Want to see a pinhead— 47 feet wide? The head of a pin would appear about 47 feet wide if examined under this instrument. It's an electron probe microanalyzer—the first to be used industrially in this country. U. S. Steel research teams use it to get a better look at the microstructure of new types of steel. In this way, they gather more information about the factors affecting steel quality and performance. Research like this is typical of U. S. Steel's leadership in the production of better steels for the wonder products of tomorrow. USS is a registered trademark To the young engineers of America's electric power for doing things that have never been done before. systems, the hope and promise of the peaceful atom A Detroit Edison representative will visit your cam- grows clearer day by day. In laboratories and on pus in the near future to tell you of the job oppor- instruction projects these young men are serving tunities in the electric power industry. Check your our nation's new atomic-electric power industry. placement office for appointments. Search and design, development and testing of new equipment, building of special structures and DETROIT EDISON operation of reactor plants-for the more efficient Production of electric power - offer opportunities Detroit 26, Michigan Henri Poincare... on disinterested fools "But scientists believe that there is a Hierarchy of facts, who never thought of the useful, and who were no and that we may make a judicious choice among them. guided by their own caprice. Theyareright, for otherwise there would be no science, What these fools did, as Mach has said, was to save their and science does exist. One has only to open one's eyes successors the trouble of thinking. If they had worked to see that the Triumphs of industry, which nave enriched solely with a view to immediate application, they would so many practical men, would never have seen the light have left nothing behind them, and in face of a new if only these practical men had existed, and if they had requirement, all would have had to be done again. not been preceded by disinterested fools who died poor. ~ Science ct methode, t912 Why Lockheed - Lockheed's leadership in aircraft is continuing in missiles. The Missile Systems Division is one of the largest in the industry and its reputation is attested by the number of high-priority, long-term projects it holds: the Polaris IRBM, Earth Satellite, Kingfisher (Q-5) and the X-7. To carry out such complex projects, the frontiers of technology in all areas must be expanded. Lockheed's laboratories at Sunnyvale and Palo Alto, California, provide the most advanced equipment for research and development, including complete test facilities and one of the most up-to-date computing centers in the nation. Employee benefits are among the best in the industry. For those who qualify and desire to continue their education, the Graduate Study Program enables them to obtain M.S. or Ph.D degrees at Stanford or the University of California, while employed in their chosen fields at Lockheed. Lockheed Missile Systems Division was recently honored at the first National Missile Industry Conference as "the organization that contributed most in the past year to the development of the art of missiles and astronautics!' For additional information, write Mr. R. C. Beverstock, College Relations Director, Lockheed Missile Systems Division, Sunnyvale, California. EDITOR LARRY PAULET BUSINESS MANAGER of michigan state university FRAN WEIHL VOLUME 12 NO. 2 JANUARY, 1959 ASSOCIATE EDITOR DON OGLESBY FEATURES 12 MISTIC . . . a versatile tool Edward H. Scharmer M A N A G I N G EDITOR 15 One Jump Ahead Philip R. Humbaugh HERB HARTMAN 16 Programming Bob Slade 18 Engineers Tackle Challenging ASSISTANT EDITOR Farm Production Problems John Koepele LA VERNE ROOT 23 Anticipating Your Future LaVerne Root 30 Missile Packaging William J. Switzenberg ASSISTANT EDITOR KEITH HARRIS DEPARTMENTS PUBLICITY 11 Dean's Letter SIGMA PHI DELTA 22 Over The Transom ART SELTMANN, CHAIRMAN 24 News Views 26 Engineer's Girl-of-the-Month OFF-CAMPUS CIRCULATION 40 Nineteen Ways To Flunk Any Course HILARY MOORE 42 Sidetracked 44 More Finagle's Laws ADVISORS 56 Advertisers' Index PAUL G. GRAY D. D. McGRADY FRONTISPIECE: This giant piece of plumbing is the world's largest "test loop" for circulating a slurry of atomic fuel— in this case, thorium oxide and uranium oxide sus- MEMBER, ENGINEERING COLLEGE pended in water. The loop is capable of circulating MAGAZINES ASSOCIATED 4,000 gallons per minute at the same pressures and Published four times yearly by the students temperatures planned for an aqueous homogeneous of the COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, MICHIGAN nuclear power plant now under study by Westing- STATE UNIVERSITY, East Lansing, Michigan. The house Electric Corporation and Pennsylvania Power office is on the third floor of the Student Serv- and Light Company near Pittsburgh. The equipment ices Bldg., Phone ED 2-1511, Ext. 2614. Second class postage paid in E. Lansing, Michigan, is used primarily for component development, systems under the act of March 3, 1879. work, and verification of certain plant operating procedures. Publishers representatives: Littell-Murray-Barnhili, Inc. COVER: This month's Engineer cover, conceived and illustrated for 369 Le xingron Avenue, New York Spartan Engineer by Rogers W. Oglesby, east coast art- 737 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago ist/illustrator, attempts to convey the January theme—com- puters. We feel Oglesby communicated this computerish Subscription rote by mail $1.00 per year. concept and its binding influence throughout the world. single coPies 25 cents. Don't you? January, 1959 5 Francis Thompson joined Westinghouse in 1952- has since earned10U.S.degree and 10 U.S. patents At 28, Francis T. Thompson, a 1952 B.E.E. graduate engineers who are finding rewarding careers with of Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute, is an engineer Westinghouse. You can, too, if you've got ambition on his way to a distinguished career in a hurry! and you're a man of exceptional ability. Our broad Upon completion of the Westinghouse Student product line and decentralized operations provide a Training Course, he was immediately selected to attend diversity of challenging opportunities for talented the Advanced Design Course at the University of engineers. Guided missile controls, atomic power, auto- Pittsburgh. Upon completion of this course, he was mation, radar, semiconductors, and large power equip- assigned to the Research Laboratories where he worked ment are only a few of the fascinating career fields to on color TV and high definition TV