes and ultimately to technological improvements; and to develop new experimental

techniques needed in obtaining the required data.

Importance of the Project ; This research project, carried

on by' the Portland Cement Association Fellowship since

1924, has developed a number of different types of basic

information which have had great Importance in cement

technology. Among these are formulas of the major cement

clinker constituents, their heats of hydration, and the

effect of cooling rate on crystal growth in clinker. The

results of those investigations now affect almost all

cement manufacture.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuing project. During the

past year a study was initiated of phase equilibria in

the system K20-Na20-Ca0-Al203-Fe2C>3-Si02 . This complex

system could be studied only through use of the hightemperature centrifuge which had previously been developed,

together with the other more usual methods. The work has

already given data on the whole course of crystallization

of two typical clinker compositions. A knowledge of the

composition of the liquid reaction zone of an actual

- 19 -
0907-10-091^ - continued

clinker at kiln temperatures is provided for the first

time by these results.

A study of the system CaO-CgS-C^A^-CgF was also

carried forward during the year to establish more clearly

the nature of the fourth major crystalline phase in

cement clinker, which is the main iron-bearing constituent

Further work was done with the application to X-ray

structure analysis of the hot-wire apparatus previously

developed for high- temperature microscopy. Diffraction

data were obtained at high temperatures from single crystals of calcium hydroxide and tricalcium silicate.

Continued was the study of the hydration of calcium

silicates by electron diffraction and electron microscopy,

with emphasis (l) on a survey of specimens prepared by

various techniques, to establish unequivocally the morphology _in situ of the hydrated calcium silicates, and

(2) on comparisons of the diffraction patterns with those

of well-characterized compounds obtained in other ways.

Other activities, incidental to the main research programs, included contributions to the establishment of

facilities for routine crystal-structure calculations on

SEAC, the large NBS electronic computer, and publication

of the review articles "Cement" ( Encyclopedia Americana , 1955 Revision, vol. 6, pp. 188-91) and "The Calcium

Silicate Hydrates" ( international Congress of Industrial

Chemistry, Brussels; September, 195^77 by R. H. Bogue

.

1001-10-1000 Masonry and Reinforced Concrete

Objectives ; To secure basic data in the laboratory on the

strength, behavior under load, elastic properties and

durability of masonry, concrete, reinforced concrete,

natural building stone, brick, concrete masonry units,

masonry mortars, and lightweight concretes.

Importance of the Project : Data on properties of masonry

and reinforced concrete are needed as a means of establishing satisfactory specifications and code requirements

for various service conditions and for effecting economies

In order to predict durability of brick and stone under

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

- 20 -
1001 - 10-1000 continued

laboratory with results of outdoor exposure tests. In

order to Improve design practices and conserve steel, it

is necessary to study the behavior of reinforced concrete

structural members under load with respect to their

strength, stiffness, elastic properties, and modes of

failure- Collaborative work with the Fellowships of the

American Iron and Steel Institute and Masonry Research is

needed to provide information on methods of controlling

widths of cracks in reinforced concrete beams and on

structural properties of masonry and masonry components.

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project. During the

past year one phase of the study of factors affecting the

width and spacing of tensile cracks in reinforced concrete beams and slabs was completed and a paper presenting

the results was prepared. The paper presents an empirical

expression which will enable designing engineers to estimate widths of tensile cracks in beams and slabs. The

study of properties of lightweight concretes containing

large percentages of entrained air instead of aggregate

was completed and the results were published. The study

also included a comprehensive survey of foreign and

domestic literature on this subject. Work is continuing

with studies of durability of building stone. The study

of properties of a large number of commercial portland

masonry cements was completed and work was started to

determine their bond strength with masonry units.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1936 ; (1) Width of Cracks in Rein- forced Concrete Beams ; Determine the effect of strength

of concrete on the width and spacing of tensile cracks

in collaboration with American Iron and Steel Institute

Fellowship. (2) Shear Strength of Reinforced Concrete

Beams ; Continue the study of distribution of strain in

portions of beams resisting shear for the purpose of

determining the mechanism of failure by diagonal tension

in beams having no web reinforcement. Preliminary results

indicate a nonlinear strain distribution not previously

reported in the literature. (3) Durability of Brick and

Stone ; Continue periodic examinations of stone exposure

test wall and analyze observations from long-term masonry

exposure tests. (4) Properties of Masonry ; Determine

bond strengths of masonry assemblages containing portland

masonry cement mortars in collaboration with Masonry

Research Fellowship. (5) Mechanism of Failure by Freez - ing and Thawing ; Determine by means of mercury dilatometer

and bonded wire strain gages the length changes occurring

in masonry during freezing and thawing with the view of

studying the mechanism of failure by freezing and thawing.

- 21 -
1001-10-4811 Precast Thin-Shell Concrete Structures

Objectives: To evaluate and develop prototype design of

thin-shell precast and prestressed concrete elements and

structures

.

Importance of the Project : Precast thin-shell ribbed panels

and hollow-section framing members are a relatively new

type of construction, particularly those containing prestressed reinforcement. Buildings making use of structural members of this type are being planned at present

by the Bureau of Yards and Docks and technical data are

urgently needed on such design aspects as the crosssection of the members, orientation and amount of reinforcement, elastic stability, adequacy of watertightness

and resistance to fire.

Activity Summary: This is a continuing project which was

started in 1953. During the past fiscal year extensive

work was performed to determine the load-carrying capacities and other properties of a variety of prestressed and

nonprestressed thin-shell roof panels, and panel frames

assembled by means of bolted and welded connections. An

evaluation of two box girders with welded splices indicated that the addition of a trifling amount of web reinforcement near the splices increased their resistance to

shear by about 50 percent. A number of slabs consisting

of hollow concrete cells assembled in a checker-board

fashion and suitably prestressed in two. directions were

studied with a view toward their utilization in floating

structures. The NBS was called upon to devise the casting

technique and to produce cellular concrete blocks suitable for the prestressed assemblies.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956: (l) Further Evaluation of Prestressed Cellular Assemblies : Prestressed slabs consisting of cellular concrete blocks, with grouted and mortarless joints are to be studied with regard to their stiffness, flexural strength, resistance to shear, and loss of

prestress with time. (2) Waterti^htness of Joints

Between Precast Elements : An experimental structure,

about 12 by 30 ft to be erected on Bureau grounds will

provide several bolted joints which will be filled with

different joint fillers and mastics to determine their

suitability in a long-term watertightness test. (3)

Behavior of Thin-Shell Structures Under Sustained Loads : Observations will be continued on several thin-shell precast roof panels placed under test to determine their

plastic behavior under sustained loads.

- 22 -
1001-10-4812 Stresses In MasonryObjectives : To determine by means of tests of small-scale

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

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

contraction.

Importance of the Project ; The widespread cracking of walls

of concrete masonry has necessitated large expenditures

for repair. Both the results of tests conducted in laboratories and of extensive experience with structures indicate that the drying shrinkage is responsible for much of

the cracking observed. Despite the widespread interest in

this problem* the literature contains no method by which

engineers can estimate the minimum spacing of control

joints and the least amount, the location, and the form of

reinforcement that would be most effective in minimizing

objectionable cracking under various conditions.

Activity Summary ; This is a continuing project which was

initiated in 1953. A second progress report submitted to

Sponsors during the past year described the development

of the general elastic theory for stresses in a restrained

wall undergoing shrinkage and presented numerical solutions for certain special cases of this problem. The

numerical solutions were obtained for a wall having a length of twice its, height. The theoretical results were

compared with experimental data obtained with several

plaster of paris and concrete models.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (l) Theoretical Work; Stresses

will be computed for walls in which the length and height

are equal and in which the length is four times the

height. These solutions are to be obtained on the assumption that the foundation is sufficiently rigid to prevent

all shortening along the line of attachment. (2) Experimental Work; Further experimental work is underway with

models of concrete containing internal strain gages to

determine strains in walls undergoing actual shrinkage.

These models will also be subjected to load tests to

determine to what extent the load tests simulate the

state of strain produced by actual shrinkage.

- 23 -
1001-40-4813 Control of Leakage Through Cast-Stone

Panel Masonry

Objectives: To determine a method of controlling leakage of

wind-driven rain through walls of cast concrete panels.

Importance of the Project: Thermal and moisture length

changes in exposed aggregate cast concrete panels used as

facing in one particular Government building have

resulted in leakage of wind-driven rain through the joints

between panels. In an effort to find a remedy for this

problem,, the Bureau of Yards and Docks requested the NBS

to undertake a study of the movement of the joints and to

determine means of controlling the leakage through the

joints in this structure. This problem is encountered

commonly in monumental buildings faced with large cast

stone panels.

Activity Summary: This project was Started in May 1954.

During the past year, the movements of the vertical joints

between cast-stone panels were measured periodically to

determine the effect of moisture as well as seasonal temperature chapges. The measurements covered periods before

and after treatment of the panels and grouting of the

joints carried out according to specifications prepared

by the NBS. Laboratory tests of the properties of the

original cast-stone have been completed. Fifty samples

of calking materials were procured and their suitability

for use with cast-stone masonry is being determined. As

no cast-stone specimens were available for the tests of

calking materials, a large number of suitable specimens

of cast-stone had to be prepared in the NBS laboratories.

1001-10-4814 Design Stresses in Reinforcement

Objectives : To provide basic data needed for determining

proper design tensile stresses in concrete reinforcement

of different physical properties.

Importance of the Project : For the national welfare, it is

obviously desirable that allowable design stresses be as

liberal as is compatible with reasonable safety and satisfactory performance of reinforced concrete structures.

Test data indicate that the resisting bending moments

of beams failing by yielding of reinforcement are a linear

function of the yield strength of the reinforcement. If

failures by yielding of the reinforcement were the only

manner of failure possible, immediate increases in

- 24-
1001-10-4814 - continued

allowable design tensile stresses would be warranted for

some types of reinforcement. Unf or tunately, there are

other possible causes of failure and of unsatisfactory

performance, and their probability often is not predictable. Test data are needed to enable designing engineers to predict loads causing diagonal tension failures,

deflections, widths of cracks, and bond strengths when

the reinforcement is subjected to unusually high tensile

stresses

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 s (1) Flexural Strength of Beams : Determine the effect of yield strength and stress-strain

characteristics of concrete reinforcement of six different types on the resisting moments and manner of failure

of beams having reinforcement of the same total yield

strength. (2) Strength of Beams in Shear : Repeat the

above with beams designed to fail in diagonal tension to

determine the effect of increased steel stresses on the

shearing strengths of beams having no web reinforcement.

(3) Prepare report on results of the study suitable for

publication.

- 25 -
CODES AND SPECIFICATIONS

0501-30-0501 Preparation of Specifications and Standards

for Paints, Varnished, Lacquers, and

Component Materials

Objectives : To provide Federal Specifications for organic

coating materials and for the products used in their formulation. Also, to participate in the development of

standards for similar materials by ASTM and ISO.

Importance of the Project : The competitive bidding system

under which most Government paint purchases are made

depends for its success on the availability of documents

that provide accurate and adequate descriptions of the

products purchased. Specifications furnish such a basis

for mutual understanding between the industrial supplier

and the Government buyer. Government procurement agencies, notably the General Services Administration, have

long depended on the Bureau to assist them in the technical aspects of specification writing. Participation

in the standardizing activities of technical societies

provides an opportunity to keep abreast of developments

in this area and to utilize them to best advahtage in

the Federal program.

Activity Summary: The Bureau has been responsible for the

development of paint procurement specifications for many

years. During fiscal year 195^* specifications for

brushing lacquer and alkyd flat wall paint were drafted

and submitted to GSA for issuance as interim documents.

A substantial number of specifications prepared by others

under the "assigned agency" system were reviewed and comments submitted. The international program on standardization of shellac was continued in addition to the ASTM

project on phthalocyanine blue pigments of the noncrystallizing, non-flocculating type.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (1) Incorporate departmental

comments, when received, in interim specifications for

brushing lacquer and alkyd flat wall paint to cpmplete

these assignments; (2) undertake preparation of new

specification to cover polyvinyl acetate emulsion paints

and revise other specifications to bring them up to date.

