"An analytical investigation is made of the effect of shear lag on the bending vibration of wings that are designed essentially as shallow box beams, and a procedure is outlined for incorporating this effect in the determination of bending modes and frequencies. Numerical examples show that shear-lag action in a box beam can have a large influence on its vibration characteristics. The calculations indicate that even though only a small shear-lag action may be observed in a simple static deflection test of the beam, reductions in the second and higher-mode frequencies may be relatively large" (p. 1).

This is the University of California, Radiation Laboratory monthly progress report for May 1948. It discusses the following: (1) 184-inch Cyclotron Program; (2) 60-inch Cyclotron Program; (3) Synchrotron Program; (4) Linear Accelerator Program; (5) Experimental Physics; (6) Theoretical Physics, (7) Isotope Separation Program; (8) Chemistry Departments; (9) Medical Physics; and (10) Health Physics and Chemistry.

An investigation is being conducted to determine the altitude performance characteristics of the British Nene II engine and its components. The present paper presents the preliminary results obtained using a standard jet nozzle. The test results presented are for conditions simulating altitudes from sea level to 60,000 feet and ram pressure ratios from 1.0 to 2.3. These ram pressure ratios correspond to flight Mach numbers between zero and 1.16 assuming a 100 percent ram recovery.

The following outline of the requirements for the Redox Production Plant design is transmitted to the Kellex Corporation by the General Electric Company to be used in carrying out the assignment directed by Work Authority C-187-C. This outline briefly describes the critical features of design and emphasizes the General Electric desires for certain types of process and engineering design. The purpose of this transmittal is to outline the minimum requirements as to process flow sheet and design criteria to initiate the carrying out of this assignment by Kellex Corporation. This document was originally produced on May 22, 1948 and was declassified on July 28, 1994.

Report discussing experiments that were performed to determine whether amino acids in urine could be used as a test of subtle uranium poisoning.

"A spin investigation has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel on a 1/24-scale model of the North American XP-86 airplane. The effects of control settings and movements upon the erect and inverted spin and recovery characteristics of the model were determined for the design gross weight loading. The long-range loading was also investigated and the effects of extending slats and dive flaps were determined" (p. 1).

Determinations of the density and coefficient of thermal expansions of postum (Polonium 210) were attempted on 20 curies of polonium as obtained from production foils.

Report presenting a study of a family of diffusing scrolls designed for use with a mixed-flow impeller and a small-diameter vaneless diffuser. Results regarding a comparison of performance of scrolls and comparison of performance of various compressor configurations are provided.

"By consideration of antisymmetrical, as well as symmetrical, buckling configurations, the theoretical shear buckling stresses of clamped rectangular flat plates are evaluated more correctly than in previous work. The results given, which represent the average of upper- and lower-limit solutions obtained b the Lagrangian multiplier method, are within 1 1/4 percen of true buckling stresses" (p. 1).

"New application of the Lagrangian multiplier method to stability analysis are described by means of elementary examples. The use of the method in analyzing the stability of (a) clamped plates in shear and (b) plate-stiffener combinations is demonstrated. A detailed analysis for finding upper and lower limits to critical stresses of clamped rectangular plates is presented in the appendix" (p. 1).

The effects on dynamic lateral stability and controllability of some of the important aerodynamic and mass characteristics are discussed and methods are presented for estimating the various stability parameters to be used in the calculation of the dynamic lateral stability of airplanes with swept and low-aspect-ratio wings.

Memorandum presenting a review of information relating to aircraft fires to determine what new or further research might lead to a substantial reduction of the aircraft fire hazard in flight and following crashes. An examination of fuels, lubricants, and hydraulic fluids as inflammable liquids is presented, together with possible sources of ignition under the general categories of hot surfaces, electric sparks and arcs, flames, and hot gases.

Report presenting testing of six flutter wings, two swept 45 degrees and four unswept, attached to three freely falling bodies. Flutter frequency and phasing were recorded.

"This report presents the results of pilot observations and photographs of the compression shock wave on the wing of an airplane in flight. A detailed description of the test conditions necessary and the procedure to be following in producing the visible shock are presented. The pilot's observations of the occurrence of an oscillating shock wave and its possible relationship with the airplane buffeting are also presented" (p. 1).

Report presenting testing on a series of five flat plate models of aspect ratio 2.0 with 25-percent-mean-aerodynamic-chord flaps at a range of Mach numbers in order to investigate the effect of sweepback on flap effectiveness.

This report describes the use of pile control over atomic power, including the different methods of control.

"The effects of outdoor weathering for 2 years and of an accelerated weathering test on the weight, dimensional stability, and flexural properties of selected reinforced plastics were investigated. The results of all tests, both in this report and the previous report (NACA TN No. 1240), indicate that none of the laboratory aging tests correlated with outdoor weathering with respect to all properties and all materials" (p. 1).

"It is shown how Schrenk's empirical method of estimating the lift distribution over straight wings can be adapted to swept wings by replacing the elliptical distribution by a new "ideal" distribution which varies with sweep.The application of the method is discussed in detail and several comparisons are made to show the agreement of the proposed method with more rigorous ones. It is shown how first-order compressibility corrections applicable to subcritical speeds may be included in this method" (p. 1).

The problems of static and dynamic longitudinal stability both at high speeds and at low speeds are discussed and data are presented which indicate recent progress made in the solution of these problems.

Report presenting an investigation of the problems of static and dynamic longitudinal stability both at high speeds and low speeds as well as information about progress that has been made to solve these problems. The incorporation of large amounts of sweepback on both the wing and horizontal tail can improve the rate of trim changes and stability. Longitudinal stability has been attained for configurations with a sweep angle of 45 degrees with stall-control devices, but experimental proof is needed for these devices.

Report presenting a derivation of a point-source method based on the linearized theory for obtaining the pressure coefficient on thin wings at supersonic speeds. The analysis is continued to formulate the velocity potential for regions influenced by so-called subsonic trailing edges.

Report issued by the Bureau of Mines over the progress made in emergency mine communications. The results of testing done on low-frequency radio communication are presented. This report includes tables, graphs, illustrations, and photographs.

"The ditching characteristics of the Lockheed XR60-1 airplane were determined by tests of a 1/24-scale dynamic model in calm water at the Langley tank no. 2 monorail. Various landing attitudes, flap settings, speeds, and conditions of damager were investigated. The ditching behavior was evaluated from recordings of decelerations, length of runs, and motions of the model" (p. 1).

Note presenting an investigation to determine, for one representative hull form, the effect on some of the aerodynamic characteristics of systematic variations in the shape and disposition of the chines at and near the bow and in the depth of the step. Results regarding the effect of bow shape, depth of step, and rounded chines on drag, and a comparison with other hulls and a body of revolution are provided.