needed by research workers in drugs, medicine and related fields.

5. Evaluation of Display Techniques-to assist in the selection, testing and evaluation of computer activated display techniques for the Naval War College.

Computer Services.-The Computer Services Division of the Center provides computer time and programming within NBS and for many other Government agencies. Until the sharing role was recently assumed by General Services Administration, this Division also operated the Metropolitan Washington Computer Sharing Exchange. Near the end of FY 1967, a Univac 1108 was installed in place of four different machines formerly used.

Services to Federal and Other Agencies.-Data processing services were provided to 70 organizations including 10 executive departments and 25 agencies of the Government, the Congress, State and local governments, quasi-government organizations and universities.

NBS Scientific Programming Support.-Programming and consultative services are provided in support of NBS technical activities. This effort is largely in assisting NBS scientists with problem formulation and in writing FORTRAN programs.

ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

The electronics industry is among the fastest growing and most heavily research-oriented in this country. In the context of R&D funds spent within the industry, NBS activities are relatively small. Yet the Bureau contribution has a broad pervasive influence in the field. Emphasis is placed on the characterization of basic building blocks, that is, acquiring the "nuts and bolts" knowledge needed for advances in the technology. An example of this kind of activity is the effort given to studies of the yield, performance and reliability of discrete and integrated semiconductor devices. The NBS Electronics Instrumentation group, working with materials such as germanium and silicon, develops measurement techniques and test procedures for information on resistivity and lifetime, detection and identification of flaws, control of material properties in processing, and correlation of the properties of devices with materials characteristics. Although funding and staff restrictions have limited Bureau coverage, there has been an expansion in participation with national and international standards groups.

Radiation Damage and Detectors.-Semiconductor nuclear radiation detectors, because of their small size, fast response, low noise and excellent energy resolution, are now used extensively in satellite borne

space radiation experiments. Knowledge of the useful life and changes in the performance of detectors which must operate in the intense fields of the earth's radiation belts is needed when planning space radiation monitoring experiments. NBS in cooperation with NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center is currently studying the effects of protons and electrons, with energies up to one million electron volts, on the performance of silicon nuclear radiation detectors which are commonly used in this field. In addition to knowledge of the useful life of detectors exposed to this radiation, results of the investigation will assist in the development of detectors which are more resistant to the effects of radiation.

New List of Temperature Measurements Information.-A supplement to the Bibliography of Temperature Measurements was published during fiscal 1967. It contains 1900 references, thus updating this publication used by scientists and engineers responsible for accurate temperature measurements in R&D projects or production processes. Included are references to thermo-electric, resistance, expansion and radiation devices, as well as those related to theory, calibration, temperature scales, special and nuclear application, associated equipment, and testing procedure.

Performance Criteria for Thermocouples.-A recently completed study of the relative thermoelectric stabilities of platinum-10%rhodium vs. platinum and platinum-30%-rhodium vs. platinum-6%rhodium thermocouples has shown the latter to be slightly more dependable. Changes in thermal emf were determined after prolonged heating in air, oxygen, and helium at temperatures up to 160° C. In all cases the Pt-30-Rh/Pt-6-Rh showed slightly greater stability. Heating in oxygen produced the least change in thermal emf in both thermocouples.

SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

In any program for promoting the application of technology to complex problems of industry or Government, the use of systems analysis or operations research is almost a mandatory requirement. The NBS Technical Analysis Division seeks to develop, test and disseminate systems analysis techniques which are applicable to public sector problems in terms of program planning, resource allocation and program execution. Within the civilian agencies of the Government, the IAT systems analysis group is the largest such organization. It serves other agencies in the solution of their specific systems analysis problems, and helps these agencies to develop their own capacity to tackle complex systems problems. It also conducts research on costbenefit analyses for Government programs.

National Planning Model.-A computer program was written and tested for a large scale Korean AID project. Designed to yield 5-year forecasts for economic planning, the model involves a comprehensive 270 sector breakdown of the Korean economy. This national planning model is one of the most sophisticated in use anywhere in the world.

Search Program for Heavy Metals.-Completed for the U.S. Geological Survey, this evaluation of the costs and probable benefits of a heavy metals search program will provide the Bureau of the Budget with information needed to make a rational funds allocation to this Federal program. The study requires application of geclogical and economic concepts in a system context.