(3) continue active cooperation in ASTM arid ISO activities.

-26-
1005-40-1022 Construction Codes and Safety Standards

Objectives: To assist In the preparation of safety and construction standards either by serving as a sponsor or by

furnishing technical service to committees under the sponsorship of other technical or scientific organizations.

Importance of the Project : Uniformity of safety and construction standards Is of the utmost importance to industry and to the public- If every city and state were to

prepare different requirements, mass production of such

items as elevators, crane hoists and derricks, would not

be possible. Each piece of equipment would have to be

designed and built to meet local laws and ordinances.

The common use of standards and data by all organizations

in the field has the effect of gradually reducing unnecessary differences in technical safety requirements and of

producing uniformity where that is practicable and desirable. The Section cooperates in efforts to bring about

greater uniformity on a voluntary basis, recognizing that

there are some local conditions that justify differences

in safety requirements.

Activity Summary : In addition to the preparation of standards, the Section is called upon for information and

advice in connection with the activities of numerous bodies

engaged in work on building and plumbing codes, including

New York State Building Code Commission, the Joint Committee on Building Codes, the Building Officials Conference

of America, and the Coordinating Committee for a National

Plumbing Code.

During the current year, active work has been carried

on in connection with: (1) a complete revision of the

Elevator Code, which is now awaiting ASA approval; (2)

revision of the Code for Lightning Protection which has

been completed; (3) the work of revising Part 2 of the

National Electrical Safety Code on which considerable

progress has been made; (4) the revision of the Code for

the Protection of Heads, Eyes, and Respiratory Organs

which has been brought almost to the point of completion;

(5) a study of wind pressures on buildings which has been

carried on with special consideration to maximum values

that may be expected in various geographical locations;

(6) a revision of the Manual of Fire-Loss Prevention of

the Federal Fire Council, which has been completed; and

(7) The National P-lumbing Code on which considerable work

has been done.

- 27 -
1005-40-1022 - continued

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 ; Work will be started on the Elevator Inspectors ' Manual, a companion volume to the Elevator Code. As it refers to the Code, it could not be

started until that work was completed. The Code for the

Protection of Heads, Eyes, and Respiratory Organs will be

completed and prepared for printing after approval of the

sponsors and the ASA. Work on Part 2 of the National

Electrical Safety Code, Overhead and Underground Transmission Lines, will be pushed to completion and work on

Parts 1, 3 , and 4 will be started. Code on Radio Installations (formerly Part 5 of the National Electrical Safety

Code) will be undertaken. Development of requirements for

design loads for buildings and for other structures,

including tall towers, will be continued. Coordination

of requirements of building codes (in cooperation with

the Joint Committee of Building Codes) will be continued.

A report will be prepared on combustible loads in

buildings. Studies of flow through horizontal runs of

soil pipe will be made to supply data for use in connection with the National Plumbing Code.

- 28-
1005-40-1022 Construction Codes and Safety Standards

Objectives: To assist in the preparation of safety and construction standards either by serving as a sponsor or by

furnishing technical service to committees under the sponsorship of other technical or scientific organizations.

Importance of the Project : Uniformity of safety and construction standards is of the utmost importance to industry and to the public. If every city and state were to

prepare different requirements, mass production of such

: items as elevators, crane hoists and derricks, would not

be possible. Each piece of equipment would have to be

designed and built to meet local laws and ordinances.

The common use of standards and data by all organizations

in the field has the effect of gradually reducing unnecessary differences in technical safety requirements and of

producing uniformity where that is practicable and desirable. The Section cooperates in efforts to bring about

greater uniformity on a voluntary basis, recognizing that

there are some local conditions that justify differences

in safety requirements.

Activity Summary : In addition to the preparation of standards, the Section is called upon for information and

advice in connection with the activities of numerous bodies

engaged in work on building and plumbing codes, including

New York State Building Code Commission, the Joint Committee on Building Codes, the Building Officials Conference

of America, and the Coordinating Committee for a National

Plumbing Code.

During the current year, active work has been carried

on in connection with: (1) a complete revision of the

Elevator Code, which is now awaiting ASA approval; (2)

revision of the Code for Lightning Protection which has

been completed; (3) the work of revising Part 2 of the

National Electrical Safety Code on which considerable

progress has been made; (4) the revision of the Code for

the Protection of Heads, Eyes, and Respiratory Organs

which has been brought almost to the point of completion;

(5) a study of wind pressures on buildings which has been

carried on with special consideration to maximum values

that may be expected in various geographical locations;

(6) a revision of the Manual of Fire-Loss Prevention of

the Federal Fire Council, which has been completed: and

(7) The National P.lumbing Code on which considerable work

has been done.

- 27 -
1002-10-1029 - continued

to prepare reference tables and papers for information

on the fire hazard presented by storage of combustible

materials under various conditions. (3) Fabric flamma - bility: Review methods currently being proposed for

fire retardant treatment of fabrics and perform an investigation of the effectiveness of such treatment methods

to show relative merit. (4) Preparation of Papers : The

preparation of technical papers on work previously completed will be continued. Important subjects, papers on

which are expected to be completed in 1956, include:

burnout studies of buildings and rooms, the radiant panel

flame spread test method, and method of studying the

ignition characteristics of materials by means of the

adiabatic furnace.

1002-30-4824 Marine Material 1954

Objectives : To obtain data on the constructional features

and evaluate operating behavior of equipment and materials

requiring Coast Guard approval for marine use (confined

to work authorized in fiscal year 1954)

Importance of the Project : The Sponsor is charged with the

maintenance of safety aboard United States vessels.

Because of this responsibility it is necessary to perform

examinations and tests on new devices and materials as

well as studies on parts which have shown poor behavior

in service. Because of the diversity of types of examination and testing procedures required, it has been considered necessary to have the work performed at the NBS.

Activity Summary: About sixty percent of the work authorized

was completed in fiscal year 19^4. The remainder consisting mainly of the development of a new photometric test

method has shown good progress during the past year but

because of certain procurement difficulties and pressure

of other work, is not expected to be completed this year.

This project was superseded by project 1002-30-4827

Marine Material 1955.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : The small amount of work r . i

remaining to be done on this project will be completed

and a report submitted to the Sponsor.

- 30 -
1002-30-4827 Marine Material 1933

Objectives* To obtain data on the constructional features

and evaluate operating behavior of equipment and materials requiring Coast Guard approval for marine use (confined to work authorized in fiscal year 1955)

Importance of the Project ; The Sponsor is charged with the

maintenance of safety aboard United States vessels.

Because of this responsibility it is necessary to perform

examinations and tests on new devices and materials as

well as studies on parts which have shown poor behavior in

service. Because of the diversity of types of examination

and testing procedures required, it has been considered

necessary to have the work performed at the NBS.

Activity Summary? Most of the work authorized in fiscal year

1955 Is expected to have been completed and reported to

the Sponsor during the year. It is, however, expected

that a small amount of work will remain to be completed in

1956. This is caused by the nature of the authorized

studies and authorization of work late in the year.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956? Work remaining uncompleted at

the beginning of the year will be finished and reported

to the Sponsor. A new project 1002-30-4829 will cover

work authorized by the Sponsor in 1956.

1002-30-4829 Marine Material 1956

Objectives? To obtain data on the constructional features

and evaluate operating behavior of equipment and materials requiring Coast Guard approval for marine use (confined to work authorized in fiscal year 1956).

Importance of the Project ? The Sponsor is charged with the

maintenance of safety aboard United States vessels.

Because of this responsibility it is necessary to perform

examinations and tests on new devices and materials as

well as studies on parts which have shown poor behavior

in service. Because of the diversity of types of examination and testing procedures required, it has been considered necessary to have the work performed at the NBS

Activity Summary ? Not applicable.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956? Examinations, performance tests,

and development of new test procedures will be performed

as requested by the Sponsor.

- 31 -
1002-30-4871 Flame Spread of Interior Finishes

Objectives; To secure data on the flame spread behavior of

a large variety of interior wall finished.

Importance of Project ; In specifications of wall finishes

for buildings it is desirable to have information on the

flame spread behavior of materials considered. Because

of the previous lack of a simple method of test of this

fire characteristic of materials no comprehensive study

of this type has been completed. The completion of

development of the radiant panel flame spread test method

has now made this study possible. Results ob-tdindd from

this study will be used as the basis for specification df

types of Interior finishes of Defense Department buildings.

Activity Summary ; This is a new project designed to supplement the information previously obtained on flame spread

behavior of materials. Previous work has been described

in the papers; "Evaluation of Flame Spread and Vapor Permeability Properties of Interior Finishes" and "Radiant

Panel Test for Flame Spread", October issue of Technical News Bulletin.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1986 ; The work to be done is essentially an evaluation study of the behavior of standard

finsih materials. Two main classes of finishes will be

studied;

I. CoatingsThese will be considered in two groups. First

the liquid coatings^. Whi ohi include paints and var-

• .. hie 4 nishes and secondly, films or sheets such as

linoleum wall coverings, papers, metal foils,

plastic films. All of these will be tested as

; ]

. I., .A applied to four base materials; fiberboard, plywood, gypsum board, and asbestos cement board.

II. Panels

This class of materials will be tested in the

thickness supplied (presumably greater than 1/8

in.). Included here are; plastics, coated metals,

building finish boards, vapor barrier materials

as furnished on various semirigid insulation

materials.

A report will be prepared describing the results of

the investigation.

- 32 -
1002-30-4871 - continued

Plans for Fiscal Year 1937 ; It is expected that the described

study will- be completed within the fiscal year. However,

results of the study may make it desirable to continue

certain phases of the study in FY 1957.

1002-10-4872 Fire Resistance of Reinforced Concrete

Objectives t To provide basic information on the factors

affecting the fire endurance of reinforced concrete

constructions

Importance of the Project : In 1953* fire resistance tests

were performed for the Corps of Engineers on specimens

involving use of a reinforced concrete beam associated

with concrete channel slabs forming a roof deck. The

fire endurance of these specimens was much less than that

anticipated by the designers. Because of this the NBS

has initiated a theoretical study of performance of monolithic structures. Such calculations are at best, however, only approximate indicators of fire endurance performance. The work proposed is intended as a check on

the applicability of the theoretical calculations and

also for the purpose of developing basic fire endurance

data to be used for design purposes.

Activity Summary ; This study was actually started about a

year ago on NBS funds with the construction of four monolithic beams having varying amounts of cover or protection over the steel reinforcing rods. These specimens

have been conditioning prior to test.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 ; 1. Perform fire resistance

tests on one or two beams presently being conditioned.

2. Complete theoretical analysis of the scaling relationships of beams and prepare report on same.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1957 ° 1. Perform fire resistance

tests on two or three specimens remaining from FY 1956.

This study should result in information on the effect

of concrete cover on the fire endurance performance of

such specimens. It will also provide some of the

necessary information for correlation with the theoretical analysis already completed. 2. Prepare and fire

test two additonal specimens similar to one of those

studies under 1. These will be tested after Sftort

- 33-
1002-10-4872 - continued

conditioning periods for the purpose of determining the

effect of improper curing procedures on fire endurance.

3. Prepare a series of specimens for the purpose of

determining the effect of size of beam (scale size) on

fire endurance.

-34-
PLUMBING AND FLUID MECHANICS

0603-10-0618 Fluid Mechanics Research

Objectives; To provide basic information on the mechanics

of flow of water and air.

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

fluids or movement of bodies through them. Solutions to

these problems mean better performance of equipment, new

means of accomplishing some objective, or more reliable

means of calculating performance. The problems arise

mainly through ignorance of the basic mechanisms connecting the physical properties of the fluid and the forces

which induce flow both in the body of a fluid and in the

neighborhood of boundaries. This project is devoted primarily to the investigation of such fundamental processes

where, by the very nature of the problem, long-term continuity of effort is required, or where a line, of investigation must be pursued before phenomena are sufficiently

well understood to see the scope and promise of the undertaking. The latter provides the means whereby originality of thought and method are directed toward devising

new methods of attack and the discovery of new phenomena.

