a specification requirement excluding fluorescent brighteners are among the most important changes. Assistance to the U. S. Mint.-The Bureau of Engraving and Printing requested assistance on a number of metallurgical problems associated with engraving and printing processes, and in the selection and treatment of materials for research and development equipment. In a particular case, a metal failure in two of four new currency machines resulted in their shutdown. NBS staff studied the failure, determined the causes and recommended corrective measures. Preventive measures were suggested to keep the other two machines in production until a permanent remedy could be incorporated. Assistance to NASA on Cape Kennedy Corrosion Problems.—The technical problems involved in the launching of space vehicles and the operation of the Kennedy Space Flight Center are not confined to such things as booster rockets and guidance systems. Corrosion of gantries and other structures exposed to the marine atmosphere also presents a serious and challenging problem. At NASA's request, technical advice is provided on corrosion problems in order to minimize damage. Thermophysical Characteristics of Liquid Hydrogen Slush.-The Cryogenic Engineering Division, in conjunction with National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Kennedy Space Center, has been investigating the thermophysical characteristics of liquid hydrogen slush to determine the feasibility of its use in the space program. The increased density and lower energy level of slush hydrogen provide a method of storing a larger quantity of the fuel for longer periods of time. Investigation to date has included particle size distribution, terminal velocity measurements, and aging characteristics. Chemical Analysis Backs Medical Treatment.-At the request of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a successful analysis was made of a fragment of metal taken from a soldier's eye. The analysis was needed so that toxic effects could be anticipated and counteracted. Although the piece of metal was less than a millimeter in diameter, the chemical analysis was performed using only one-hundredth of a square millimeter of the sample's surface. TECHNICAL INFORMATION DISSEMINATION Scientific information is of little value unless it comes to the attention of people who need it. United States and Japan Cooperate on pH Standardization.-At the suggestion of NBS, the Technical Committee on the Determination of pH (acidity) of the Japanese Standards Association arranged a conference on pH standardization with an NBS representative. Both countries recognize the need for an international standard for pH, and plans were made for the formation of a group to draft a suitable document. In general, Japanese practice in this important area of analytical measurement follows closely the lead of NBS. Guidelines for Corrosion Protection of Underground Pipes.-NBS published engineering guidelines for the design of corrosion protection systems for underground pipes. The recommendations are based on corrosion data from 4500 metal specimens installed at 86 different soil test sites for periods up to 17 years. Dental Research.-A 5-year study on complete dentures showed that gradual deterioration in stability and fit is caused by changes in the mouth tissues and not by dimensional changes in the dentures, a view widely held previously. A review of the physical, chemical, histological, and clinical properties of a zinc oxide-eugenol dental cement originally developed at NBS was prepared. This review will aid manufacturers in developing improved formulations and will better acquaint the dental profession with the proper use of these cements. Properties of Rare-Gas Solids.-A review of the basic solid-state properties of the rare gases-neon, argon, krypton, and xenon-was prepared. Because the solids formed by these gases are relatively simple, their properties are relatively simple to describe. Such a description gives insight into the properties of the more common and more technologically useful but more complicated solids--transistor materials, for instance. National Standard Reference Data.-Work continues on the third edition of Crystal Data. This revision is a pilot project of the National Standard Reference Data System to develop techniques of data processing for ultimate publication by computer-controlled equipment at the Government Printing Office. This process should reduce to a few weeks the time between publication of the book and the inclusion of new data. IV INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY The mission of the Institute for Applied Technology (IAT) is to create opportunities for the application of technology in Government and in civilian industry. The Institute has a mediating role to play between the development and use of technology, and as a consequence, must scan and analyze the state of technology in order to identify appropriate opportunities for Government, at a given point in time, to facilitate its use. In this sense, the Institute's mission is part of the broad Department of Commerce mission of facilitating the commerce of the United States. From among these opportunities the Institute must identify and understand those tasks appropriate in the National Bureau of Standards. These fall into the following broad areas: (1) engineering measurements and standards and (2) the dissemination of technical information to industry, government and the technical community at large, and (3) specific programs to foster invention and innovation. ENGINEERING MEASUREMENT This is the Institute's link to the national measurement system. IAT's function here is to provide a sound technical basis, in the form of test methods and performance criteria for standards, specifications and codes in a variety of fields, with special emphasis on building, information processing, and instrumentation. In addition, IAT provides links to standard, code and specification writing bodies so as to identify standards-related technical problems which need solving and to assure the maximum application of NBS knowledge and research results. Electronic Devices.-During the past year work has continued in standardization, material and device characterization, and standard test method development. Work in areas such as Hall device standards, transistor reliability studies, and silicon crystal resistivity measurement techniques have just about been completed. One major direction of this effort has been the development of methods for measuring the characteristics of integrated electrical devices, establishing performance criteria for them, and developing definitions and terminology. Early experience has suggested that the reliability of these integrated circuits may greatly reduce the requirements for repair, overhaul, and maintenance operations. Building Research Many of the building research programs are addressed to the engineering properties of the materials used by the construction industry. These include materials like asphalt, concrete, and various metals. In this area it is important to recognize the cooperation of industry through financial support and through the provision of Research Associates who work alongside the NBS staff. Weathering Data on Aluminum Enamel.-A Research Associate sponsored by the Porcelain Enamel Institute initiated an exposure test, at five locations throughout the United States, to obtain weathering data on architectural porcelain enamels for aluminum. Since enamels for aluminum are relatively new, reliable information is lacking on their weather resistance. This study will supply data on color stability, and so permit the preparation of improved specifications. Engineering Properties of Asphalt.—Work related to the engineering properties of asphalts has revealed that ozone, a common constituent of smog, increases the rate of decomposition of asphalt roofing materials threefold. Understanding and control of this phenomenon is extremely important to the roofing industry in view of the fact that 80 percent of the roofing material used in this country today is asphalt. X-Ray Investigation of Asphalt.—Asphalt roofing materials are usually so opaque that it is difficult to examine them by conventional optical methods. In a new method developed at NBS, x rays were used to produce images of the microstructure of asphalt-containing specimens. The distribution of reinforcing materials in asphalt films and mats, as well as the origin and development of failures in shingles and other structures were determined. This technique not only reveals many details of the mechanism of deterioration but is often able to show intrinsic weaknesses in design or formulation before they become apparent by other methods of analysis. Concrete Testing Technique.-A recent investigation has resulted in a new analysis technique for testing concrete. A simple but relatively ac curate method for determining the granular content of sulfur mortars was devised for use by cement testing laboratories. It will be especially useful to smaller laboratories which do not have the equipment necessary to perform the analysis by the ASTM method. |