Abstract. While the concept of a biological system as a balanced network of chemical transformations is not a new one, experimental definition of specific systems has been lacking. This paper defines theoretically and experimentally a number of such networks and their behavior and response to some limited environmental changes.

From Introduction: "In reference 1, in which the performance of conical supersonic scoop inlets on circular fuselages is reported, the drag of the bottom-inlet configuration was considerably higher than for the top inlet."

"The performance of liquid fluorine and liquid ammonia as a propellant combination was evaluated in 1000-pound-thrust rocket engines operated at a chamber pressure of 600 pounds per square inch absolute. Values of specific impulse, characteristic velocity, thrust coefficient, and heat rejection were obtained as functions of propellant mixture ratio for each of four injectors: a triplet, a showerhead, and two like-on-like types" (p. 1).

Memorandum presenting a study of the ignition of ammonia and mixed oxides of nitrogen at 160 degrees Fahrenheit made with and without fuel additives utilizing small-scale rocket engines of approximately 200 pounds thrust. All experiments were conducted at sea-level pressures except two at a range of pressure altitudes. Results regarding the use of lithium as a catalyst, calcium as a catalyst, and no apparent catalyst are provided.

Report presenting a study of four short annular diffusers with different diffuser passage area variations and with various combinations of straightening vanes, vortex generators, splitters, and boundary layer suction for flow control. Results regarding turbine discharge whirl, diffuser passage modification, and boundary layer control are provided.

Report presenting an experimental investigation to determine the effect of several wedge-type boundary-layer diverters on drag and inlet pressure recovery in the 8- by 6-foot supersonic wind tunnel at Mach numbers of 1.5, 1.8, and 2.0. The model consisted of two rectangular ramp-type inlets mounted on the NACA RM-10 body of revolution. Results regarding variation of inlet pressure recovery and configuration drag with inlet mass-flow ratio, changes in the shock pattern off the inlet ramp, pressure-recovery-mass-flow characteristics, and drag coefficients are provided.

Report presenting an exploratory investigation of three aluminum disoaps of C(sub 8) acids to determine the gelling properties and stabilizing ability in slurries of 50 percent magnesium power and JP-4 fuel. All of the soaps were found to gel the slurries satisfactorily and to exhibit adequate reproducibility of gel properties. Results regarding the soap behaviors, effects of temperature, viscosity, and formation of the gel structures are provided.

Paths of trip points of Mach reflections produced by 0.5-oz pentolite detonations have been observed for various burst heights. The slopes, Y, at points on the curved path are found to vary from values of Y predicted from plane shock wave data. This discrepancy is attributed to the shock strength conditions at the early inception of the Mach reflection, which later influence the triple point equilibrium, and in lesser degree to radius of curvature effects.

Abstract: Reconnaissance of Red Rock Valley was begun on December 10, 1953, and completed on February 11, 1954. The mines in the region were investigated and all exposures of Salt Wash were walked. Paleostream directions and alterations of the sandstones were observed and recorded on a base map. No important new mineralization was discovered-and the area is considered to be of no commercial significance if judged by the outcrops alone. However, a vast amount of Salt Wash lies at slight depth directly to the east of the investigated area.

Memorandum presenting an investigation of the forced-convection heat-transfer and pressure-drop characteristics of a staggered closely spaced 0.020-inch wire metal-to-air heat exchanger. Eight wire banks were electrically heated, and the range of variables included bulk Reynolds numbers based on wire diameter and maximum velocity, from 82 to 1900, average wire temperatures up to 1109 degrees R, and heat flux densities up to 84,000 Btu per hour per square foot.

Report presenting an experimental investigation to determine the low-speed yawing stability derivatives of a model of the Douglas A4D-1 airplane. The model was tested in clean and landing configurations with horizontal and vertical tails on and off. Results are provided without analysis.

From Summary: "This paper presents the results of an investigation of the dynamic stability and controllability of a model which approximately represents the Lockheed XFV-1 airplane to a 1/8 scale. The investigation consisted of hovering flights in still air at a considerable height above the ground, hovering flights very close to the ground, vertical take-offs and landings, flights through the transition range from hovering to normal forward flight, and sideways translational flights."

Introduction: Reconnaissance for uranium in central and southwestern Arkansas was carried out as a joint project of the U.S. Atomic energy Commission and the U.S. Geological Survey during March and May 1954. The project was planned as an investigation of several areas of known abnormal radioactivity, and as a search for others, by airborne and ground radiometric reconnaissance.

Data which determine points on the Hugoniot curves of fourteen solids are given in the technical report.

The presence of large amounts of plutonium in high exposure uranium will give rise to a large, positive, graphite reactivity, temperature coefficient. This will create control problems in normal operation and also in the event of loss of cooling. Some general suggestions are given for the solution of these problems. The magnitude of the coefficient is probably known within ± 25% at present and a program is planned to reduce this uncertainty. The uncertainty is of minor importance in the operating control problem but of considerable significance in the disaster control problem.