Activity Summary; During the past year progress was made in

studies of the initial characteristics of density currents flowing from a canal lock; on the analysis of data

on the form of the surface of reservoirs in severe wind

storms; and on saline intrusion in sand beds. Some preliminary studies were made of the possibilities of

obtaining coexisting laminar and turbulent flow near

grooved surfaces, the object being to determine the possibilities of reducing skin friction by this means.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 ; It is anticipated that work

will be done on the following problems; (l) initial

characteristics of density-current flow from a canal lock,

complete analysis and write paper; (2) action of severe

wind storms on the form of the surface of a reservoir,

complete analyses of data; (3) coexistence of laminar and

turbulent flow near grooved surfaces, produce groovewalled pipe and make measurements using air; (4) flow

visualization techniques as may be applied in water,

study of methods, application and analysis to learn what

types of Information can be derived about turbulent

motions

- 35 -
0603-10-3586 Hydraulics of Short Pipes

Objectives: To develop culvert inlet designs of greater

hydraulic efficiency than those currently used and to

determine the hydraulic characteristics of the more common types of non-rectangular culverts now being used.

Importance of the Project : The sponsor of the pro jecteestimates that approximately 12% of the costs of multi-lane

highway construction, amounting to several hundred

million dollars per year, is required for culvert installations. These high costs of modern culverts exert substantial economic pressure upon the sponsoring agency to

develop culvert design methods of increased hydraulic

precision, both with regard to the design runoff and to

the ability of the culvert to economically discharge the

design runoff. The research program of the sponsoring

agency, in regard to the hydraulics of culverts, is therefore aimed at the dual problem of (1) developing means,

by consideration of hydrological and meteorological data,

to increase the precision of estimating the peak runoff

of drainage areas and (2) developing methods of increasing the ability of economically sized culverts to discharge these peak runoffs, particularly on supercritical

slopes

.

Activity Summary : This project was started in July 195^-.

A substantial portion of the year was required to construct the experimental apparatus. This has consisted q

of the design and construction of a 50 -foot adjustable

slope (0 to 10^) channel ini which model lucite culvert

designs, of barrel diameter 5.5- inches, are tested and

an installation in the 12-foot flume of the laboratory

where 12 and 30-inch diameter models are to be installed.

The 50-foot variable slope installation has beenc®pfti-%-S j 1 pleted and experimental work has oeen underway fd'r some

months. The installation in the 12-foot flume is

approaching completion.

Experimental work during the past year has been confined to short smooth culverts with a variety of inlet

designs. Experimental work so far completed has shown

that the regime of flow in the culvert and therefore its

hydraulic efficiency is greatly influenced by upstream

approach conditions to the culvert entrance.

These experimental observations in the 50-foot variable slope channel have indicated that the results of

previous investigations of small culvert models with narrow approach channels must be used with caution in

- 36-

l-4>

*
0603-10-3586 - continued

predicting flow regime in full-sized culverts with

natural approach channels and have led to an expansion

of the proposed work to be done at the larger model

sizes in the 12-foot flume.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (l) To determine the location

of the pressure line at the outlet of circular and pipe

arch culverts for a variety of outlet conditions. (2)

To determine the effect of barrel length, slope and

roughness on the flow regime in circular culverts for a

limited number of conventional inlet designs. (3) To

develop one or more inlet designs which will permit culverts, particularly those on high supercritical slopes,

to flow full with consequent greater discharge when the

entrance is submerged. (4) To determine the model law

for transferring data from the small scale model tests

to the prototype under natural conditions.

0804-10-08l5 Mechanism of Corrosion Processes

Objectives ; To determine the nature, mechanism and rates

of the corrosion of metals by different processes in

various corrosive media and environments.

Importance of the Project ; Corrosion costs billions of dollars annually through the destruction of pietal and the

necessary replacement of parts. Corrosion is not a simple

process and little is known of the fundamentals of its

operation. It may occur as a simple general overall

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

stress and corrosion or in other ways possibly closely

related or interconnected. When the fundamental nature

of corrosive attack is understood, effective means to

prevent it can be undertaken with considerable savings to

the national economy.

Activity Summary ; During the year, (A) the relative orientations of crystals adjacent to intercrystalline stress corrosion cracks were determined, and the similarities and

differences of stress corrosion cracking in alpha and

beta brasses have been studied, with a view to proposing

a theory of the process which may be satisfactory for

both materials. (B) It has been established that monocrystalline aluminum is corroded by certain acids and

alkalies in accordance with regular patterns, the pattern varying with the corrosive agent and the rate of

- 37 -
0804-10-08l5 - continued

corrosion varying with the crystallographic orientation

of the exposed surface and with the corrodent. (C) For

the past two years considerable attention has been paid

to the effect of current and its measurement in galvanic

corrosion. Two papers, on geometric factors and on an a

measurement of corrosion rates from the polarizing charac

teristics of metals, were issued during the last year.

The effect of carbon content and heat treatment of steels

on the corrosion rates were studied.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (A) Complete metallographic

studies of initiation of stress corrosion cracking in

brasses: continue studies of stress corrosion of decarburized steels and of steels in metal vapors at high temperatures; continue studies of stress corrosion of cast

and wrought magnesium alloys. (B) Analyze data already

obtained on pitting of monocrystalline aluminum; study

the effect of surface films, lattice distortions and

irregularities, etc., on the pitting of monocrystalline

aluminum. (C) Study the effect of conductivity of electrolyte on corrosion of steels; study the pitting rates

and polarization of iron containing from 0.5 to 25.0 percent of chromium with and without other alloying elements

- 38-
PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS

0302-10-0303 Calorimetric Measurements

Objectives : To develop and maintain calorimetric standards

used in measurements of heat capacities, heats of transitions, and heats of reactions * Also, to determine the

thermal properties of selected pure substances of importance in thermodynamics; to use calorimetric measurements

to determine chemical purities of very pure materials*

Importance of the Project ; Calorimetric standards make it

possible for laboratories to make accurate calorimetric

measurements by a "comparison” method with the minimum of

effort* The importance of these standards has been pointed

out in recent years by the efforts of Calorimetry Conferences (UoSc ) which have asked KBS help in developing heat

capacity standards in addition to the existing heat of

combustion standards.. As a result of the unique facilities of the NBS which encourage the highest accuracy in

measurements, the NBS is frequently asked to make calorimetric measurements on pure materials for which very

accurate thermodynamic data are urgently needed to resolve

differences in existing data* Accurate calorimetric measurements also are used to evaluate the chemical purity of

very pure materials, thereby serving as an independent

check on chemical and spectroscopic methods*

Activity Summary : The adiabatic calorimeter for heat capacity

measurements up to 5>00° c has been completed, and measurements on the empty calorimeter are under way* This calorimeter incorporates many novel features for minimizing

errors and manpower needs while maintaining an accuracy of

about Oolt The use of numerous electronic devices for

automatically regulating and recording temperatures, together with an electronic integrator which gives the total

heat leak for an experiment, has made it possible for one

person to operate the apparatus* Using this calorimeter,

the upper temperature limit of adiabatic calorimetry will

be extended from 100° to 500° C* Design has been completed

and construction started on a new "drop” calorimeter which

will extend the temperature range using this method from

900° C to 1500° C* For measuring very small heats of

reaction or solution near room temperature, a new type of

calorimeter has been accurately calibrated* In the study

of liquid-vapor phase equilibria of nitrogen and oxygen

and their mixtures, the results of measurements of compositions, pressures, and surface tensions have been

39 -
0302-10-0303 - continued

calculated and prepared for publication. A preliminary

study has been made of the design of a calorimeter for measuring heat capacities of gases up to 300° C. In conjunction with the NBS titanium project, chemical purity determinations were made on several samples of very pure titanium

chloride and bromide.

0507-20-0532 Utilization of Fuel Gases

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

Importance of the Project : Since 1910, NBS research on methods

of testing gases to determine their useful properties and

on the design, adjustment and use of gas-burning appliances

has been the basis of many State Public Utility regulations,

a large part of the American Gas Association's appliance

approval of program, and of various safety codes. A continuation of the work is needed to meet the needs of government, industry, and public for standards and technical

guidance in this field.

Activity Summary : Work on the project has been devoted

largely to a study of the factors affecting the accuracy

of recording gas calorimeters. A publication giving the

results of the work is in preparation. Limited work has

been done on several other subjects including plans for

the supply, in cooperation with the gas industry, of gases

of standard heating value for calibrating calorimeters,

and safety codes (National and District of Columbia) involving fuel gases.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956: Plans include the completion of

publication on recording calorimeters, revision of the

gas code of the District of Columbia, the completion of

plans for the distribution, probably by the American Gas

Association, of gases to be used as heating value standards with NBS cooperation in their standardization, and

the tentative revision of "Standards for Gas Service,"

the basis of most of the official State regulations on

this subject.

0702-10-0731 Research on Properties of Textiles

Objectives : To provide basic information on the properties

of textiles; in particular, on the effects of corrosive

atmospheres, elevated temperatures, and high energy

radiation on textiles.

-40-
07 02 -10 ~07 31 - continued

Importance of the Project : Loss of strength and color changes

in textiles are often attributed to atmospheric contaminants such as dinitrogen textroxide and sulfur dioxide,

but the chemical and physical effects of exposures to low

concentrations of these gases in air of controlled humidity

and temperature have not been thoroughly investigated 0 The results of such an investigation should serve as a basis for selecting textiles for specific uses and for

developing protective treatments for textiles., As wet-dry

regions occur frequently on textiles during processing and

use, a more complete understanding of "interface” degradation is of practical as well as of theoretical importance

Because of the highly oriented structures and relatively

high ratio of surface area to volume shown by textile

fibers, the effects of radiation on these fibers may differ somewhat from those of the same polymers in bulk or

film form 0 A study of the effects of high energy radiatixm on textile fibers may, therefore, open up new ways of

modifying natural and synthetic fibers to obtain improved

properties 0 Activity Summary: During the past year, a number of cellulosic fabrics were exposed at room temperature for periods

of time ranging from 0o5 to 12 hours to air of I4.5 percent

relative humidity and dinitrogen tetroxide contents ranging from Ool percent to 0 o 6 percent by volume,, Fabrics of

the morphologically diverse fibers cotton, ramie, and commercially deacetylated acetate, were found to retain

essentially the same percentage of their initial strengths

under identical conditions of exposure 0 They retained a lower percentage of their initial strengths than purified

viscose rayon fabrics 0 Five components were isolated by

means of paper chromatography from the brown-line material

formed at a wet-dry interface on purified cotton fabrico

Attempts to identify these components by chemical methods

were unsuccessful, A representative selection of textile

fibers was exposed to gamma and neutron irradiation in the

nuclear reactor at North Carolina State College „ A similar

set of samples was exposed to beta radiation by the Army

Quartermaster Research and Development Commando Stressstrain measurements are now in progress on the original

and on the irradiated fibers

„

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (1) Prepare a manuscript describing the results of the work on dinitrogen tetroxide

resistance of ce'llulosic textileso (2) Determine resistance of cottons and rayons to air of specified temperature, relative humidity, dinitrogen tetroxide, and

hydrogen chloride content* ( 3 ) By means of infrared
0702-10-0731 “ continued

spectrophotometry, follow oxidation of cotton and of rayons

containing different properties of "skin" as a function of

time and temperature. (I4.) Obtain infrared absorption spectra of the 5 components isolated from the ,, brown-line M material by means of paper chromatography. (5) Determine

stress-strain behavior and other properties of textile

fibers before and after irradiation.

0707-10-0733 Research on Properties of Plastics

Objectives : To provide basic information on the properties

of plastics; in particular, the degradation mechanism of

polyvinyl chloride, the effect of atomic irradiation and

atomic gases on plastics and the fracture behavior of

plastics

.

