Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1941-06-28
Plan Study of Phenomena of Electrical Discharges
And Lightning; Will Generate Own "SLxy Flashes"

A modern sequel to the work Of Ben
Franklin, one Of Americas first SCI
entists, viii be written In the next
two years under proposed study Of
the phenomena Of electrical discharges
and lightning.
Instead of a crude kite, the most
modern of scientific apparatus win be
used and the most advanced scientific
methods employed In the program to
be conducted by the University of Min
neSota and Northwest AirlineS, Inc.
Details of the proposed program
which will be launched at once, were
revealed as a special committee IN
Washington began a study Of prelim-
mary reports and data already gath
cred and compiled for reference during
months to come.
One Of the men prominent in the
program is Carl Swanson, research en-
gineer Of Northwest Airlines, who last
year invented a new aircraft ignition
distribution system and who was for
merly on the faculty Of the University
Of Minnesota.
Sponsors Of the study explain they
selected the University of Minnesota
because it is one Of the few institutions
having high grade artificial lightning
generating equipment. The Importance
Of the high-ranking medical school at
Minnesota was emphasized as 1t was
revealed that the research program
will study the effects Of lightning on
eyes, ears and the nervous system.
Study Aviation Medicine
AnnfIaog- roocor, fow uo1ooN3r1or NF{xr,..
sofa was because of its affiliation with |
the Mayo foundation, an establish |
ment which has already carried on !
extensive studies in aviation medicine,
and whose scientists we're recently (
cited in the Golfers trophy award.
Northwest Airlines, second oldest In
the United States, was chosen because
its main bases are located close to the
University of Minnesota and because
the system is IN a position to assist
materially In conducting flight tests.
Also figuring largely In the decision
was the fact that Northwest has In
the past been an important agency
for aeronautical research and out Of
its shops have come many new and
devices.
Charts on conditions around the
country will be kept for future dis
cussions and the findings used In the
final report to be prepared at the end
Of the program.
In addition, Swanson revealed, sta
5istics and information gathered In an
conducted survey win be
made available and will, he said, prove
invaluable in the program"
A special committee from the Uni
versity Of Minnesota is in Washing
Ton comforting with representatives 1
Of the army and navy air corps, the
civil aeronauticS board, the weather
bureau and other government agencies
and federal appropriation to finance
5he program is being discussed. {
The study may throw some light ON
radio interference and other effects
Of electrical discharges in the air, :
scientists explained.
Planes Efficiency
Swanson, working in the Northwest
Airlines research laboratories last year,
completed supercharged
gnition distribution system which
increases the efficiency Of planes. :
Large generators on the University 8
If Minnesota campus will be used to !
,reate lightning and the physiological
effects Of huge bolts viii be studied,
pictures and charts kept and measure
nents taken. Other studies will be !
made from planes in the air. :
In addition to Swanson, other mem !
oers of the committee are: Prof. John J
D. Alderman, head Of the department !
If aeronautical engineering who made !
/ study of aviation In Europe before
the present war began; Prof. j. M
Bryant, and Drs. John w. Buchta, {
Frank E. Burch, Henry E. Hartig, !
Horace Newhart, Charles E. Sheard, Z
Niles A. Tinker and Maurice Visscher,
al of the University of Minnesota. /
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