projects. Since be found at Westinghouse. August, 1957, he has been assigned to the New Products Why not find out now about the opportunities for Dept. where he has developed a transistorized control system combining both digital and analogue equipment you at Westinghouse? Write to Mr. L. H. Noggle, to regulate steam turbines in paper plant applications. Westinghouse Educational Center, Ardmore & Brinton Most important, Francis Thompson is doing exactly Roads, Pittsburgh 21, Pennsylvania. what he wants to be doing. He earned his MS degree through the Westinghouse Graduate Study Program in 1955 and is now working toward his Ph.D. Active in the IRE, he has submitted 45 patent disclosures (which have already resulted in awards totaling more than $1,000.00); and he has 10 U.S. patents pending. Francis Thompson is one of many talented young We don't have all the answers...yet! We already know quite a bit about triptane, try. A commercial way to make cyclopentane, whose formula is shown in the picture. It is a another anti-knock material, ranks high on the branched heptane. Scientists at Standard Oil's list of unsolved problems. The same is true of laboratories can tell you that its octane num- certain hydrogenated polymethyl naphtha- ber is 113. It is one of the best gasoline ingre- lenes; their high energy content and low pour- dients ever discovered. point make them ideal for jet fuel. As far back as 15 years ago, triptane could At Standard Oil, young scientists and engi- be produced in tank truck quantities. But no neers have the opportunity to help solve im- one has yet developed a large volume commer- portant problems such as these. Here they can cial method of making this valuable material. use their skills and knowledge to build satis- Triptane represents but one of the creative fying, lifetime careers. research challenges that exist in the oil indus- Over the years, we have been hearing of many "bar- riers" in science . . . the sound barrier, the water barrier, the thermal barrier. Of all the barriers, the hardest one to break through has always been the thought barrier. Every one of these "barriers" has been conquered by men to whom the word, impossible, means:" hasn't been done, yet." The sound barrier is a shattered concept, as dis- credited as the phlogistic theory. Don Campbell's Bluebird stopped all talk of the water barrier. The heat of air friction against the metal "skin" of an airplane was supposed to create a heat barrier at Mach 3. Materials now in production can safely withstand the much higher temperatures involved in flight at Mach 5. Today the thermal barrier is being called the "thermal thicket"-evidence in itself that no barrier exists. An interesting point that all of these "barriers" have in common: each was conquered with the help of nickel-containing alloys. This is not surprising when you stop to consider how many useful properties and combinations of properties are offered by the various nickel alloys: Corrosion resistance to a wide variety of solids, liquids and gases . . . strength at high temperatures . . . toughness at sub-zero temperatures . . . unusual electrical properties . . . ability to protect product purity . . . spring properties. When you are faced with a metal problem, investi- gate Nickel and its alloys. Inco's List "A" and List "B" contain descriptions of 377 Inco publications which are available to you, covering applications and properties. For Lists "A" and "B", write Educa- tional Service. REPUBLIC AVIATION OFFERS YOUNG ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS OPPORTUNITY ON MANY VITAL PROJECTS These programs are exciting the imagination of scientific and military minds, and extend across the known parameters of flight and beyond — at every altitude, attitude and regime. Republic —a pioneer in aero- nautics and now a leader in the exciting fields of rocketry and space studies — has opportunities for young engineers & scientists in the fol- lowing areas: • Space Vehicles and • Upper Atmosphere Research Equipment . Reconnaissance Detection and • Missiles and Rockets Armament Systems ... • • Advanced Manned Bombers, • Development of Advanced VTOL & STOL, Aircraft, Weapons for Upper Atmos- Supersonic Transports phere and Space Operations • Target Drones, Bombing • Advanced Electronic Systems Training Devices Dean's Letter Some of you may recall that Shakespeare wrote that man went through five ages in passing from the cradle to the grave. It would also appear that an alumnus of an engineering college could expect to pass through five ages in his technical life as he goes from the academic halls to his ultimate reward. The first age, which he enters immediately upon graduation, may be called that of the applied technologist, and may last from two to five years or so. In this age the young engineer is learning the practical tricks of his trade, finding out that not all problems have concise answers, that in fact not all problems are concise problems. In returning to his alma mater at Homecoming he will plead for more practical and ap- plied courses—each suited to his field of specialization of the moment—or he will regret that no one ever told him that screws come in precise sizes or that 491/2pitch gears are not common. If he is going to be a good engineer he manages to survive this early trying period and passes into his second age, that which may be called the scientific technologist. He has now learned the practical tricks of the trade, as employed in his own segment of the profession, and has advanced to a position where he is able to see a little more of the forest and not so many of the trees. His is now the position of selecting the methods of attack on some of the new problems facing his department, he is in a position to propose new techniques, and he is expected to plan the work for the latest generation of applied technologists from the colleges. He now wishes that he had studied harder in physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics or electricity— or possibly that college had taught him the intricacies of inertial guidance and space orbits. In his third age, which he may enter five to fifteen years after graduation, he becomes a technical supervisor. He has now become responsible for a section or a small department—he assumes some responsibilities of management as well as con- tinuing his technical supervision on a higher planning level. He now realizes the ad- vantages inherent in delivering on T u e s d a y the report requested by the boss for Wednesday, and he also leams that engineers and the clerical force are people. His regret is that he overlooked those courses in personnel supervision, accounting, and industrial organization