Importance of the project : The multi-billion dollar plastics

industry has produced a multitude of new materials. Basic

information on the properties of these materials is necessary for their development and improvement. Studies of

basic mechanisms, such as those involved in degradation,

fracture, and resistance to nuclear irradiation, and the

relationships between the chemical structure and physical

properties of the materials are providing information that

is helpful in the selection and utilization of these materials to meet specific military and industrial needs.

Activity Summary: Mass spectrome trie data of the gases

evolved and infrared spectrophotome trie patterns of changes

in chemical structure during degradative treatments of

polyvinyl chloride were obtained. Some difficulty has

been encountered in interpreting this information, particularly the mass spectrometric data. Irradiation of

plastic materials with beta, gamma, and nuclear radiation

has shown that future studies can best be made with beta

and gamma radiations, using a Van der Graaf generator and

Cobalt-60 for the respective sources. Exposure of plastic

materials in an atomic pile has been terminated. The

radiation work is confined currently to Irradiation of

films with subsequent study of chemical and physical

properties of the irradiated materials. Preliminary experiments indicate that further study of the attack of

atomic gases on plastic materials will be profitable. A

study of changes in fracture patterns with change in molecular weight of polymethyl methacrylate was completed and

reported

.
0707‘”10“0733 - continued

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (l) Study the changes in chemical

structure and physical properties of plastics when bombarded by atomic gases and beta and gamma radiations* (2)

Complete the investigation of the degradation mechanism of

polyvinyl chloride* ( 3 ) Study fracture mechanism in various plastics*

0901-10-0914-2 The Mechanism of Plasticity

Objectives: To obtain a scientific understanding of the

physical and chemical properties of matter determining

plastic behavior* Involved is a fundamental explanation

of plasticity and a method for its measurement*

Importance of the Project : Clay-water systems , partially

t3e cause of their plastic nature , are the most widely used

of all raw materials in the making of ceramic objects

(approximately 2 billion dollars’1 worth of ceramic products

are produced annually in this country) * The so-called

"plastic materials" are distinctly different in their behavior from viscous substances, and a scientific understanding of what plastic behavior is, and of the properties

of matter determining, controlling, and measuring it, has

not yet been developed* This is one phase of the broad

field of rheology* So long as objects were formed from

plastic materials by manual operations, a basic knowledge

of plasticity was scientifically interesting but not a necessity* Now, however, with the increasing use of automatically controlled mechanical devices, it is imperative

that this knowledge be developed 0 Mechanization of the

ceramic industry is dependent upon the "workability" of

clay, which in turn results from the application of plasticity* Furthermore, this dependence will become more

acute, and scientific knowledge a virtual necessity, as

the natural resources of the most desirable clays are

exhausted; and scientific information will be required to

so treat lower-quality clays that their plasticity will

supply the desired workability*

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (1) By electrodialysis, adsorbed

ions on clay as found in nature will be removed and replaced at will with certain ions known to influence plastic behavior* (2) By this means, the nature of the surface will be controlled, and the research will resolve

itself into two tasks— (a) the investigation of particle

shape and surface area; (b) the development or adaptation

of a device for relating surface area and surface properties to a numerical evaluation of plasticity*
0901-10-4400 Properties of Ceramics at

Elevated Temperatures

Objectives : To obtain fundamental information on properties

ot certain ceramic materials.

Importance of the Project : The data are used in the AEC program for reactor design, and the emphasis of the program is

reviewed each year to meet both current and future needs.

Activity Summary: This is a continuing program in the sense

that the ultimate objectives remain the same. However,

certain phases have been completed. One of these is the

study of the system Be 2 C-UC-UC2 j the results appeared as

NBS R.Po 2584 o Another is a bibliography of solid-state

reactions of the uranium oxides, NBS Circular 535- Another

paper, on high temperature reactions of UO2 with various

metal oxides, has been submitted for editorial reading.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1958 : The program consists of two

tasks. The first is a study to develop optimum mechanical

properties in pure UO2 and ThC> 2 » to establish values for

these properties at elevated temperatures, and to ascertain

the factors and the mechanism involved in the determination

of the properties. The second is a further determination,

at elevated temperatures, of the elastic properties and

other engineering data on 35 materials.

0903-20-0903 Physical Properties of Refractory

Materials

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

be useful in revising existing standards, including Federal

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

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

in existing ones, and new applications found for these

products. In order to keep abreast of such developments,

both from the standpoint of current Federal Specifications

and the inauguration of new ones, a knowledge of the pro*

perties of the products under service conditions is highly

desirable. There is a dearth of information on the properties of refractory castables, and the Bureau is in a unique position to obtain this information. Furthermore,

there is a lack of information on the relative volatility

of the fluxes present in alumina-silica refractories and
0903-20-0903 - continued

the effect of such volatilization at high temperatures on

the properties and mineralogical changes of such materials.

Conversely,, information is necessary on the relative rate

of absorption of different alkalies by the refractory at

high temperature o Investigation in this field should supply information which will clarify previously unexplained

phenomena. This clarification will be of considerable

value to the consumer of refractory materials.

Activity Summary: This is a continuing project covering the

type of materials which constitute over 90 percent of those

used industrially. Curing the past year a large number of

specimens of refractory castables have been prepared and

cured. Young 8 s modulus of elasticity by the sonic method

has been determined to establish uniformity of the specimens and thermal length changes measured from 20° to about

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 * Study of the physical properties

of the refractory castables will be continued. This will

include thermal expansion or contraction during heating,

the elastic and strength properties in flexure at several

different temperatures, and the effect on those properties

of preheating the specimens at selected elevated temperatures. Undertaken will be a new task relating to chemical

reactions occurring in silico-alumina refractory materials

heated at high temperatures. Attempts will be made to collect fractions of volatilized fluxes at consecutively

higher temperatures and identify them. The refractory will

also be subjected to high-velocity gas flames, and the loss

of the fluxes will be measured by means of spectrochemical

analyses

0907-10-0917 Properties of Crystalline Solids

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

inorganic solids and related glasses.

' : in inorganic materials where the

ely and continuously varied, as in

glasses or in members of isomorphous series, a study of

the relation of such changes to physical properties is

particularly rewarding. This is true because in such

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

element, is varied. From studying such a series we can

1300° C
0907-10-0917 - continued

determine the effect of the change of a single element on

properties such as density, melting point, primary phase,

transition temperatures, unit cell size, decomposition

temperature, and energy of decomposition or transition.

From data of these type, information on bond type and

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

as information on how to vary chemical composition to

obtain crystals or glass with particularly desirable and

useful properties.

Activity Summary: During the last year the details of the decomposition of bivalent carbonates of various compositions

were studied. The relative thermal effects and the compounds formed at the different temperatures and in different atmospheres with the Mn, Fe, Ba and Pb carbonates and

the solid solution between them were investigated and reported. Completed in Fiscal Year 1955* a compilation of

Phase Equilibrium Diagrams of Interest to Ceramists will

be published by the American Ceramic Society.

-46-
SURFACE FINISHES AND COVERINGS

0201-20-0203 Spectrophotometry and Its Application

to Colorimetry and Photometry

Objectives: (1) To develop and to maintain spectrophotome trie

standard’s; (2) to study improvements in spectrophotome trie

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

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

correlate (a) instrumentally obtained data of spectral

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

specification with (b) similar data of the same materials

either obtained visually by the human eye, directly or with

the aid of instruments, or photoelectrically by means of

additive or subtractive colorimeters, color difference

measurement instruments, or by means of physical photometers o Importance of the Project : Spectrophotometry is a research

and analytical tool in physics, chemistry, engineering, and

technology* One of its most important uses relates to the

subject of color* It is the fundamental basis of colorimetric analysis, standardization, and specification* It is

the only fundamental means of analyzing a color for research

or other purposes* It is the only means of standardizing

a color that is independent of material color "standards"

which are always of questionable permanence, and independent

of abnormalities of color vision, existing among even socalled normal observers, and in this sense it is the fundamental basis for color specification* The NBS has applied

the spectrophotometer to its color research, development,

and testing, and to various other work, for nearly 50

years* It pioneered in the development of the photoelectric

spectrophotometer and in its application to the colorimetry

of diffusing materials. With the advent of commercial

photo-electric spectrophotometers, the NBS began preparing

and issuing spectrophotometric standards of various kinds,

and hundreds of these standards are now in use, affording

checks on the reliability of the various scales of these

instruments in industrial, national, and international

laboratories, interested in colorimetry, photometry, and

spectrophotometry.

-hi-
0201-20-0203 - continued

Activity Summary: This is a continuing project which started

in approximately 1905* During the past year, because of lack

of funds, most of the personnel and equipment identified with

this project were diverted to the Air Force sponsored project

0201-20-2325, Color Reconnaissance Studies, in which some of

the same methods were applied. However, progress was made

in the following: (1) first steps were made in the international adoption of the Safety Color Code for marking physical hazards; (2) the acceptance by the military of the KBS

specified radiation hazard warning colors, purple and yellow;

(3) redetermination of the spectral reflectance of the sets

of light sensitive papers for calibrating weatherometers

and fadometers; (ip ) the publication of data for a standard

solution for calibrating the photometric scale of ultraviolet spectrophotometers; (5' the national acceptance by

all of the State governments of National School Bus Chrome

Yellow for painting the school buses of the Nation; (6) the

determination of a new color difference formula based on

measurements, both visual and spectrophotometric , made on

200 porcelain enamel on steel color plaques.

0201-20-0205 Photometry

Objectives : To maintain the national photometric units of

luminous intensity and luminous flux; to develop and maintain standards of illumination and luminance; to participate

in international and national comparisons of photometric

standards; and to study the relative luminosity factors of

the human eye by means of which the luminous intensity and

luminous flux of lights of different colors are evaluated.

Importance of the Project : The maintenance of the national

units for photometric values for lights of all colors is

one of the basic functions of the Bureau. Lamp companies,

commercial laboratories, universities, and government agencies depend upon the photometric standards calibrated or

issued by the Bureau. Standards representing the national

photometric units of the United States are sent to the

International Bureau of Weights and Measures for intercomparison with similar standards from other national standardizing laboratories. Intercomparisons with lamp laboratories in this country insure uniformity in the United

States while the international intercomparisons insure

uniformity throughout the world.

Activity _ Summary: Groups of 8 lamps at each of the four

points of the photometric scale (luminous intensity at

2014. 2 ° K, luminous intensity at 2353° K, luminous flux at

-48 -
0201-20-0205 - continued

2353° K, and luminous flux at 2788 ° K) were seasoned and

calibrated o The 4 most stable lamps from each group were

selected and carried to the Bureau Internationale des

Poids et Mesures where they will be intercompared with the

corresponding groups of lamps submitted by the other participating national standardization laboratories 0 Several

papers relating to the work on photometry have been written,,

A design for the mechanical part of a physical tristimulus

colorimeter to use with the thermopile and measuring equip

ment was worked out and will be built as funds and time

permit

„

The material originally prepared for possible use as an

NBS circular became the IES General Guide for Photometry

and has appeared in part in two issues of Illuminating

Engineering and will be available shortly as a separate

reprint in fullo

0201-30-0207 Standards of Light and Color

Objectives: The calibration and issuance of lamp standards

of candlepower, luminous flux and color temperature; spectrophotometric standards and standards of color, transmittance, reflectance, opacity, gloss and luminance

„

Importance of the Project : Standards of light and color are

in continuing heavy demand by Government and industry for

the calibration of instruments or working standards or for

the testing of materials and devices for compliance with

specifications,. Among the industries served are the following: lamp and lighting fixture, paint, paper, plastics

enamel, photographic, textile, television, oil and public

utilities 0 Activity Summary: During fiscal 1955 more than 450 standards

and calibrations were supplied as requested e An NBS letter circular, LC-1017, Standards for Checking the Calibration of Spectrophotometer (200 to 1000 mu) was issued,.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : Standards are to be calibrated

and issued as demanded and as the budget permits 0

-49 -
0201-30-0208 Specifications for Lamps and Colors

Objectives : Formulation and revision of Federal Specifications

for lamps, auxiliary equipment and colors, and cooperation

with ASA in allied fields in order to attain coordination,

particular stress being placed upon the development of improved qualification test for lamps, on insuring interchangeability of lamps, and on the assignment of uniform

designations to lamps.

