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Currently the U. S. Department of Defense (DoD) exclusively uses potassium acetate (KAc)-based runway deicing fluids (RDFs) to deice and anti-ice military runways and taxiways. Commercial airports predominantly use KAc, but some also use RDFs composed of KAc plus propylene glycol (PG) or urea plus PG. Conventional RDFs have environmental concerns due to toxicity as well as material compatibility problems such as corrosion of aircraft carbon brake-pad components, cadmium-plated landing gear, and airfield lighting fixtures. Under the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Battelle tested a series of patented - bio-based RDFs to address these issues. Tests showed that the Battelle RDFs met the mandatory Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) 1435 requirements. These new RDFs have reduced ecotoxicity compared to currently used RDFs and are compliant with all other environmental requirements.

The procedure utilized during a research evaluation of the effect of agglomerates in heavy fuels is described, and a simple light microscopic method for the study of particle dispersion in heavy fuels is given. The effectiveness of commercial additives for the treatment of heavy fuels to initiate dispersion is outlined as well as the development of a fast and inexpensive filtration test for accurately measuring the effect of various additives on various heavy fuels. Finally, the basic development work and the results obtained using ultrasonic dispersion of agglomerates during an actual engine performance test with heavy residual fuel oil is presented.

The purpose of this paper* is to describe research toward the application of Bayesian statistical methods to the calculation of system reliability The motivation for the suggested procedures stems from (1) the fact that Bayesian methods provide for the formal inclusion of all relevant information in reliability calculations and (2) the suitability of Bayesian methods to problems in which the probability distributions of interest change over time. In this report, suggested procedures are given for obtaining component reliability u estimates based on system test outcomes. Three possible test outcomes are considered: (1) success, (2) failure caused by known components, and (3) failure caused by unknown components. Using this procedure, substitution of new components or modification of the configuration of the system does not invalidate the test data accumulated up to the time of the changes.

Increased research devoted to the foundry arts has resulted in a greater understanding of the factors essential in producing high quality castings. One outgrowth of these studies has been the development of premium quality aluminum castings. The procedures used for the production of premium quality castings are reviewed, and the improvements in properties that result from adequate attention to these procedures are described.

This paper discusses the general effects of the physical, technological, and economic environments of Southeast Asia on the design, operation, and maintenance of mechanical and electronic equipment. The need for better information on applicable environmental parameters, and the relationship of this problem to the pressing requirement for applying U.S. research, development, and engineering abilities to the problems of “remote area” countries, are emphasized.

THIS PAPER describes an investigation into the use of radioactive cylinders in wear research. Battelle Institute and Fairbanks, Morse agree that the method has potential as a research tool. The effect on cylinder wear experienced with variables such as starting, idle or cold temperature operation, sudden load changes, speed, torque, and such, can be determined easily and relatively inexpensively. The authors describe the techniques and precautions taken during the testing. *

THIS report of a survey of hydraulic packings, especially O-ring seals, covers friction studies, torsional strength tests, plasticizer development, a study of rubbers, molding technique, and spiral failure. The Institute is reported to be planning to conduct research work along the lines of cycling tests and studies of stress aging, compounding, and backup rings.

In recent years alternative automobile power technologies have received increased attention from OEM's, special interest groups, and the public. Plausible power technologies now include internal combustion engines, batteries, fuel cells, and a variety of hybrid technologies. The merits of each of these technologies as a means to move personal and fleet transportation into the next century have been highly debated. One technology that has emerged as a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine is the fuel cell. Considering arguments on all sides of the debate, the authors describe the results of a systematic, focused examination of the sustainability of fuel cells for transportation and discuss strategies for sustainable technology design. Sustainable technologies are those that contribute to preserving or improving societal quality, the environment, and the economy for future generations.