that he could have taken as electives. The fourth age—the next rung on the ladder—is that of technical manager. Here he is responsible for a large department or a complete plant, and he may report to a president, or a vice-president. He is concerned with profit and loss, labor law, market- ing, management theory, and finance. His technical responsibilities lie largely in creat- ing, encouraging, and guiding a good technical and research staff. He regrets not having taken corporation law, banking, and finance in college. And in the fifth age he has reached the apex of his own organization-president or executive vice-president. He has developed a smooth running technical organiza- tion, and continues to impress upon his staff the need for further technical advances as he watches the world and his nearest competitor. He spends the winter in Florida or Arizona where he has prudently established branch plants or offices which may need supervision at such appropriate times. He develops interests in the community, the arts, travel, music, and regrets not having spent more time on these social-humanistic topics in college. This is the age of the complete engineer. John D. Ryder. Dean. College of Engineering every type of machine. Dr. Koenig spoke to Dr. Wolfson of the Eco- "TELL ME, does the school have a has completed a solution and trans- nomics Department. Dr. Wolfson had computer?" formed it into the language of the used the machine to perform a regies "Oh sure! They call it Mistic. It computer, punched tape, to form a sion analysis, a standard type of re- is located on the top floor of the E.E. sort of master plan for commutation search undertaken in the economics building." design. field. An example of such an analysis is the problem of trying to relate the "Oh! Well what do they use if for?" It is now possible to introduce distribution of employment in areas "You know. They use it for re- various parameters into the machine of various population. Dr. Wolfson search and solving problems and that and note the results, or, better still, compiled his data from Government sort of stuff." to design by repeated analysis. This statistics of areas within some twenty- process, also known as reiteration, two counties around New York City. "I know that they solve problems consists of informing the machine of with it but who are 'they' and what the solution desired and then letting In analyzing data of this type, with kind of problems do they solve?" it vary the parameters until this solu- such a large number of variables, the Has this type of conversation taken tion is obtained. This may seem like mathematical process is a job that place between you and some of your a lazy man's way of design. However, could not be done with any amount visiting friends? Are you one of the the computer is available for this of accuracy until the computer had people on campus who think that purpose, and is faster, more accurate been introduced. Even with the com- Mistic is a big black box that is used and cheaper. puter, the output was comprised of by the science departments for the "bales and bales of paper." As Dr. Koenig pointed out, this solutions of the deepest and darkest The procedure used is a standard concept of design would change the of problems? Well, let me show how procedure for which there are pro- type of engineer in d e m a n d . No wrong you can be. The computer is grams on tape available in the com- longer will the "battery of slide rule a versatile tool used by many de- puter library. Dr. Wolfson needed pushers" be necessary. The type of only to enter his data into the ma- partments throughout the school. Here person needed now is a responsible chine, which in this case was easy is a list from the Computer Lab man with wide background who can since it was on IBM-punched cards. Progress Report for October, 1958, grasp the complete picture of the The cards were run through a con- of the distribution of machine time. problem and make the best possible verter which automatically put them Hours use of these prepared tapes. on tape. Although Dr. Wolfson did Chemical Engineering 85:09 attend a short programming course, Research in Economics Agricultural Economics 11:01 he feels that it was not at all neces- Computer Laboratory 10:48 I next ventured over to Morrill sary for his type of work. Mathematics 451 10:24 Hall, a place usually not connected Psychology 7:45 with science or engineering, and (Continued on Next Page) Electrical Engineering 7:19 Communications Research 5:08 Political Science 4:57 Bureau Educational Research 4:25 Statistics 4:02 Civil Engineering 3:31 Demonstration 2:50 Physics 2:33 Sociology and Anthropology 2:05 Applied Mechanics 1:50 Economics 0:58 Chemistry 0:33 Agricultural Engineering 0:25 Mathematics 0:22 Bureau Economic Research 0:17 Evaluation Services 0:10 Dairy ():08 Administration Services 0:05 TOTAL 188:45 You may wonder just who in these departments are using the computer. Dr. Koenig of the Electrical Engi- neering Department used the com- P ute r to solve a problem in design, He and a g r a d u a t e student. Mr. Kesavan, are working on a problem inherrent to all DC rotating machines, that of commutation design. The Problem has been with us since the invention of motors and generators which dates back to the time of Edi- son The solution of the problem in- volves the completion of e n d l e s s mathematical equations for each and MISTIC Designs Cyclotron As you may or may not have heard, the University is trying to obtain funds In build a cyclotron on campus. Even though the time schedule for capitalization is still indefinite, the work has not been delayed. Design has been under way for about nine months DOW and will probably take another year and a half t<> complete. In speaking with Dr. Blosser of the Physics Department I found a num- ber of interesting plans aside from what Mistic is doing to help in the design. I'iisl question asked when One hears that something new is to be buill is: when? According to Dr. Blosser, Construction should begin in the summer of I960 and be finished in the winter of 1962. This is, of course, assuming that the necessary Funds are available. Where will it be built? It will have its own building which will be connected to the south end of the Physics Math, building and extend slightly into the parking lot. The use of the computer here is much the same as in any other field. It is used to do the lengthy computa- tions that must be done repeatedly. This, as you may know, is the out- standing feature of the machine. Com- "Dr. Blosser," I asked, "would it be puters have some times been termed possible for you to take programs "brains." Morons would be the more that have been