Importance of the Project : The qualification testing of lamps

under Project 2320 (see Testing , Materials and products ) which provides the basis for the purchase of lamps by the

Government depends upon this project to provide necessary

specifications. New specifications must be formulated and

existing specifications revised periodically so that the

qualification tests may afford the means for qualifying

only manufacturers who can supply to the Government an acceptably high level of quality of lamps. Under this project,

also, American Standards and Federal Specifications for the

items covered by the project are coordinated so that there

will be no avoidable disagreement or duplication. The

development of American standards which meet Government

needs and the incorporation of these standards in Federal

Specifications by reference reduces Government printing

costs as well as the possibility of having unnecessary inconsistent requirements in Federal Specifications and

American Standards.

Activity Summary « An amendment to the Federal Specification

for Fluorescent Lamps (W-L-116) and 1958 Supplements to the

Federal Specifications for Large Incandescent Lamps (W-L-lOle)

and Miniature Incandescent Lamps (W-L-lllb) incorporating

more stringent requirements for these types of lamps were

formulated. Progress was made on the development of a Federal Specification for Projection Lamps and an Interim

Federal Specification was formulated, but lack of funds

retarded the progress of the work and it was agreed to transfer the development of this specification to the Signal Corps.

Cooperation with ASA in the development of American Standards

resulted in the drafting of Federal Spec if ications for

Enameled Conduit (WW-C-5?la) > Zinc-Coated Conduit (WW-C-58lc)

and Fluorescent Lamp Starters (W-S-755) which incorporate

all of the technical requirements in the American standards

by reference.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1958 : The scope of the project will be

somewhat reduced by eliminating electrical supplies other

than lamps and allied auxiliary equipment. The Federal

-50-
02 01 “30= 0208 - continued

Specifications for incandescent * fluorescent and photographic

flash lamps will be revised so as to keep them current and

cooperation will be given ASA in the development of American

Standards covering interchangeability of lamps and lamp

auxiliary equipment c

0904”10“0908 Properties of Inorganic Coatings

Objectives : To study the fundamentals controlling the behavior

of inorganic materials in the fused or glassy state; also*

to develop evaluation criteria for coatings of these materials on metalso More specifically* the objectives will be

to investigate (1) the surface chemistry of such inorganic

materials as a function of composition and temperature

(2) their electrolytic properties over a wide temperature

range in relation to the basic characteristics of constituent ions s (3) the development of adequate methods for

evaluating their properties when applied to metal bases

and (4) their susceptibility to diffusion of gases and

their related protective properties at high temperatures

Importance of Project : The expanding use of inorganic

(ceramic) coastings (approximately 1 l/2 billion dollars’

worth of enamel products were produced in 1954 )along

with the extended utilization of ceramic coatings for

specific high-temperature applications * including both

civilian and military purposes (jet engines* rockets* and

atomic energy power plants) * has introduced a whole new

series of problems in this general field which will require

a more basic approach to their solution For example* in

the high- temperature applications* basic data on such

properties as electrolytic behavior (resistance) and

permeability to gases* as well as a knowledge of other

general properties as a function of composition and temperature* are badly neededo Also* in many applications

chemical stability is the reason for the choice of these

materials; thus the study of surface chemistry of such

vitreous materials* and the mechanisms controlling their

chemical durability* are matters of considerable technological importance o The currently attainable corrosion

resistance is frequently inadequate 0 This results from a lack of knowledge concerning the complicated physicochemical processes at the glass-solution interface and

from the incompleteness of our theoretical understanding

of the nature of the glassy state 0 Studies of the fundamental mechanisms involved in the hydrolysis and dissolution of vitreous materials* the determination of ratecontrolling steps* and the clarification of surface

51 -
090L)-“10"0908 - continued

processes affecting the rate will provide basic information

in this little-understood field,, Along with fundamental

studies of this type* new and adequate methods must be developed for evaluating the behavior of such coatings in the

new fields in which they are being usedo

10014.-10-1017 Properties of Roofings Waterproofing * Flooring and' 'Coating Materials

Objectives : To ascertain the causes and the chemical and

physical processes of deterioration of asphalts when exposed to the weather and the relations between the chemical

and physical properties of flooring* roofing and waterproofing materials and their performance in service

,

Importance of the Project ;

(1) Work on Asphalt : At least 90 percent of the roofing

used in this country contains asphalt „ Asphalt used

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

extremely complex in composition* with properties that

vary with the source and the method of preparation.

The Bureau has undertaken a fundamental study of the

degradation of asphalt on weathering 'so be able to distinguish between good and poor weathering asphalts and

to establish methods for improving the weather resistance of asphalts

(2) Work on Flooring Materials : The compositions and constructions of flooring materials have undergone appreciable change in the past several years* notably vinyl

plastic floor coverings,, Needed most are satisfactory

methods for evaluating the resistance to wear and maintenance and the dimensional stability of floor covering

materials. Comparable and up-to-date information on

different types of materials and their installation is

of interest to Government agencies* architects* builders

and consumers.

Activity Summary:

(1) Work on Asphalt : This is a continuing project supported in part by the Asphalt Roofing Industry Bureau

under the Research Associate Plan, During the past

year* a chromatographic method was developed for the

separation of asphalt into four distinctive groups of

components (RP2577)° Work was initiated* with about

52 -
1004 - 10-1017 - continued

20 asphalts, to determine chemical composition of the

asphalts and of their components and changes in the components as the asphalts are weathered

„

(2) Work on Flooring Materials : Because of budget and manpower limitations, very little was accomplished on this

project during the past year„ The leader of the project

retired in November 1954' His time and that of his

assistant, who assumed charge when he retired, was spent

mainly on a project sponsored by the Office of the Chief

of Engineers, Department of the Army, on the evaluation

of flooring materials in field installations

Plans for Fiscal Year 1950:

(1) Work on Asphalt : (l) Complete chemical analyses of

asphalts and components under study,, (II) Continue

work on the fractionation of asphalts into groups of

similar components and determine, by the chromatographic method, changes in the distribution of components when the same base flux is blown to produce

asphalts of different softening points,, (III) Initiate

work to determine (a) the structure of the watersoluble degradation products of asphalt, (b) the gaseous products produced when asphalt and its components

are exposed to oxygen in the presence of light and

moisture and (c) the relationship between the rate of

oxygen absorption and the formation of water-soluble

products for various asphalts and their components.

(2) Work on Flooring Materials : Budget and manpower

limitations will preclude further flooring work on

this project during Fiscal Year 1956° However, oral

assurance of sponsorship of a project for the development of improved methods of testing and performance

criteria for flooring materials has been received from

the Air Force „ The Air Force is endeavoring to make

this a joint Army, Navy, and Air Force project that

will continue for several years

„

-53
1004“4°"4844 Stapler Method of Applying

Asphalt Shingles

Objectives : To evaluate a stapler method of applying asphalt

shingles

Importance of the Project: A stapler method of applying asphalt

shingles is currently not acceptable to FHA because it is

not endorsed by manufacturers of asphalt shingles. However,

numerous representations have been made that the method

reduces roof costs appreciably and at the same time provides

a durable, water-tight roof. Most new dwellings are roofed

with asphalt shingles and a large percentage of new dwellings are covered by FHA mortgage insurance. Section 10.4

agreed to make an evaluation of stapled roofs, mainly by

field inspections in different sections of the country.

Activity Summary : Field inspections of stapled roofs have

been made in Seattle, Washington; Dayton, Ohio; Savannah,

Georgia; Peoria, Illinois; Lansing, Michigan; Washington,

D.C. ; and Baltimore, Maryland. It is expected that field

inspections will be completed in Fiscal Year 1955*

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : Make laboratory determinations

necessary to establish: (l) Relative resistance to tear

of asphalt shingles applied by nailing and by stapling,

with staples placed horizontally, vertically, and at an

angle of 45° to the base line of the shingles; (2) The

practicability of the stapling method for applying asphalt

shingles to 5/16-in. plywood decks. Prepare a final report.

1004-20-4846 Research on Flooring

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

Department of Defense. The classification would indicate

the suitability of each flooring for each of a variety of

service conditions. The first rating would of necessity

be incomplete and highly tentative because of the inadequacies of existing methods of testing and the lack of

data indicating quantitative relationships between the

results of tests and service qualities. As improved methods of testing are developed and correlated with service

conditions, the reliability of the revised classification

would be improved. There would then become available both

the means for obtaining quick evaluation of new floorings

and reliable guides for the selection of floorings for any

purpose

- 54-
lOOl4.- 2 O-l4.846 - continued

Importance of the Project : A need exists for the development

of improved methods of testing and performance criteria

for flooring in several categories including those for

resistance to wear, dimensional stability, slipperiness,

electrical conductivity (hospital operating room floors)

,

moisture penetration, underlayment materials, effect of

aging and maintenance practices, cleaning ability, comfort

value (resilience and temperature), etc.

The establishment of satisfactory performance criteria

must be preceded by the development of laboratory methods

for evaluating floors and flooring materials in measurable

quantitative terms correlated with performance in actual

service o Some methods are well established; others are

reasonably well established for some materials, but need

to be perfected further; while still others need to be

developed

The project is planned to cover several years of work.

It is divided into two parts, the first dealing entirely

with conductive flooring for hospital operating rooms;

the second with flooring materials in general. The part

dealing with conductive floors has been planned and work

on it will be carried out cooperatively with Division 1.

Activity Summary ; This is a new project initiated about

December 1, 1955°

Plans for Fiscal Years 1956 and 1957 :

1. Work on Conductive Floors: (l) Work done and being

done by others. Make a thorough literature search and

contact interested persons and agencies. (2) Electrical

Work - Developmental. Make a study of methods of measuring electrical resistance of floors, and of correlation

of established methods with the action of floors in reuniting electrostatic charges in use. This involves a study of effects of magnitude of applied voltage, type

of voltage wave, and size, shape and weight of electrode,

and should include actual tests of floors with electrostatic generators. Electrical resistance of most types

of flooring depends so much upon its condition at the

time of measurement that the method of test must closely

approach the conditions under which a floor is expected

to function in reuniting charges. (3) Initiate a testing

program to make determinations of electrical resistance

by currently available methods on specimens of each type

of conductive flooring and method of application.
10014- -2 0-484 6 " continued

2c Work on Flooring Materials in General: Tasks outlined

for the complete program, covering several years of work,

are listed, although it is realized that only a small beginning could be made on any of them in Fiscal Year 1956

if the work on conductive flooring is given priority,

(1) Resistance to Wear: Develop a laboratory method, or

methods for evaluating resistance to wear of flooring materials, Because of the several varieties of flooring materials that are available, ranging from the resilient materials

composed mainly of organic substances to the rigid, ceramic

materials, and the wide range of service conditions, it is

not expected that a single method can be made to serve.

(2) Underlayment Materials: Determine the effect of such

underlayment materials as plywood, magnesium oxychloride

cement, the various asphalt mastics, etc,, on the behavior

of flooring materials, including resistance to wear, indentation, effect of aging and maintenance. (3) Dimensional

Stability: Study the effect of aging and maintenance treatment on the dimensional stability of flooring materials

under various conditions of temperature and humidity.

(4) Comfort Value: To be studied from two viewpoints: (a)

As a function of resiliency, to determine fatigue characteristics; (b) As a function of heat transfer, to determine

comfort value with respect to temperature. (4) Moisture

Movement: Study of moisture movement in floors as it

affects adhesion of cemented materials and conditions in

spaces with controlled humidity. (6) Fire Hazard of Flooring Materials: Determine the relative fire hazards in the

use of various organic flooring materials, including the

formation of toxic gases on combustion.

3o Work on Conductive Floors: Complete work not finished

on (2), (3)» and (4) in Fiscal Year 1956.

