Report presenting seven distinct operations in the preparation of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylpentane, including the preparation of di-isobutylene hydrochloride, preparation of dimethylzinc, reaction of dimethylzinc in dry benzene with di-isobutylene hydrochloride, preliminary distillation of the reaction products, treatment of the first distillate with sodium and alcohol, final distillation after appropriate washing of the products, and recovery of the iodine in the zinc residues of II as methyl iodide.

Report discusses the results of two tests: "1) aerodynamic tests to determine the effect of the slipstream and thrust from the powered propellers on the lift and trimming-moment characteristics, and 2) hydrodynamic tests to determine the effect of the powered propellers on the range of stable locations of the center of gravity (from Introduction)." Large differences in the stable range between half-thrust and full-thrust conditions were observed. Three effects of power were also involved in the location of the stable range of the center of gravity.

"An analysis was made to show the relative effectiveness of streamline external fuel tanks, a fuel tank in the form of a wing mounted in a biplane position, and auxiliary wing panels attached at the wing tips to increase the span as temporary means for increasing the range of a fighter-type airplane. Figures and charts for the various devices considered show the results of calculations of range, duration of flight, and take-off distance for both land-base and carrier operation. The results indicated that the wing-tip extensions were the most promising of the devices considered" (p. 1).

"Tests were made of riveted double-angle columns to determine the total rivet strength that is required to make these built-up columns develop the strength predicted by the standard column formulas. Results of the tests led to the conclusion that the required rivet strength may be calculated by the beam method of design" (p. 1).

Report discusses the results of shear testing in which the heads of Du Pont explosive countersunk rivets were allowed to protrude above the skin surface before expansion and the protruding portions were removed after expansion. As the height of the rivet head above the skin increases, the tightness of the rivet was found to increase. The report concludes that it may be desirable to investigating filling an entire shank with an explosive charge in order to permit greater tolerances in the drilled hole diameter and still have consistently tight rivets.

Report discusses an analysis and preliminary design of a control linkage that varies automatically with dynamic pressure. The advantages of the device, including greater lateral control than a fixed control linkage without additional aerodynamic balance, are detailed. The effect of variable linkage on lateral-control characteristics is also described.

"The effects of changes in aileron rigging between 2 deg up and 2 deg down on the stick forces were determined from wind-tunnel data for a finite-span wing model. These effects were investigated for ailerons deflecting equally in both directions and linearly with stick deflection. Data were analyzed for a Frise, a sealed internally balanced, and a beveled-trailing-edge aileron" (p. 1).

Report discusses the "effects of oil introduced into the combustion chamber and of oil-spray piston cooling on the knock-limited performance of aircraft engines" (from Summary). A CFR engine and Allison V-1710 cylinder were used to test the rate of oil consumption, knock, and knock-limited brake mean effective pressure.

Report discusses measurements of the relaxation time of steam and nitrogen due to their importance as turbine-working fluids. Additional calculations regarding different nozzle lengths are included.

Report discusses the results of testing to determine the maximum rates of control stick (elevator) motion and corresponding maximum stick forces that could be exerted based on experiments with several pilots. The main topics explored were the comparison of the maximum rates of push and pull, maximum rates of push and pull when a mental restriction was placed on the pilot, and maximum rates at which the pilot though he would apply the elevator control forces versus the actual application of forces. Information about experimental procedures and the rig the testing occurred on is included.

Report discusses the results of an investigation to determine the feasibility of using the change in the specific gravity of fuels in aircraft fuel tanks to measure fuel-vaporization loss. Six fuels were tested via fuel-distillation tests and simulated-flight tests. An equation based on the specific gravity of the fuel is also described.

"An investigation was made of the methods of supporting single-thickness specimens of aluminum-alloy sheet material in a fixture for determination of compressive stress-strain curves. The specimens were supported in the fixture by rollers, offset-grooved plates, opposite-grooved plates, flat brass plates, or flat wooden plates. The investigation also showed that the compression fixture, the specimen support, and the single-thickness specimens must be accurately made in order to obtain accurate stress-strain curves consistently" (p. 1).

Tests show that at inlet-air temperatures of 250 deg F and 100 deg F the knock-limited performance of the base fuel of blends, leaded with 4 ml TEL per gallon and containing 20 percent spiropentane, was reduced at fuel/air ratios below 0.085. The 20 percent methylenecyclobutane reduced the knock-limited power of the base fuel at fuel/air ratios below 0.112. Di-tert-butyl ether, methyl-tert-butyl ether, and triptane increased the knock-limited power of the base fuel at all fuel/air ratios and at both temperatures.