designed for computers appropriate name for them since they other than the Illiac type (from which think of n o t h i n g new themselves. the Mistic has been designed) and They know and do only what they use them to program the Mistic?" are told. "No, not directly," he said. "The Dr. Blosser has used the Mistic for logic of the program could be used about ten hours in conjunction with to compose a program for the Mistic, the cyclotron design problem. He has but the program as it stands could also made use of the Oak Ridge com- not be used." puter and the computer belonging to the Midwestern Universities Research Vibration Analysis Made Association located in Madison, Wis- Switching over to the Applied Me- consin. Although he would rather use chanics Department, I spoke to Dr. the Mistic since it is so handy, he finds Mercer who had also been using the that this is not always possible. The computer for research. He had been memory unit of the Mistic is not, at preparing a p a p e r for the ASME present, large enough to handle his which was published in the November procedures. 1958 issue of ASME transactions. The actual problem he was dealing with was a problem in vibration analysis. He was applying cam excitation to a spring mass system and noting the vibration throughout the system. This analysis, not unlike the problems in the other departments, results in the solution of repeated computations that, without the computer, would result in an endless webb of mathe- matical confusion. Dr. Mercer felt that the program- ming of the machine to do his work was no problem, so little problem in fact that he had a high school stu- dent do it for him. Dr. Mercer him- self first learned to program a com- puter at Purdue where he was a grad- (Continued on Page 52) Spartan Engineer One Jump Ahead . . . when playing a game of checkers or chess. T the machine with a symbolized move stamped on it. 1769 by Baron Kemplen. It toured all over the world, and managed to A HE man sat in a quiet room op- posite a large machine with flashing This same scene is repeated again deceive thousands into thinking it lights on a control panel. Between and again until finally, the machine played the game automatically. This the man and machine lay a board prints a card which reads "Thank you machine, described by Edgar Allan marked off in squares. On the board for an interesting game." Poe, is said to have defeated Napol- were figurines, some b l a c k , some eon, who was considered to be quite Years ago this would have sounded a good chess player. The machine, white. The man picked up a black- like a d r e a m . Men h a v e always piece and moved it one space on the however, met its own Waterloo when, thought it possible to build a machine in the course of a game, someone board. He then typed up the symbols capable of playing chess, but, lacking which represented the move he had yelled "fire" and the machine went the background and knowledge re- into a fury of activity due to the ef- just made. quired, were unable to conceive its When placed in the machine a forts of the little man inside to escape. construction. great whirring of gears and flashing of Today there are machines, i.e. com- lights took place. In less than ten One of the first and most famous puters, in this country, as well as minutes a printed card came out of chess playing machines was built in other parts of the world, which can play a respectable game of chess, checkers or the old standby, "tic, tac, toe." Chess is probably the most interest- ing of the games a machine can be instructed to play. It has fascinated people of all ages for years. Chess champions are honored all over the world. The reason chess is such a vitally interesting pastime is because of the almost infinite number of dif- ferent games that can be played. The average number of moves in any given situation in chess is about thirty. The length of a game is about 40 moves. Therefore, there are ap- proximately 10 120 possible games. If a man could make a machine capable of playing a million games a second (a ridiculous assumption even look- ing into the future of computers) it would take 10 108 years to play all possible games. The idea that digital computers can be programmed to play a game of chess is no longer a matter of ques- (Continued on Page 32) PROGRAMMING... responsibilities are now being assumed by management. The highly specialized engineer is not able to handle industry's problems on electronic business computers. greater than its losses. The revolution AN executive with a taste for doing going on now may soon bring our things his own way frowns on a small economy as far again or farther than memo announcing the first cutback it has come in the last two centuries. in his "empire" of seventy five clerical workers. Two floors below his office, The process should be just as profit- in an air-conditioned chamber, elec- able for many, and may be just as tronic machinery hums and clicks in disastrous for some. ceaseless activity. Within a generation much of the A labor leader pounds his fist on clerical w o r k , decision-making and the bargaining table over twenty new policy-forming now being done by employees not yet classified as either men will be taken over by giant elec- labor or management. In the next tronic computers. building one of the twenty translates Progress Without Paper statistics into perforations on a long paper tape. A science fiction writer once sug- gested as the perfect weapon a gas An eastern buyer is amazed to find to destroy paper. He maintained that that his latest order will be delivered no organization, military or civil, could four weeks sooner than the last, while exist without paper, and his story a midwestern school teacher smiles graphically described the chaos result- to find in the mail a fatter dividend ing from a country's sudden loss of check from her insurance company. all banknotes, letters, files, and per- Incidents such as these are becom- sonal identification. ing increasingly common. They are There is more truth than fantasy victories, defeats and skirmishes in a in such an idea. It has been estimated new revolution. Two hundred years that over half of the labor in many ago man's industrial strength, with large industrial concerns is devoted power and production far exceeding to paper work. In terms of the public; that of his hands, began the economic pocketbook, this means that many of growth which has resulted in today's our common necessities from shoes unprecedented s t a n d a r d of living. to soap cost us over twice the expense True, the changes then were costly involved in raw materials, production, in terms of general handicraft skills and handling. But