4c Work on Flooring Materials in General: Continue work

outlined for Fiscal Year 1956.

1004-40-4847 Standards for Built-Up Roofs

Objectives : To determine the relative merits of asphalt and

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

collects and stands and to develop improved methods of

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

To compare the performance of double-slagged, asbestos

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

that of conventional built-up roofs.

- 56-
1004“-40“4847 - continued

Importance of the Project : Government specification writers

have been under pressure in recent years to accept asphalt

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

of built-up roofs on dead level decks. So-called double

slagged and cold process built-up roofs and roofs constructed with asbestos-felt and glass fiber membranes are

being used increasingly., Single application materials are

frequently recommended for concrete decks.

Activity Summary- ibis is a new project initiated about ” De c e mbe r 1,1V 55 • Plans for Fiscal Years 1956 and 1957 : A combined laboratory

and field study is planned , as follows:

1, Secure specimens of asphalt and coal-tar pitch intended

for dead-level roofs from major suppliers, the suppliers

to furnish data on the source and physical characteristics

of the materials. Determine physical characteristics.

2o Determine the effects on asphalt and coal-tar pitch

specimens of long-time immersion in water, both in the

dark and exposed to ultraviolet light. Some of the effects

to be determined are: Changes in weight and volume; amount

of water absorbed; nature and quantity of material leached

out; effect of wetting and drying under conditions simulating service. Determine resistance to outdoor and accelerated weathering and amount of oxygen absorbed during the

photo-oxidation process.

3. Develop methods for determining low temperature ductility and cold flow in asphalt and coal-tar pitch and

determine these characteristics for the specimens available.

4. Conduct a field study of the performance of dead-level

built-up roofs in the United States. Only roofs on which

complete data concerning construction and subsequent maintenance are available will be examined. Sources of information concerning roofs to be examined will be confined,

as far as possible, to the sponsors of the project and

other agencies of the Government such as the Public Buildings and Veterans Administrations. It is expected that

these sources will prove adequate for coal-tar pitch roofs.

A list of 85 flat or nearly flat, mineral-surfaced,

asphalt, built-up roofs more than 10 years old has been

furnished by the Asphalt Roofing Industry Bureau. Individual manufacturers have listed numerous roofs applied

recently with low-slope asphalt.

- 57 -
10014-—U- 0 —i-l-8i+7 “ continued

5« Study the performance of double-slagged, cold process,

asbestos-felt and glass-fiber built-up roofs to determine

possible advantages or disadvantages of these roofs over

conventional built-up roofs.

6 e Prepare standard specifications for asphalt and coaltar pitch for built-up roofs in which the requirements

reflect the new data obtained.,

7o Initiate work to evaluate materials other than asphalt

or coal-tar pitch which may be of value in built-up roof

construction.,

- 58 -
TESTING OF MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

0201-30-2320 Qualification Inspection and Testing

of Lamps for the (government

Ob .jectives : To conduct qualification tests of manufacturers

currently supplying incandescent., fluorescent, and photoflash lamps to the Government by inspecting and lifetesting the lamps supplied in order to determine compliance with applicable Federal Specifications; also to

conduct qualification tests of prospective bidders not

currently supplying lamps to the Government.

Importance of the Project : In accordance with the procedure

followed for over I4.0 years the contract between the Government (Federal Supply Service) and the suppliers of lamps

to the Government specifies that the lamps supplied shall

comply with the applicable specifications, and that the

necessary inspection and testing to determine compliance

with the specifications be performed by the National Bureau

of Standards o Since 1935 contracts to supply lamps to the

Government have been awarded only to suppliers who have

passed qualification tests conducted at the National Bureau

of Standards in accordance with the applicable specifications o This procedure has been found to be effective in

obtaining for the Government delivery of specificationquality lamps with a minimum of delays resulting from rejections for failure of lamps to comply with specification

requirements 0 Activity Summary: During Fiscal Year 1955 samples inspected

represented over 3*000,000 lamps of which approximately

5»8% were rejected on initial inspection at the factories

of the suppliers 0 Lamps of current suppliers started on

life test totaled 1+099 and those rejected represented

approximately 1„2$ of those accepted on initial inspection,,

In addition two qualification tests of prospective bidders

not currently supplying the tested categories of lamps

were made--one for fluorescent lamps and one for photographic flash lamps

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (l) The inspection and qualification testing of all groups of all brands of lamps supplied to the Government for which qualification requirements are specified 0 (2) Qualification tests of lamps

manufactured by prospective bidders not currently supplying lamps to the Government, as requested by GSA.

" 59 ”
020l|“30“2312 Calibration of Surveying Equipment

Objectives : To calibrate precision base-line tapes, steel

tapes, leveling rods, and other basic equipment used in

geodetic surveys*

Importance of the Project : The equipment listed in the statement of objectives is used for precision surveys in Central

and South America that are directly related to national

defense and development* The NBS provides the only reliable

source of service available for the required standardizations of this surveying equipment* These standardizations

include the initial standardizations of new equipment and

subsequent restandardizations after use in the field.

Activity Summary : This has been a continuing project for

several years* Since July 1, 1954* 38 invar base-line

tapes, and 61 leveling rods were calibrated* Determinations of the coefficients of thermal expansion were made

on 8 of the 38 baseline tapes*

0502-30-3241 Analysis and Evaluation of Detergents

and Miscellaneous Materials

Objectives : To test detergents, waxes, and miscellaneous

materials for conformance to Federal and other specifications; identification, analysis and evaluation of a wide

variety of miscellaneous products that are not covered by

any specifications* Development of new specifications

and test methods for detergents and miscellaneous materials, and revision of the Federal Specification for Methods

of Sampling and Testing Soaps and Soap-Products (including

Synthetic Detergents). Technical services of analytical,

investigative and advisory nature pertinent to regulatory

or judicial functions of governmental agencies*

Importance of the Project* The primary function of this

project is to provide services to other sections of the

Bureau and to other agencies of the Government. The importance of the testing program as related to Government

purchasing is shown by the large percentage of the samples

that have failed to meet the appropriate specification.

Miscellaneous products for which no Federal specifications

exist are examined and evaluated for other agencies and

other sections of this Bureau* The Federal Trade Commission and the Post Office Department frequently submit

samples for examination to obtain evidence for use in

their regulatory functions* Both agencies also frequently

seek advice and opinions on questions related to the work

- 60 -
0502-30-3241 - continued

of this project,, The General Services Administration relies

upon the personnel assigned to this project to review, revise and develop individual specifications and the specification for Methods of Analysis related to the work of this

projecto

Activity Summary : During the past year over 100 samples were

tested for Veterans Administration, Post Office Department,

Army Map Service, Department of State, District of Columbia,

GSA and different divisions of the Bureau 0 The work is

kept up to date c Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : This is a continuing projecto

No changes in the program have been planned

09 00- 30 “14-447 Acceptance Testing of Ceramic Materials

Objectives : To test ceramic materials for compliance with the

technical requirements of Federal or Departmental Specifications o Importance of the Project : The Federal Government is a large

purchaser of ceramilo mate rials 0 Since a very substantial

cost is involved in the erection of structures and in other

fabrication from these materials, acceptance testing assumes a major importance in a number of cases „ This is

particularly true in the use of refractories for boilers,

incinerators, and similar installations; therefore, most

of the testing work under this project is concerned with

refractory materials 0 Activity Summary; The materials submitted for acceptance

testing required the assignment of one employee full time

to this projecto A total of 9?1 tests were performed on

120 sample So

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : Approximately the same quantity

of testing is expected during 1956,

1000-30-4.801 Properties of Building Materials

Objectives : To obtain data on the properties of building

materials , equipment, and structural assemblies as a means for assessing their probable service performance

and their value for use in military structures..

- 61-
1000”30“I|801 -continued

I mportance of the Project : Periodically, and as requested by

the Office of Chief of Engineers, the National Bureau of

Standards is requested to make specific investigations on

the properties of building materials, equipment, and structural assemblies . Examples of these are protective coatings,

flashings, walls, brick, protected metals (protected against

weathering and fire), door locks, and concrete structures.

Since parts of assignments, and sometimes entire assignments, are accomplished best by divisions other than the

Building Technology Division, it has been found advantageous over the years to group all assignments under the

subject project with one project leader.

Activity Summary : Six assignments were made by OCE during

fiscal year 1955° Examples of these are:

(a) Thermal Insulation of Roofing Material . An investigation of the effect of dampness on the performance of thermal

insulations for roof decks. This task involved subjection

of typical insulating panels to accelerated vapor conditions

and conditions simulating exposure to the sun. Both summer

and winter conditions were considered.

(b) Tests of Weep Holes in Panel Walls . These tests are

designed to determine the practicability of the use of weep

holes in panel walls supported on spandrel beams in concrete frame construction.

(c) Protected Metals . Tests were made on four types of

protected metals, to determine their effectiveness after

weathering and after fire tests.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : This is a continuing project.

The project level will depend upon the tasks submitted by

OCE.

100L|.~30-!4-8l4.5 Testing, D. C. Government

Objectives : Control testing of bituminous highway materials.

Importance of the Project : In 1933* the Congress directed

that the testing of highway materials for the District of

Columbia should be done by the National Bureau of Standards.

Since most of the bituminous testing is for the purpose of

controlling materials in daily use, it is required that

tests and reports be handled as expeditiously as possible,

usually the day the materials are received.

-62
1004-30-4845 ” continued

Activity Summary: This work has been carried on under Project

1000-40-4^00 for the past several years. However, the

amount of the work has become sufficiently great to justify

placing it in a separate project.. During Fiscal Year 1954>

1950 materials were tested. During Fiscal Year 1955?

2411 materials were tested.

P lans for Fiscal Year 1956 : It is expected that work will

continue on a somewhat increased level due to the additional funds for highway work available to the District

of Columbia,

- 63 -
MISCELLANEOUS

0604“20-06l4 Development of Techniques for Static

and Dynamic Load Measurements

Objectives : To develop elastic load-measuring devices for

calibrating testing machines, methods for the calibration

of elastic load-measuring devices, and methods for the

evaluation and comparison of hardness testing machines..

Importance of the Project : The efficient use of structural

materials requires an accurate, detailed knowledge of

their strengths under various conditions.. This is especially true for aircraft and missile purposes where the

highest possible strength-weight ratio is required

Tests of materials and structures are therefore made in

testing machines having capacities ranging from a few

pounds to several million pounds® These testing machines

must be kept in proper operating condition® To this end

a means of calibrating all machines over their entire

range is badly needed® Rapid, accurate means of force

measurement are also needed to measure the thrust of jet

and rocket engines, to weigh highway and rail vehicles

in motion and to weigh a large variety of industrial

materials and products not only under static conditions

but also in motion., Military and commercial requirements

for increased range and accuracy of force measurements

are constantly increasing® There is an urgent need for

improved methods for calibrating elastic load -measuring

devices at both low and high loads® Present deadweight

facilities should be extended to make possible the accurate calibration of devices above 111,000 lb or improved

devices should be developed to make calibration by means

of other calibrated devices more accurate and less timeconsuming® Hardness testing has an important part in

modern production methods as a non-destructive control

method which measures a combination of desirable engineering properties of materials® Development of micro-hardness

test equipment during the past ten or twelve years has

opened many new possibilities for research and has created

problems of standardization of the instruments® There is

urgent need for an explanation of certain anomalies in

tests made with dash-pot controlled machines as compared

to motor-driven machines® In addition, there is need for

satisfactory methods of load calibration for the newer

machines and for a specification or manual covering the

applications of these methods®

- 64 -
060l4-”20“06l4 - continued

Activity Summary; This is a continuing project. Dynamometers

of 1 , 000 , 000- and 3*000, 000-lb capacity were recalibrated in

order to obtain a history of their stability with time and

use. These tests indicated that dynamometers of these

sizes are satisfactory for many purposes but further improvement is desirable. Further modification of the special

dynamometers and totalizing circuit for the calibration of

devices from 111,000 lb to 300*000 lb was found to be necessary before comprehensive evaluation tests can be undertaken.

