Rapid advances in computer software offer may opportunities for increasing efficiency and productivity; however, choosing the right software package and achieving its full potential can be a challenging task. Lubrication engineers faced with the selection and implementation of a computer system will find that they can increase their chance of success when they follow the nine steps outlined in this paper. These steps provide a solid framework for managing the project through its full life-cycle from initial conception until final retirement of the system. Lubrication Departments that already have computer systems in place can also benefit from these steps by picking up at the corresponding point in the system's life and following the remaining steps.

The Mirrortron accelerator is a plasma-based ion accelerator concept that, when implemented, should permit both higher acceleration gradients and higher peak-current capabilities than is possible with conventional induction-type accelerators. Control over the acceleration and focussing of an accelerated beam should approach that achieved in vacuum-field-based ion accelerators. In the Mirrortron a low density (10{sup 10} to 10{sup 11} cm{sup {minus}3}) hot electron'' plasma is confined by a long solenoidal magnetic field capped by mirrors''. Acceleration of prebunched ions is accomplished by activating a series of fast-pulsed mirror coils spaced along the acceleration tube. The hot electrons, being repelled by mirror action, leave the plasma ions behind to create a localized region of high electrical gradient (up to of order 100 MV/m). At the Laboratory an experiment and analyses to elucidate the concept and its scaling laws as applied to heavy-ion drivers are underway and will be described. 4 refs., 5 figs.

This engineering note documents the testing of the set pressure of the EC hydraulic drive cylinder relief valve. The purpose of the relief valve is to provide a safety measure in the event that oil becomes trapped in the rod side of the cylinder and pressure is applied to the cap side. The note includes an explanation of the procedure used and a summary of the result of the testing done on February 14, 1991 by Gary Trotter. The result was that the cylinder relief valve relieved at the correct set pressure of 10,500 psig. The basic concern is for the protection of the cylinder. The pump is capable of providing up to 10,500 psi of pressure to either side of the cylinder. The cylinder is rated for 10,500 psi. Under normal operating conditions, the valves would be open, and the pumping pressure would automatically flow oil into one side, and remove oil from the other side. If, however, the valve for the other side was closed, so that oil could not be removed, then the pressure would build in that side. If the rod side is pressurized to the maximum pump pressure of 10,500 psi, the cross sectional area …

A thin, elastic elliptical ring is subjected to uniform external pressure. The lowest critical pressure is computed and presented for various ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical ring. It is found that the critical pressure for an elliptical ring is higher than that for the circular ring whose diameter is equal to the major axis of the elliptical ring. It can be shown that under the same external pressure, the axial force developed in the elliptical ring is less than that developed in the corresponding circular ring. Thus, a higher pressure is required to buckle the elliptical rings. Therefore, by changing the shape of the ring from circular to elliptical, the capability of the ring to sustain the external pressure can be increased substantially. The results of this study can be useful in the design of elliptical reinforcing rings and thin-walled tubes subjected to external pressure.