without this paper and certain traditional ways of doing work the supply of our present day things, but the gains of the industrial revolution have been obviously far consumer demands would not be even remotely possible. As business and industry grow big- cess in operation. Unfortunately, this appraisal of their needs. Filled with ger and more complex, this paper has not always been the case. rosy hopes for vast, but ill-defined monster threatens to consume an even savings, they overlooked the fact that greater proportion of the total energy Computers Are Often Not Practical much of what they expected to gain expended. Hence, the revolution. The The advent of electronic computers could have been managed just us well threat is being met by a rapidly grow- in business four years ago was by a reorganization of existing struc- ing army of electronic computers. heralded with high, but not very wise, tures. On top of this in only a few hopes. Since then there has been a cases were the computers able to per- In 1954 it was estimated that per- good deal of disappointment. Three form at anywhere near "theoretical" haps fifty companies could find use major causes of this exist: there has capacity. From the beginning the out- for an electronic computer. But the been a "band wagon" tendency for standing exceptions to this have been potential of these versatile devices was not reckoned with. Today there insurance companies, utilities and are over 1700 computers being used banking houses. But such businesses The Oakland Naval Supply Center contend with a large and continuous by some 1200 companies, the govern- has announced it plans to install the ment and the armed forces. newest and fastest transistorized digi- flow of numbers, and could easily shift tal data processing system on the existing systems over to a computer What are these "brains?" How do market today, the Transac S-2000. with a minimum of experimentation. they work, and what are their limi- According to a Navy spokesman, The costs involved in the installa- tations? Purely technical answers to this electronic "brain" can compute an tion and operation of a computer are these questions can be tediously com- entire payroll for 8,500 people and savings bond deductions for 14,000 actually much larger than they might plex. A general approach, however, people in just 22 minutes. appear at a glance. The total cost is not only fairly simple, but can be of an adding machine or desk calcula- interesting as well. In principle there The Transac S-2000 also can add 10 digits plus 10 digits 60,000 times tor barely exceeds its initial price tag. are four basic parts to an electronic in one second, read or write informa- There is no additional staffing prob- computer. The first is an arithmetic tion on magnetic tape at the rate of lem because most of a company's reg- device; the second, a control element; 90,000 characters per second, and print reports at the rate of 900 lines ular clerical help can operate one. In- the third and fourth, numerical and per minute (120 characters each line). stallation is simply a matter of decid- program memories, respectively. The ing which desk to put it on, and entire brain compares readily to a Rear Admiral R. J. Arnold, Com- manding Officer of the Naval Supply electric power costs only a few cents simple desk calculator with a human Center, said the new data processing a month. A computer is another mat- operator. The arithmetic part is com- equipment will greatly facilitate the ter entirely. parable to the calulator itself and the work at the Center, which provides control to the operator, while the 90 percent of the supply and logistic Most large computers require a full support to ships and shore stations time staff of from 13 to 17 trained numerical m e m o r y is similar to a in the Pacific ocean area. This in- worksheet containing intermediate re- volves processing over one million technicians. In addition to this, 24 to sults, and the program memory to the orders per year from an inventory of 48 clerks are needed to handle in- operator's instructions on how to per- 635,000 different items of stock which formation going into and coming from have a $788,000,000 inventory value. the machine. The total yearly pay for form the calculations necessary. The Transac S-2000 will replace this staff averages $220,000. Other The process of giving a computer another electronic data processor that annual costs are power and spare has been in use at Oakland since a problem along with instructions for February, 1957. The Transac will parts-$l5,000, and rental-$300,000 its solution is called "programming." handle a wide range of data proces- or more. On top of these, there are Such instructions are usually given sing functions such as order control, set-up expenses. Before the computer encoded on a perforated paper tape, accounting, stock control and payroll. is even installed a feasibility study to Not only will accounting procedures °r on a magnetic tape. These instruc- be improved through greater accuracy determine the best use may amount tions might read something like, "A and system integration, but the new to more than $150,000. Installation 122 243 527" which means, "Add the Transac will save the government itself, involving such things as air- number in element 122 to the number money. conditioning and special wiring, will in element 243, then add the sum to Since the Transac S-2000 is fully come to another $150,000, while ini- the number in element 527." A com- transistorized, it generates very little tial p r o g r a m m i n g will cost in the heat and occupies much less space puter can also make decisions such than a conventional vacuum tube neighborhood of $350,000. Once in- as that involved in the instruction, "If computer. It can be entirely enclosed stalled, parallel work necessary while the number in element 2 is smaller in an area about 1,000 square feet. the computer is adjusted to its job than the number in element 3, con- Transac data processors have al- will call for a third $150,000. Amort- tinue with these instructions. If it is most unlimited storage capacity. Stock izing these costs over five years adds larger, follow the instructions in ele- status records for all 635,000 items a total of $160,000 to the annual ex- of material stored at the supply center pense. ment 4, then come back to these." can be stored on two and three-tenths reels of magnetic tape, 10K inches In regard to expense, then, the com- All in all, a computer may be capa- in diameter. ble of performing over thrity different puter is obviously no common office operations. It is most efficiently used machine. If it were at all comparable, in lengthy and repetitious