Patent Application Examination Processing. In a continuing project with the Patent Office, IAT completed a systems study of the extensive clerical support activities of the patent application examination process. Clerical skills, work habits such as sequencing and task changing practices, psychological environment, and other factors were investigated in terms of their contribution to backlogs and application pendency times. Recommendations included setting priorities for work and changes in organization structure and equipment to facilitate clerical activities. A major objective of the project is to develop Patent Office systems analytic capabilities.

Progress in Transportation Simulation Studies.-Significant progress was made in the development of computer simulation programs in support of the Northeast Corridor Transportation Project of the Department of Transportation. It is now feasible to portray the dynamic flow of passengers over computerized representations of present and future facilities. NBS has contributed methodologies for evaluating and planning intercity transportation systems analogous to the models developed over the years for evaluating urban transportation systems. Variation of loads on facilities can also be simulated, a feature now being applied to urban transport by MIT.

Post Office Mechanization Program.-Contractor efforts under a seven-year mechanization program being developed by the Post Office were evaluated in terms of benefits to general postal operations. The contractor programs for mechanized equipment, mail-handling systems, manual processing of mail, and a simulation procedure for mail processing were reviewed and analyzed.

MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

During the last quarter of FY 1967, the Bureau began to provide technical assistance to the National Highway Safety Bureau (NHSB)

of the Department of Transportation in its development of adequate motor vehicle safety performance standards. The Office of Vehicle Systems Research was formed in IAT to conduct the needed research and to develop the technical base for testing and evaluating tire, occupant restraint, and braking systems. NHSB has the responsibility for issuing standards evolving from the NBS recommendations.

Braking Systems.-Studies were made of the types of equipment needed for laboratory testing of complex braking systems and their components. A special purpose inertia brake dynamometer will be installed for testing complete braking systems, and two types of materials testing machines will be used to study the friction properties of brake lining materials. A laboratory was also established for the development and improvement of methods for evaluating the chemical, physical and functional properties of motor vehicle hydraulic brake fluids. In cooperation with committees of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Chemical Specialty Manufacturers Association, initial progress was made in revising and upgrading existing SAE standards for automotive hydraulic brake fluids, for handling and dispensing fluids, and for service maintenance of fluids in brake actuating systems.

Occupant Restraint Systems.-A research program was initiated in FY 1967 with the Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, N. Mex., for test work with the Daisy Decelerator (employing the use of dummies, as well as human subjects). Tests were made to establish basic parameters for the development of dynamic test standards and results will be used as reference criteria for the NBS dynamic seat belt tester. Tests of 23 human subjects using seat belts and upper torso restraints in the conventional manner at decelerations up to 17 g represents a considerable extension of controlled experimental data. Previous data of human reaction in this configuration were limited to one or two isolated tests at an 8 g level. Two of the dummies which are to be used on the NBS Dynamic Tester were given preliminary performance tests in this program.

Tire Systems Standards.-Basic studies were initiated which will utilize methods of theoretical and applied mechanics to explain the behavior of tires under conditions of use. Correlation between laboratory (wheel method) and road tire behavior is being investigated. Research will be conducted to establish quantitative measures of the characteristics of the tire performance such as tread life or wear, carcass strength, braking and traction capabilities and cornering behavior for the purpose of developing a uniform quality grading system for tires.

"Sam," an anthropomorphic dummy is seated on the dynamic seat belt test machine developed by NBS. The sled is jerked backwards, simulating a forcible stop when going forward. The forces on Sam, his seat belt, and the sled are measured electronically and recorded to determine the restraint required and to test the ability of the seat-belt components to withstand the forces.

ENGINEERING MATERIALS

IAT provides advisory, consultative, and laboratory investigation services relating to selected engineering materials. The laboratory work is mainly for the development of test procedures which can be used by other testing laboratories. The Materials Evaluation Laboratory, responsible for this program, works with national and international groups to establish standards for these materials. Services include establishing a technical base for other Government agencies to set purchase specifications.

Magnetic Tape Characteristics.-In collaboration with NASA, the Bureau has undertaken studies of the physical characteristics, service properties, and chemical stability of magnetic recording tapes in an effort to improve their efficiency and longevity. These tapes play an important role in the space effort, as a means for storing and transmitting data. Not only must tapes perform satisfactorily during the life of a space vehicle, such as an Orbiting Scientific Observatory, but tape recordings on the ground should preserve information for many years.