From Introduction: "The following brief explanation with tables of equivalents in various systems of units, has been prepared in order to facilitate such transformation."

A handbook in which properties and general phenomena of the atmosphere which aeronauts and aviators should understand are discussed.

"Brass has often been assumed superior to steel for spark plug shells because of its greater heat conductivity. The measurements described in this report prove the contrary, showing that the interior of a spark plug having a brass shell is from 50 degrees to 150 degrees c. (90 degrees to 270 degrees f.) hotter than that of a similar steel plug. It is to be concluded that steel is to be preferred to brass for spark plug shells. This report embodies the results of measurements taken of electrodes and a comparison of brass and steel insulators of spark plugs while they were in actual operation" (p. 5).

Report presents the design of radiators, spark plugs and test equipment used to test the performance of aeronautic engines at high altitudes.

Report describes the methods and apparatus developed and used in the extensive experimental research into the problems involved in the dissipation of heat by means of the airplane radiator.

Report embodies the results of a very extensive research, both theoretical and experimental, into the problems involved in the dissipation of heat by means of the airplane radiator.

Among other factors which affect the horsepower of an airplane engine are the atmospheric pressure, and consequently the altitude at which the engine is working, and the compression ratio, or cylinder volume divided by clearance volume. The tests upon which this report is based were selected from a large number of runs made during the intercomparison of various gasolines to determine the variation of horsepower with altitude at three different compression ratios. The test results and conclusions are presented in this report.

Report presents the design, development and experimental results of muffling devices used to reduce noise generated by the airplane power plant.

The purposes of the experimental investigation on the performance of air propellers described in this report are as follows: (1) the development of a series of design factors and coefficients drawn from model forms distributed with some regularity over the field of air-propeller design and intended to furnish a basis of check with similar work done in other aerodynamic laboratories, and as a point of departure for the further study of special or individual types and forms; (2) the establishment of a series of experimental values derived from models and intended for later use as a basis for comparison with similar results drawn from certain selected full-sized forms and tested in free flight.

This report is a continuation of NACA Technical Report 14. It presents the results of an experimental investigation on the performance of air propellers which was divided into five parts, as follows: (1) Tests under conditions of flight on 16 model propellers of different forms, sections, or pitch ratios from those of Technical Report 14; (2) Tests under conditions of flight on one model propeller of variable pitch; (3) Tests under conditions of flight on three sets of right and left hand model propellers in series; (4) Tests on 12 model propellers to determine brake effect or negative thrust at negative slip; (5) Standing thrust and power tests of 67 model propellers.

Mixtures of gasoline and alcohol when used in internal combustion engines designed for gasoline have been found to possess the advantage of alcohol in withstanding high compression without "knock" while retaining advantages of gasoline with regard to starting characteristics. Test of such fuels for maximum power-producing ability and fuel economy at various rates of consumption are thus of practical importance, with especial reference to high-compression engine development. This report discusses the results of tests which compares the performance of alcogas with x gasoline (export grade) as a standard.

Report presents the experimental results of fabrics used for balloons and aeroplanes. Tensile properties, surface roughness, skin friction, flammability, permeability, and water absorption were tested for different combinations of materials.

Report presents an equation that connects all the major qualities of a fabric, from which the fabric may be rigidly designed with respect to maximum ultimate economy.

Report presents results of wind tunnel tests of cambered aerofoils and body-wing combinations used for biplanes. Aerodynamic characteristics including drag, lift-drift ratio and stability derivatives are given.

Report presents the performance of fabrics used for the envelopes of airships.

Report describes the principles of operation and characteristics of some of the instruments which have been devised or used to measure both low and high speeds of aeroplanes. Since the pitot tube is the instrument which has been most commonly used in the United States and Great Britain as a speedometer for aeroplanes, it is treated first and somewhat more fully than the others.

The report present the results of a theoretical and experimental study of the effect, on the performance of air speed indicators, of the different atmospheric conditions experienced at various altitudes.

Part 1 presents the results of a wind tunnel test of a biplane model with an 18 inch span. The lift, drift, and pitching moment were measured for a series of angles of incidence corresponding to the maximum possible changes of flight attitude. Only the discussion of symmetrical or longitudinal changes is given. From the observed rate of variation of the forces and pitching moment, it was possible to calculate the derivatives needed in the complete theory of longitudinal stability in still air.

Part 1 gives details of models tested and methods of testing of the Eiffel 36 wing alone and the JN2 aircraft. Part 2 presents a statistical analysis of the following: lift and drag contributed by body and chassis tested without wings; lift and drag contributed by tail, tested without wings; the effect on lift and drift of interference between the wings of a biplane combination; lift and drag contributed by the addition of body, chassis, and tail to a biplane combination; total parasite resistance; effect of varying size of tail, keeping angle of setting constant; effect of varying length of body and size of tail at the same time, keeping constant moment of tail surface about the center of gravity; forces on the tail and the effects of downwash; effect of size and setting of tail on statical longitudinal stability effects of length of body on stability; the effects of the various elements of an airplane on longitudinal stability and the placing of the force vectors. Part 3 presents the fundamental principals of dynamical stability; computations of resistance derivatives; solution of the stability equation; dynamical stability of the Curtiss JN2; tabulation of resistance derivatives; discussion of the resistance derivatives; formation …

Certain parts of an airplane are subjected not only to the stresses imposed by the aerodynamic or flying load, but also to the initial stresses, caused by the tension in the stay and drift wires. Report describes a tensiometer that measures such stresses which is simple in construction, accurate, and easily and quickly operated even by inexperienced persons. Two sizes of the instrument are available. One is suitable for wires up to one-fourth inch in diameter and the other for wires from one-fourth to three-eights inch in diameter.

Report discusses the comparative continuous flow characteristics of single and double poppet valves. The experimental data presented affords a direct comparison of valves, single and in pairs of different sizes, tested in a cylinder designed in accordance with current practice in aviation engines.

Report presents requirements of internal combustion engines suitable for aircraft. Topics include: (1) service requirements for aeronautic engines - power versus weight, reliability, and adaptability factors, (2) general characteristics of present aero engines, (3) aero engine processes and functions of parts versus power-weight ratio, reliability, and adaptability factors, and (4) general arrangement, form, proportions, and materials of aero parts - power-weight ratio, reliability, and adaptability.

Report presents a preliminary study of the state of the art of the design of carburetors for gasoline engines used in aeronautic, marine and land transportation service.

Report presents the experimental results of the resistance of air of a body moving in relative movement to the air with which it is surrounded.