calculations some companies to get a computer we would stop at the basic cost, the which would take a person, even simply as a "good thing," costs have price tag of which, in this case, is the using a desk calculator, a much longer been misunderstood, and the machines annual rental of $300,000, less than time. have been frequently put to narrow- one half of the total. use, restricted almost exclusively to Frequently a computer has been In addition to the 1700 computers obtained with the idea that it will be rountine clerical functions. " o w i n use, there are over 3000 more nothing more than another office ma- on order at prices r a n g i n g from It has been said that computer ex- perts are those whose computers chine. As a result, it is used for little $300,000 to $2,000,000. Dozens of more than routine clerical work, and these are additions for companies al- haven't been delivered yet. A number of companies desired to purchase a its potential as a computer goes to ready operating computers. Such suc- (Continued on Page 36) ess m growth implies an equal suc- computer, and did so without careful January, 1959 Engineers Tackle Challenging Farm Production Problems T HE Agricultural Engineering build- land and farm. For e x a m p l e , in of the gross output of the United ing on South Campus is a long way wheat production, it is possible to States. Last year there were more from Olds Hall. However, Ag. Eng. produce an acre of wheat with 1.82 tons of hay produced in the United is an integral part of the engineering man hours of labor instead of 57.7 States than tons of steel. The volume college, and these engineers have a man hours required 100 years ago. of a ton of hay is approximately 50 real job cut out for themselves. Today's farmer has at his disposal times that of a ton of steel. Last year about 36 mechanical and electrical the value of agricultural products was Agriculture, the production of food over 32 billion dollars at the farm horsepower per worker to help him and fiber, is the oldest of all in- level and 90 billion at the consumer dustries. Technologies in engineering with his work. level. The automotive industry was and in agriculture have greatly in- To prove that agriculture is a big 26 billion dollars and petroleum pro- creased the productive capacity of the business, in 1955 it represented 40% ducts were valued at 25 billion dol- 18 lars. It is this gigantic agricultural industry which the agricultural en- gineer serves. The agricultural engineering pro- fession is one of the younger engi- neering professions—slightly more than 50 years old. There are now 43 col- leges and universities in the United States offering a professional agricul- tural engineering curriculum. Michi- gan State University first offered this curriculum in 1906 as a service de- partment. The curriculum was ac- credited as agricultural engineering in 1950 due to the demands of in- dustry for an engineer specifically qualified to work on agricultural problems. Present trends in farming and in the entire agricultural industry as a whole focus more attention on the need for engineering service in agri- culture. The number of farmers in the United States is decreasing, but more businesses than ever are in- volved in serving the farm and in working with farm products. In farm production, there are pressures to improve efficiency, to reduce labor requirements and costs of production. (Continued on Next Page) More machines and power are being composed of courses from five divi- flow are of particular importance in substituted for human labor. Opti- sions in addition to the basic require- this area. mum efficiency in livestock, poultry ments. They are: power and machin- ery, soils and water, agricultural struc- The agricultural structures division production and crop storage require the use of new and improved struc- tures, rural electrification, and agri- deals with the buildings and struc- tures. More effective and widespread cultural crop processing. tures on the farm, as well as those use of soil and water conservation used in the processing and storage measures are required to protect those The power and machinery field in- of farm products. These structures vital resources to maintain produc- cludes all forms of energy used in include homes, silos, granaries, cel- tivity and to provide water for irri- agriculture except muscular activity. lars, machine shops, storage, proces- gation and domestic supply. This mean machines, implements and sing buildings, etc. The agricultural devices for applying power for the engineer is concerned with the func- It is apparent that the work of an production and processing of food tion and economical aspects of these agricultural engineer requires knowl- and fiber. Generally speaking, the structures. Close cooperation exists edge of engineering and agriculture. power and machinery division person- between the architect and the engi- For example, the development of a neer in this field. nel design and develop the machinery, farm machine depends not only on a knowledge of machine design, but demonstrate its use, and counsel its Rural electrification deals with the upon a knowledge of the crop if the selection by fanners. use of electricity in rural areas. It is machine is to function properly. The soil and water field is con- primarily concerned with uses in ag- ricultural production, home moderni- The agricultural engineer's appli- cerned with keeping soil and water zation, power and control for equip- cation has many objectives—a lew of where they belong. An engineer in ment, and for more convenient living. which are: reduction in labor, better this option may work with irrigation, Electricity in this area of the country quality and safety, and higher re- drainage, water conservation struc- turns. In order to obtain these ob- is one of our cheapest sources of tures and procedures, or land recla- power. It is a premium form of en- jectives he works in close association mation. In this o p t i o n , the well- with other engineers and agricultural ergy because it can be easily and trained agricultural engineer has to efficiently converted to heat, light scientists. have training in soils—the engineer's or mechanical energy. One of the The educational preparation of an most complex material. Engineering great challenges to the engineer in Ag. engineer at Michigan State is studies of rainfall, runoff, and water this field is to develop and apply this convenient form of energy to its many potential agricultural uses, and to substitute it economically for hu- man effort. Agricultural crop processing is one of the newer fields. With the recent trends in frozen foods of all types, the processing and marketing