06014.-30-0616 Calibration of Mechanical Testing

Machines and Apparatus

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

and acceleration measuring equipment; to develop test

equipment and methods; to assist in the formulation of

specifications.

Importance of the Project : The NBS provides the only service

available in the United States for the accurate calibration of elastic devices used for calibrating testing

machines, Devices ranging in capacity from a few hundred

pounds to several million pounds are calibrated for government agencies and commercial laboratories. The accuracies

of the testing machines used by the Government and by producers and consumers are dependent on periodic calibrations

with devices calibrated at the NBS, Calibration cells used

by manufacturers of aircraft weighing devices and load

cells for measuring the thrust of jet engines and weighing

the contents of bins and hoppers are calibrated in the

NBS dead weight machines. Calibrations of strain and displacement measuring equipment are performed for other

government agencies.

O6OI4.-IO-O636 Dynamic Properties of Materials

Objectives : To provide basic information on the mechanical

properties of materials when subjected to high rates of

loading, develop methods of testing, evaluate current

theories as related to dynamic properties, and develop a more exact theory of strain energy propagation in materials ,

“ 65 "
060Lj.“10~0636 - continued

Importance of the Project : Investigations of the behavior of

structures when subjected to rapidly applied loads has increased the need for more exact knowledge of the dynamic

properties of. structural materials. Studies of the fundamental mechanisms of propagation of the elastic and anelastic components of strain energy will provide information for

deriving the elastic constants and stress-strain characteristics of materialso Accurate information of the dynamic

properties of structural materials will greatly reduce the

uncertainty in current analyses of the response of structures to dynamic loading.

060h=’20“3601 Investigation of a Prestressed

Cellular Drydock

Objectives ; To provide experimental data on the mechanical

performance of prestressed aluminum slabs of cellular

construction to assist with the development of gasketing

systems and the mechanical components required for joining and assemblings and to make methods of assembly studies.

Importance of the Project ; Seaplane operations of the Navy

require considerable mobility of the bases of operations.

A portable prefabricated drydock which can be assembled

with a minimum of skills and tools would increase the

mobility of seaplane operations.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 ; (l) Determine strains and deflections in a flat slab under uniform loading; (2) investigate watertightness of gasketed elements and devise

improved system if required; ( 3 ) make assembly studies;

(I4J develop the related mechanical components and accessories as required.

0900“l4_0-0999 Mineral Products Division

Consultative and APylsory Services

Objectives; To provide consulting services on a wide variety

of ceramics problems of interest to government agencies,

industry, and the public.

Importance of the Project ; The National Bureau of Standards

has, m areas within its competence, responsibility for

providing advisory and consulting assistance to other

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

- 66-
0900-14-0-0999 - continued

Activity Summary. In addition to the normal, continuing calls

for advice on relatively routine applications of ceramics

in industry and government, there has been an increasing

interest in higher-temperature problems and in materials

for use in atomic power plants,. Many of these consultations are of a classified nature, involving ordnance and

military aircraft 0 Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : It is expected that activity

under these projects will continue to increase gradually

as ceramics assume a more important role in military and

industrial applications..

1000-14.0-1099 Building Technology Division

Consultative and Advisory Services

Objectives : To provide technical information on materials,

construction and equipment for buildings to governmental

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

Importance of the Projects Other governmental agencies,

scientists and engineers depend upon the National Bureau

of Standards to assist them in solving their technical

problems by supplying accurate and unbiased information on

building materials and structures including that on

strength, fire resistance and durability, and on heating

and air-conditioning o Many of the inquiries are not

answerable properly by reference to readily available

publications or other source of information, as scientists and engineers ordinarily appeal to the Bureau after

their failure to obtain satisfactory answers to their

questions from their immediate associates,, Specialists

of the Bureau often are able to provide the best available

information or the result of their own researches, their

studies of the scientific literature, and their wide and

close association with other specialists in the subject,,

The Bureau 8 s assistance usually is given while expenditures for new construction, maintenance or repairs are

being contemplated; hence, accurate estimates of the value

to the Government of the advice given cannot be made.

Nevertheless, the relatively large amounts indicated in

the small number of instances for which the value could

be estimated indicate that the total amount is many times

the cost to the Bureau» The value of the Bureau® s assistance in the preparation of standards for products and

constructions is not measurable but is thought to be

greater than the total of the advice on individual construction projectso
Activity Summary : This is a continuing project,, Representative

services in 1955 were:

(a) A government hospital was rapidly becoming dangerous to

ambulatory patients walking about the grounds because of

spalling of the masonry veneer on the outside wall. Pieces

as large as 12 by 6 inches had fallen,. The NBS recommended

a method for relieving the veneer of the excessive loading

which our investigations had shown to be the cause of the

damage

.

(b) The NBS was requested to assist in the determination

of the cause of a serious plaster failure . While the

largest portion of the determination was financed by direct

transfer of funds , an appreciable portion was financed by

the subject project* as well as assistance to the Government in determining the advisability of lawsuito

(c) Because of highly acid content of animal excretion,

the conventional floors in the cages at the Washington Zoo

deteriorate at an unusually rapid rate . Upon the advice

of the Bureau laboratories* a new type synthetic-resin

floor is under consideration and will probably be adopted.

There were many other services of this nature. However,

a large portion of the consultative services consisted of

work with committees of technical societies such as the

American Society for Testing Materials, American Standards

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

Because of the expanding building program in the nation,

inquiries by telephone, letter or personal visit tend to

increase each year. Many of these from individuals relate to air conditioning, heating problems, structural

stability and durability of materials and other problems

associated with small buildings. Others from builders

and architects relate to construction of large buildings

and to masonry, concrete construction, fire protection,

heating, and air conditioning.

1000-20-^800 Miscellaneous Investigations

and Testing

"

Objectives : To perform such tests on building materials,

equipment, or structures, as requested by Federal Agencies in accordance with appropriate fee schedules.

- 68 -
IOOO-2O-I4.8OO - continued

Importance of the Project : This is a continuing project in

which the !NBS carries out miscellanequs testing,, Examples

include: the testing of elevators and elevator parts, air

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

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

constructions for strength, water permeability, fire resistance and heat transmission 0 Activity Summary: Although a continuing project with many of

the types of investigations and testing being repeated each

year, 1955 resulted in an unusual number of requests for

large-scale investigations® Two of these are noted below:

(a) At the request of the Civil Aeronautics Administration,

measurements were made of the thermal conductances of six

types of reflective insulation under several different

conditions simulating service applications <>

(b) The performance of two furnaces was investigated for

the Federal Housing Administration to study the temperature

distribution and comfort produced in a small one-story

house by a typical wall heater located centrally in the

first floor level when the heat is distributed by gravity

circulation and alternately by a small booster fan; and to

compare this method of heat distribution with that produced

by a similar furnace with a conventional blower® A study

was also made to provide Information on whether or not a gravity furnace should be penalized in capacity when located on the living level of a one-story house, as presently

proposed by FHA in their minimum property requirements®

Specifications for door operators were reviewed for the

Architect of the National Capitol® At Perry Monument,

Lake Erie, a check was made of the elevator, and a series

of resistance measurements were made of the lightning protective system® At the request of the National Park

Service a study was made of the two existing elevators at

Carlsbad Caverns, Carlsbad, New Mexico® These two elevators, now about 23 years old, were renovated in accordance

with recommendations made by NBS® Specifications for two

new elevators were also prepared with the assistance of

the NBS o

A large portion of the program consisted of testing bituminous highway materials for the District of Columbia®

69
1000=14-0 -14-8 02 Federal Construction Council

Objectives ; To provide a mechanism to assist Federal Agencies

in exchanging technical information on the design, construction, and maintenance of structures and to facilitate interagency collaboration in this field 0 Importance of the Project : In June 1953s the National Bureau

of "Standards' negotiated a contract with the National Academy

of Sciences "to provide the necessary committee and staff

personnel to advise Federal Agencies on problems concerning

the improvement of construction technology for buildings

and other structures <>" Financing was accomplished by fund

transfers to NBS from various agencies

„

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

evaluation of common problems and a clearing house for

exchange of information between the various agencies on

technical standards, design and construction practices,

administrative matters affecting technical operations,

technical investigations, and similar activities relating

to the advancement of building research and technology,,

Periodically, technical reports are prepared for common

use by the sponsoring agencies and other Government Agencies o The Chief of the Building Technology Division serves

as "Agency Representative" and monitors the work done by

the Council e The National Bureau of Standards, as a member

of the Council, also participates in many of the technical

phases of the program,,

Examples of Technical Reports either completed or under way during 1955 follow: "Survey of Engineering Investigations and Research in Building Technology

by Federal Agencies"; "Ceiling Heights in Office Buildings";

"Space Allowances for Offices"; "Summary of Plumbing Research Reports"; and ^Packaged Air Conditioners"

„

Plans for Fiscal Year 1958 : Among the tasks in progress or

contemplated for fiscal year 1958 are;

(a) Cooling Towers „ This is a summary of practices and

opinions oragencles on the performance and rating of cool

ing towers

o

(b) Windows 0 This is a survey of agencies 5 practices in

the selection and use of windows,, The report is expected

to cover design features such as type, arrangement, operation, and materials used as an aid to proper selection.

70-
1000 “l4

. 0 “i|802 » continued

(c) Electrical Loads for Buildings ., This is a survey of

engineers 5 opinions and practices on estimating electrical

loads for buildingso

(d) Tests on Paint Samples ,, This is a survey of agency

practices on specifying, sampling,, and testing of paints.

1003"20“L).836 Dust Soiling of Acoustical Tile

Objectives : To study the fundamental processes by which

particulate matter is deposited on wall and ceiling surfaces and to provide data on the soiling characteristics

of acoustical tile and means for cleaning such surfaces

in place as a basis for reducing the cost of maintaining

public buildings.

Importance of the Project : It is known that acoustical tile

“““is soiled by the deposition of minute, airborne particulate matter and that this deposition may be due to

"breathing action”, thermal precipitation, electric precipitation or impingement. Data are lacking on both the

absolute and the relative magnitudes of these effects, on

the susceptibility of surfaces of different kinds to soiling by the various processes and on the effectiveness of

cleaning methods, some now practiced and some recommended

for trial. In public buildings, as well as residences,

large amounts of money are spent annually for redecoration

that is made necessary by deposition of dust on walls and

ceilings. Acoustical materials lose much of their effectiveness after being painted once or twice and yet such

materials are subject to soiling by airborne particles

because of their porous nature. More exact information

on the mechanism by which dust is deposited on such surfaces would probably assist in discovery of means for

lessening the soiling of acoustical tiles in all types of

structures.

Activity Summary: This is a continuing project which was

started in~Uanuary 1955° An apparatus has been constructed

in which the relative effects or combined effects of air

infiltration, thermal precipitation, and impingement on

the rate of dust deposition can be studied under simulated

service conditions. This apparatus has been modified and

improved so a reproducible degree of soiling of acoustical

tile can be accomplished on identical specimens with reasonably small deviations. A separate apparatus has been

constructed for making absolute measurements of the air

- 71 “
1003-20-4836 - continued

leakage through individual specimens for small pressure differences before and after soiling. Preliminary results show

a consistent relationship between rate of soiling and rate

of air leakage for any given material and that different

materials are soiled at different rates under the same exposure 0 Plans for Fiscal Year 1956 : (l) Determine relative effects of

infiltration* impingement * and thermal precipitation on dust

deposition on some materials* (2) Determine relative rates

of dust deposition on different materials and its dependence

on porosity* surface roughness* air leakage* etc., (3) Inves

tigate methods for cleaning acoustical tile in place.

1003-20-4838 Air Filter Systems for Army Aircraft

Ob jectives ; To study the air-borne dust distribution around

the rotor of an operating helicopter with respect to concentration and particle size* and to develop and construct

models of air cleaners that will be more effective than

presently-used devices in protecting airplane and helicopter

engines from excessive wear in dusty atmospheres.

