"It has been customary to calculate the strength of the rear wing beam for the 'high speed' condition on the assumption that the center of pressure was at 0.50 of the wing chord. It can be shown that this assumption is not justified, regardless of the utility of a 'high speed' condition in strength calculations" (p. 1).

Here, the laws governing the flow of a compressible fluid through an opening in a thin wall are applied to the resistance of the air at high speeds, especially as applied to the automatic rotation of projectiles. The instability which we observe in projectiles shot into the air without being given a moment of rotation about their axis of symmetry, or without stabilizing planes, is a phenomenon of automatic rotation. It is noted that we can prevent this phenomenon of automatic rotation by bringing the center of gravity sufficiently near one end, or by fitting the projectile with stabilizing planes or a tail.

The characteristics of the airplanes built for the Gordon Bennett Airplane Cup race that took place on September 28, 1920 are described. The airplanes are discussed from a aerodynamical point of view, with a number of new details concerning the French machines. Also discussed is the regulation of future races. The author argues that there should be no limitations on the power of the aircraft engines. He reasons that in the present state of things, liberty with regard to engine power does not lead to a search for the most powerful engine, but for one which is reliable and light, thus leading to progress.

Report presenting an exploration of the application of model test results to full size construction, which assumes that either the resistance varies as the square of the speed within, the range of speeds in question or that the mechanical similarity law is fulfilled by the model test. The latter requires that the relation of airflow to the model be exactly like that for the large machine.

The best distribution of the thrust over the length of the propeller blade is investigated, taking into account chiefly the slipstream loss and the friction between the blades and the air.

The different kinds of energy losses of the propeller and the values of the constants determining them are discussed.

The speed, barometric pressure, and number of revolutions of the engine of a seaplane were measured, including tests with stopped engine. The mean data obtained are given in the following note; the results of the gliding tests are used for the computation of the lift and drag coefficients, and by making use of them the results of the engine flights are used for the computation of the propeller efficiency.

Note presenting a determination of the relative merits of various fuels for use in high compress engines. The main purpose is to discuss a phase that has not been given much attention in previous studies; specifically, the standpoint of the influence of charge temperatures and pressures on the temperatures and pressures after combustion.

Report detailing studies of longitudinal stability and balance on five airplanes: the JN4H, DH4, VE7, USAC-11, and Martin Transport. The methods of measurement, methods of correcting instability, and potential modifications for the elevator of the planes is described.

Descriptions are given of two captured helicopters, one driven by electric power, the other by a gasoline engine. An account is given of flight tests of the gasoline powered vehicle. After 15 successful flight tests, the gasoline powered vehicle crashed due to the insufficient thrust. Also discussed here are the applications of helicopters for military observations, for meteorological work, and for carrying radio antennas.

"The following considerations determine the strength of airplane fabrics: 1. maximum air forces acting on the surfaces (including local stresses); 2. tensions produced in the fabrics, in the directions of both warp and filling; 3. factor of safety required. The question of the permissible depression of the fabric as affecting the aerodynamic requirements in regard to the maintenance of shape of the section, the tenacity and extensibility of the layer of dope, its strength and its permeability to water is almost as important" (p. 1).

In the following note, prepared for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, this induction factor is determined from the result of a model test, and compared with a formula recently developed by the author. The two results are found to be in substantial agreement.

Report presenting some theoretical calculations for determining the problems of accelerated and disturbed motion, phenomena in an accidental or intentional disturbance through the deflection of the rudder or elevator, or any other change in the conditions of flight.

"This investigation was made at the request of the Bureau of Aeronautics. Since the ordinary torsion formula is based on elastic resistance to deformation, it is inaccurate for determination of ultimate stresses in thin wall tubing subjected to torsional loads. It has been found that the torsional modulus of rupture varies with the ratio of diameter to gage thickness and the object of these tests was to determine the extent of these variations for subject materials. This is somewhat of a prorogation of work done by the Army Air Service at McCook Field" (p. 1).

"This note has been prepared for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. It deals with the model rules relating to aeronautical problems, and shows how the characteristics of one airplane can be determined from those of another airplane of different weight or size, and of similar type. If certain rules for the ratios of the dimensions, the weights and the horsepower are followed, a small low-powered airplane can be used for obtaining information as to performance, stability, controllability and maneuverability of a larger prototype, and contrariwise" (p. 1).

As a result of testing, it was determined that control of the rate of quenching and the avoidance of accelerated aging by heating are the only means of modifying duralumin itself so as to minimize the intercrystalline form of corrosive attack. It is so simple a means that it should be adopted even though it may not completely prevent, but only reduce, this form of corrosive attack. By so doing, the need for protection of the surface is less urgent.

Although the corrosion resistance of sheet duralumin can be greatly improved by suitable heat treatment, protection of the surface is still necessary if long life under varied service conditions is to be insured. The coatings used for this purpose may be grouped into three classes: the varnish type of coating, the oxide type produced by a chemical treatment of the surface, and metallic coatings, of which aluminum appears to be the most promising. Since the necessary weather exposure tests are not complete, some of the conclusions regarding the value of various surface coatings are necessarily tentative.

This compilation of the outstanding characteristics of the available aircraft engines of the world was prepared as a compact ready reference for desk use. It does not pretend to be anything but a skeleton outline of the characteristics of engines reported in the technical press as being in either the experimental, development, or production stage. At present progress is quite rapid and by the time this compilation is disseminated new models may have superseded those listed, or changes may have been made which will entirely change the characteristics given" (p. 1).

Since aircraft design is tending toward all-metal construction, the strong heat-treatable light aluminum alloy, duralumin (a generic name for a class of heat-treatable alloys containing Cu, Mg, Mn, and Si), is finding increasing application. Doubt has been expressed concerning the reliability and permanence of these materials. Information is given on the effect of corrosion on the tensile properties of 14-gauge sheet duralumin, heat treated by quenching in hot water after being heated for 15 minutes in a fused nitrate bath at 500 to 510 C. Intercrystalline corrosion and practical aspects of intercrystalline embrittlement are discussed with respect to duralumin.

The permanence, with respect to corrosion, of light aluminum alloy sheets of the duralumin type, that is, heat-treatable alloys containing Cu, Mg, Mn, and Si is discussed. Alloys of this type are subject to surface corrosion and corrosion of the interior by intercrystalline paths. Results are given of accelerated corrosion tests, tensile tests, the effect on corrosion of various alloying elements and heat treatments, electrical resistance measurements, and X-ray examinations.

"This research on steel diaphragms was undertaken at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, as a part of a general investigation on fuel injection engines for aircraft. The work determined the load-deflection, load- deformation and hysteresis characteristics for single diaphragms having thicknesses from 0.00s inch to 0.012 inch, and for similar diaphragms tested in multiple having total thicknesses from 0.012 inch to 0.180 inch. The elastic limit loads and deflections, and rupture points of single diaphragms were also determined. Some work was done on diaphragms having central orifices in order to determine the effect of orifice diameter upon the load deflection characteristics" (p. 1).

Note presenting an investigation to determine if lighter sources of heat energy than gasoline exist. Various explosives are considered in terms of their calorific values.

Note presenting a study of the strength and deformation of the fabric used to cover airplane wings, both undoped and doped. The doping of the fabric with Cellon seems to have a predominant influence on the results according to the nature and number of the coats.

Note presenting an investigation of the value of wood for structural parts subject to stress. An exploration of several different types of wood is provided, including the coefficeint of elongation in bending, tensile strength, compression strength, and energy required for fracture is provided.