of farm products call for the services of the agricultural engineer. The application of engineering methods and equip- ment, whether the product is a crop, fruit, or vegetable, is necessary. It calls for the insulation of cold stor- ages, design of canning and locker Plants and creameries. Graduates in the field of agricul- tural crop processing work with dairies and food-processing concerns, design new equipment and adapt old equip- ment to new processes. Research work in processing is done for com- mercial concerns, colleges and govern- me nt agencies. Graduates may also go into sales work for commercial con- cerns or for themselves. New ma- chinery m u s t be designed to handle recently developed p r o c e s s e s , and methods of product transportation has to be constantly improved. These areas will become increasingly im- Portant as automation develops. (Continued on Page 54) neered products will be more success- ful if their top management is culti- vated from broadly experienced men with a strong engineering background. Granting this, we feel recent eng- neering graduates, as a whole, have not received sufficient academic train- ing in such management requirements as finance, law, marketing and sales in conjunction with their engineering training." (Hooray for the four executive*, but have they seen the inflexibility of the curricula at MSU, i.e., Ag. E. —7 electives, Chem. E.—none, Civil E.-9, E.E.-9, M.E.-6, and Met. 7? Good idea to have a liberal education. too, but must we remain another year to get one?) In December, the Board of Ag. approved Mr. Ditsworth's appoint- ment to assistant professor of me- chanical engineering. Attention all EE students. Have you been troubled by a tricky math problem, or a lab assignment that this trip sponsored by the ASME I N order to promote scholastic you couldn't even fudge? Well, Eta achievement among the underclass- should check with LaVeme Root. Kappa Nu may have a service for men in mechanical engineering, the you. Ed Jenkins informs us that be- Tau Epsilon chapter of Pi Tau Sigma ginning this term the honorary will has established an annual award to Engineer Graduates provide free tutoring in math and EE the outstanding sophomore in me- Cannot Communicate subjects. All EE students can avail chanical engineering. themselves of this service. All the stu- (Michigan Education Journal, April dent has to do is make an appoint- The award has been named the 1, '58) "Lorin G. Miller Award" in honor of ment by calling Jenkins at ED 7-0523 Dean Emeritus Lorin G. Miller who Hats off! to you, who favor a basic- or dropping a note in the Eta Kappa cooperated in the establishment of liberal arts background for college Nu box located in EE office, 2nd the Tau Kpsilon chapter at Michigan students regardless of major. Your floor. Don't be proud, fellas, we can State in 1951. stand is one hundred per cent correct, all use a little help occasionally. Ernest Kollar was picked as the according to four engineering execu- outstanding sophomore of 1957-58. tives. They say that lack of liberal Here are a few active M.E. stu- His name will be engraved in a per- arts courses in curricula of engineer- dents here on the campus. manent plaque which is to hang in ing schools handicaps advancement of graduate engineers in industry. Gerald Skeelenger, Grad. Student. Olds Hall. Kollar received a copy of Phi Kappa Phi "Kent's Mechanical E n g i n e e r i n g The engineering e x e c u t i v e s said Tau Beta Pi Handbook." that "In general we find that engi- Pi Tau Sigma neering graduates are deficient in at Knights of St. Patrick least two aspects. They are the fol- ASME On July 1st of this year. Prof. Price, lowing: head, department of mechanical en- Jack Garter, M.E. '59 gineering, will begin a one year fur- • Engineering graduates are unable Phi Kappa Phi lough with retirement to become to get their ideas across to manage- Tau Beta Pi official at the end of that period. ment in a concise, understandable Rec. Sec'y, Pi Tau Sigma manner either orally or in written Phi Lambda Tau Prof. Price joined the MSU faculty reports. in 1942, coming here from the Uni- ASME versity of Arkansas. A native of Lex- • Their ideas of economics and Thomas Sandford, M.E. '59 ington, Kentucky, he graduated and general business are most inadequate, Phi Kappa Phi received his master's degree from and they have a limited background in the arts. Pres., Tau Beta Pi Cornell University. In 1952-53, he took a leave of absence from MSU to Pi Tau Sigma tour engineering schools in the U.S. These deficiencies in the liberal arts Knights of St. Patrick and Europe. field results in their having difficulties La Verne Root, M.E. '59 in industry in the general field of Corr. Sec'y, Pi Tau Sigma human r e l a t i o n s , particularly with ASME Come the Spring term, a bus load other departments of their own com- panies, the executives said. Spartan Engineer of engineering students will tour the Assoc. of Off-campus Students Monroe reactor at Monroe, Mich. Any "Automatic control companies and Can you add any names to this students desiring to take advantage of others manufacturing h i g h l y - e n g i - list? 22 Anticipating Your Future? Opportunities await those who accept the challenge. HAVE you considered applying for entrance to graduate school? Are you aware of the opportunities Michigan State offers in its engineering gradu- ate program? Let's briefly examine the programs offered and the require- ments necessary for advanced study in engineering. The objectives of graduate study in engineering are the development of intellectual power, and the mastery of a large body of basic and broadly ap- plicable scientific principles and meth- ods. These objectives are met through continued course work beyond the undergraduate level and, in the case of the student choosing to write a thesis, a first taste of original research. The course work consists of sub- jects dealing with the fundamentals of engineering science and their ap- plication for the enrichment of man- kind. These courses arc usually taught by the members of the faculty hold- ing advanced degrees. Since class en- rollment may vary from four to a maximum of fifteen, there is more op- portunity for participation of the in- dividual in the learning process. Research projects may fall into any one of the several subdivisions i.e.