Importance of the Project * Wear of aviation engines* both airpianeT^nTTTeTTcopters * has caused considerable expense and

inconvenience in the past. Aircraft* and especially helicopters* necessarily operate in dusty atmospheres much of

the time* and available evidence indicates that present air

cleaners for combustion air are inadequate to protect them

from excessive wear. Reports of engine failure due to this

cause in less than 100 hours are common. Experiments on

this subject have been sporadically conducted by various

agencies of the United States Government* as well as the

governments of other nations. Information is lacking on

the dust concentration and particle sizes that exist at

various levels above the ground in the vicinity of an operating helicopter nor have adequate sampling methods been

developed to secure representative samples for analysis.

Air filters currently used in the induction air systems of

helicopters are too low in efficiency and are inadequate

in dust-holding capacity. This work has been requested by

the Office of the Chief of Transportation of the Department of the Army. It is an extension of the work done on

air cleaners for tank engines during World War II and the

continuing work on air-cleaning devices for heating and

air conditioning systems for buildings.

“ 72 -
1003-20=14-838 “ continued

Activity Summary : This is a continuing project which was

s tarteTTn ”r>e cember 1953° An apparatus was constructed

for measuring the efficiency, pressure drop, and dustholding capacity of prototype and stock model air cleaners designed for aircraft engines. Efficiency can be

determined by both the gravimetric and dust-spot methods.

The performance of commercial filters of paper type, oilbath type, and cyclone type as well as a prototype centrifu

gal air cleaner designed at NBS was determined on the test

apparatuso Two worn out helicopter engines were dismantled

to sample and analyze dust accumulations or foreign matter

that could be found in the induction systems, around the

piston rings, and in the crankcase oil® A literature

search was made and several visits made to aircraft engine

laboratories to obtain information on the relation of rate

of cylinder wear to the size of particles causing the wear.

Modifications were made to the commercial cyclone filter

looking toward a decrease in pressure drop and an increase

in air flow rate without decreasing the efficiency. An

air sampling system for use in surveying the dust concentration and particle size distribution around an operating

helicopter has been constructed for use in field measurements.

Plans for Fiscal Year 1958 : (1) Seek further improvement of

cyclone type air cleaner and build prototype for test,

(2) Complete the study of the centrifugal air cleaner

developed at NBS as a precleaner and build a prototype

for test, ( 3 ) Seek improvements in oil-bath cleaner to

better adapt it to aircraft engines, (I4 ) Continue development of a sampling system for dusty air around helicopter

rotors, (5>) Study the air-borne dust distribution around

the rotors of operating helicopters to determine dust concentration and particle size, (6) Determine optimum locations for air intake on helicopter engines based on

observed dust distribution, (7) Test prototype precleaners

and after cleaners for efficiency, pressure drop, dustholding capacity, self-cleaning features, etc.

1003“20-l4.832 Refrigeration and Field Equipment

Objectives : To develop portable and mobile refrigeration

and field equipment’., with improved

military characteristics of performance, size, and weight

by improving designs, developing new methods and components

analyzing the performance of prototypes, recommending modifications in prototype equipment, revising Federal specifications, and standardizing capacities, rating conditions,

and certain physical components of such equipment.

- 73 “
1003 “ 2C»i|832 - continued

Importance of the Project ; The Office of the Quartermaster

General makes wide usage of portable and mobile refrigeration equipment for the preservation of food and medical

supplies,, transportation of food, manufacture of ice cream

and for similar purposes during both war and peacetime conditions o During World War II commercial equipment was modified to meet emergency requirements in many cases. This

solution was not considered adequate on a permanent basis,

however, because the operating conditions were often more

severe in military applications, mobility imposes special

problems of durability and places a premium on small size

and weight, gasoline engines are used for prime movers when

an electrical distribution system is too remote, and the

factors of vibration and atmospheric dust make ordinary

controls inadequate in some cases . In addition the need

for stocking spare parts in remote areas of the world emphasizes the need for standardization of parts and a reduction in the number of models or sizes of units that are to

be used 0 The preparation and revision of Federal specifications enable the military agencies to buy commercial

items in some cases in a way to take full advantage of competition among many manufacturers 0 Activity Summary t This is a continuing project started in

19i|4° During the last year a study was completed showing

the effect or capacity of a complete refrigerating system

of varying the speed of the compressor, condenser fan, and

evaporator fan proportionally and of varying the compressor

speed and the two fan speeds independently; the performance

of a typical hot-gas defrosting system was analyzed in both

an empty and loaded warehouse; the Federal specification on

domestic refrigerators was completely revised; development

of an exhaust<=gas~to°refrigerant heat exchanger for warehouse heating was undertaken; the development of a complete

modulating thermo-mechanical control system for a portable

refrigerating system was commenced; several warehouse panels

were investigated for simultaneous heat and vapor transmission characteristics; and investigation on a newly-developed

inverted gasoline lantern was completed; and advice and consultation was provided on test methods for standardization

of refrigeration compressors,,

Plans for Fiscal Year 195>6 g (1) Complete the design of an

exhaust -gas -to^refrigerant heat exchanger for the 1-ton

warehouse unit, (2) Complete the design of a modulating

thermo-mechanical control system for the 1-ton warehouse

unit, ( 3 ) Revise the Federal specification for commercial

refrigerators, (4) Evaluate the standardization procedures

74-
1003~20“l4832 - continued

proposed for refrigeration compressors by testing some

specimens and making recommendations for modifications

of the procedures, ( 5 ) Continue with the study of vapor

transmission in insulated warehouse panels, (6) Perform

tests of prototype refrigerated trailers, refrigerating

units,, etCo

1003-10=14881 Insulation of Underground Pipe

Ob jec tive g To provide data on the insulating properties,

water permeance, expansion characteristics, mechanical and

chemical stability of insulating materials and methods for

underground steam and hot water lines as a basis for the

preparation of adequate specifications for such materials

by Federal agencies 0 Importance of the Project ; Central heating plants often require extensive underground piping systems for distribution

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

systems are usually insulated to reduce heat losses and

to prevent rapid corrosion of the pipe as a result of

chemical and electrolytic action,. Some of the characteristics desired for underground pipe insulation are low

thermal conductivity, low moisture permeance, high crushing

strength, suitable expansion characteristics, adequate

stability at temperatures ranging from below freezing to

350 ° F, and long life 0 Many types of insulation and embedment have been used in addition to various kinds of tunnel

construction o The Corps of Engineers of the Department of

the Army expends several million dollars each year for

installations of this type and require information on the

performance of such insulating materials in order to prepare adequate specifications for purchase,, Their experience has indicated that not all of the materials offered

as underground pipe insulation possess the important

characteristics to the required degree,,

Activity Summary g This is a continuing project which was

started in the third quarter of fiscal 1954 * Some modifications were required to the apparatus constructed for

this project during fiscal 1955 to provide accurate measurements of the heat transfer from the measuring section

of the insulated steam pipe 0 The heat loss per unit length

of a pipe insulated with 4 inches of Gilsulation was

determined with dry earth surrounding the pipe and with

the water table one foot below the center line of the pipe,

at the center line of the pipe, and one foot above the

center line of the pipe„ The expansion and contraction

”75
1003<=10-l4S8l - continued

characteristics of the material were studied under cyclic

heating and cooling of the steam pipe and the polymerization

of the material were studied by a chromatographic method,,

A prefabricated conduit called Durant Insulated Pipe was

studied in an outdoor trench to determine its insulating

qualities, the softening characteristics of the asphalt

covering, and whether or not the insulation could be adequately dried out either buried or above ground if it became

wetted during installation,. Information was obtained on

the movement of water vapor in a radial direction under the

influence of the temperature gradient around a hot steam pipe.

Preliminary studies have been made on the insulating qualities and water permeance of an envelope for a steam pipe

made of a mixture of portland cement and granulated reclaimed rubber known as Wicor„

Plans for Fiscal Year 195& S ( 1 ) Complete investigation of

thermal conductivity and heat transmission of Wicor as influenced by water table and study its resistance to moisture

penetration, ( 2 ) Study the characteristics of Hylag insulation consisting of a fire clay mixture surrounded by an

impregnated paper tube, ( 3 ) Study the characteristics of an

insulating concrete called Z~crete, (I4) Determine the thermal

insulating properties of dry and damp earth around a steam

pipe and the distribution of moisture in earth under the influence of a temperature gradient,,

1003°, 10-l4882 Reflective Thermal Insulation

Ob jectives g This project is sponsored by the Aluminum Company

of America under the NBS Research Associate Program to provide information as to the thermal insulating value of

aluminum foil and reflective surfaces in various applications, either alone or in combination with other materials,,

Importance of the Project ; Data obtained at the National Bureau

of Standards in regard to the thermal insulating value of

plane reflective air spaces have resulted in great interest

on the part of insulation producers and users in its potential applications, and generated a need for additional data

as to its performance in various applications. Among the

questions of interest are (a) its use in combination with

other insulating materials, (b) applications in conjunction

with air spaces of uneven thickness, (c) the effects of air

leakage and moisture in reflective air spaces, (d) the permanence of its reflective qualities, (e) experimental determination of the theoretically great value of reflective
1003~10«[|.882 - continued

surfaces in insulating against heat flow downward from

attics in summer. Information in connection with these

matters is needed by the insulation industry and users

to provide a sound basis for the further development of

reflective insulation products and for their proper installation and use Q Plans for Fiscal Year 1958 ; The several items proposed for

investigation are; (l) Combinations of aluminum foil and

other insulations; ( 2 ) Use with air spaces of uneven thickness; (3) Insulating effect of reflective surfaces exposed

in an attic application to radiation from a solar-heated

roof; (I4) Effect of air leakage between reflectively insulated air spaces; ( 5 ) Permanence of reflectivity of aluminum

foil surfaces; (6) Study of moisture and condensation

problems with reflective insulations; ( 7 ) Effect of installation in air spaces with one side open; (8) Thermal

conductivity of various aluminum alloys. Priority will be

given to Items 1 9 2 , and 3 ; the remainder will be dealt

with as time permits. The results of the work are to be

prepared for publication,,

”77

THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Functions and Activities

The functions of the National Bureau of Standards are set forth in the Act of Congress, March

3, 1901, as amended by Congress in Public Law 619, 1950. These include the development and

maintenance of the national standards of measurement and the provision of means and methods

for making measurements consistent with these standards; the determination of physical constants and properties of materials; the development of methods and instruments for testing materials,

devices, and structures; advisory services to Government Agencies on scientific and technical

problems; invention and development of devices to serve special needs of the Government; and the

development of standard practices, codes, and specifications. The work includes basic and applied

research, development, engineering, instrumentation, testing, evaluation, calibration services, and

various consultation and information services. A major portion of the Bureau’s work is performed

for other Government Agencies, particularly the Department of Defense and the Atomic Energy

Commission. The scope of activities is suggested by the listing of divisions and sections on the

inside of the front cover.

Reports and Publications

The results of the Bureau’s work take the form of either actual equipment and devices or published papers and reports. Reports are issued to the sponsoring agency of a particular project or program. Published papers appear either in the Bureau’s own series of publications or in the

journals of professional and scientific societies. The Bureau itself publishes three monthly periodicals, available from the Government Printing Office: The Journal of Research, which presents

complete papers reporting technical investigations; the Technical News Bulletin, which presents

summary and preliminary reports on work in progress; and Basic Radio Propagation Predictions,

which provides data for determining the best frequencies to use for radio communications throughout

the world. There are also five series of nonperiodical publications: The Applied Mathematics

Series, Circulars, Handbooks, Building Materials and Structures Reports, and Miscellaneous

Publications.

Information on the Bureau’s publications can be found in NBS Circular 460, Publications of

the National Bureau of Standards ($1.25) and its Supplement ($0.75), available from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office. Inquiries regarding the Bureau’s reports and

publications should be addressed to the Office of Scientific Publications, National Bureau of

Standards, Washington 25, D. C.
NBS