— basic, fundamental, applied, etc. The research project will be directed by a member of the staff, and may range from a small two-man project to one using the talents of a number of facul- ty members and graduate students. Since in many cases the research is of a fundamental nature, it allows the graduate student to make use of the knowledge gained as an under- graduate and in graduate course work. He is also required to do a certain amount of original thought in the preparation of his thesis. (Continued on Page 38) ABOVE—Experimental information obtained from the operation of this nuclear reactor helps scientists in the design work for the Yankee Atomic Electric Company's nuclear power ABOVE—Techniques for remotely dismantling and as- plant now under construction at Rowe, Mass, The man on the sembling equipment in a nuclear power plant are under right, is using a radiation monitoring instrument—known as development at the Westinghouse atomic power department a "Cutie-Pie"—to measure the radioactivitiy of one of the in Forest Hills. Here a technician uses a servo-manipulator 3,000 fuel rods within the reactor core. Each fuel rod is filled to take a practice pump apart. Under actual conditions, the with uranium oxide pellets similar to those which will power operator would work from behind shielding to protect him the Yankee station. Rising from the cluster of fuel rod tips from radioactivity. The homogenous reactor program has been are the control rods, x-shaped shafts which control the rate accepted by the Atomic Energy Commission as a basis for of nuclear reaction. This facility is located at Waltz Mill, 30 negotiation of a research and development contract. miles from Pittsburgh. Westinghouse is building a 1 3 4 , 0 0 0 kilowatt nuclear reactor plant for the Yankee Atomic Electric Company, which was formed by eleven major electric power companies in New England. ABOVE—Housing the newest atomic research "tool" at Westinghouse Electric Corporation will be this mammoth 85 foot high vapor container. Located on an 850-acretractat Above—This functional scale model illustrates with a Waltz Mill, Pa., some 3 0 miles southeast ofPittsburgh,the flight beam the working principle of the world's most modern WTR facility is nearing completion. This huge cylinder, which radar antenna. Radar waves from a rotating source are measures 7 0 feet in diameter and is made of three-eighths Sprayed against the inside surface of the stationary balloon- inch steel plate, will house the nuclear reactor itself. When shaped antenna, as the lighted section of the sphere shows the reactor is in operation the plant's air handling system will change the air in the vapor container once every at hte left. the waves then reflect through the opposite side of the sphere to emerge as an intense, narrow beam re- minutes. Air pressure in the container will be slightly less than the outside atmosphere so that any leakagewillbe sembling the light beam picking up the model plane. Called inward. Directly below the container is a 100-footlongcanal a Helisphere, the new antenna also has been made in a with a minimum width of seven feet. Filled with 18feetof six-foot inflated made and is expected to result in 100-foot water, the canal leads to three " h o t " laboratory cells locatedantennas forantimissile radars of the future. The model in the service building. Thus, transfer of materialsfromthe shown here actually was used for laboratory testing when reactor to the hot cells will be done entirely under water fedwithvery short radar waves. WTR is scheduled to go in operation next M a y . RIGHT—Looking down into a water-filled steel tank, this photograph shows the fop portion of the nuclear core for the Westinghouse Testing Reactor (WTR) now under construction; LEFT—A scientist examines a plastic scale model of a The core, which has been undergoing tests sine, last June 3 0 new concept in nuclear reactors. This advanced idea is an when it went "critical," is located in the Critical Experiment' organic moderated fluid bed reactor (OMFBR) in which con- Station, situated on the same site as WTR. Shown rising above ventional control rods have been eliminated. It is being the top of the core are the control rod extens.ons wh.ch con- studied jointly by Westinghouse and the City of Burlington, nect the control rods to the drive mechanisms located above. Vermont, in connection with a 50,000-kilowatt power plant. Fuel for the reactor is enriched uranium in the form of a p - In the cylindrical container, or center part of the model, fuel proximately 6 0 fuel elements arranged in the core-supporting will be in the form of pellets similar to marbles. Surrounding structure which is 4 4 inches in diameter by 4 8 inches long. the container is the reactor vessel. A chain reaction is at- The testing program now underway on this core serves as a tained by increasing the fluid flow through the reactor, thus practical check of the theory which has gone into designing lifting the pellets and dispersing them through the fluid in the the uranium fuel elements. WTR is scheduled to go ino. op- reactor vessel. eration next M a y . Engineer's Girl For January GAIL CRANDALL Home town: Grosse Pointe Park, Mich. Age: 20 Sorority: presently "rushing" Specs: 5' 4" Blue eyes Brown hair 34-22-34 Class: Junior (transfer student) Major: Social Science Status: Single CONNECTICUT OPERATIONS Unmatched Engineering Facilities for Developing Advanced Flight Propulsion Systems Operations at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft are essen- tially those of an engineering and development organization. As such, an engineering atmosphere dominates the work being done, much of which di- rectly involves laboratory experimentation. In the past three decades, expansion at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft has been almost tenfold. In recent years, greatest emphasis has been on extend- ing engineering facilities to meet the needs of ad- vanced research and development programs in flight propulsion. Among the Connecticut P & W A facilities are many that are unequaled in the industry. Thus today, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft is better prepared than ever to continue development of the world's best aircraft powerplants . . . to probe the propulsion future . . . to build and test greatly advanced pro- pulsion systems for coming generations of flight vehi- cles - in whatever form they take. The necessary safe handling and trans- porting of missiles is a challenge to the ingenuity of the packaging engineer. by William ]. Switzenberg, Pkgg., '59 consist of such essentials as guidance 1V1ENTION "packaging" to the typi- and control units, gyroscopes and cal layman, and he immediately gets emergency power supplies. Most of a mental image of wrapping paper the parts, whether assembled in a and ribbons used to wrap gifts. Little completed missile or separate, are known to him are the many other extremely fragile. kinds of packaging in the world to- day. All types of goods, from food After a successful missile launching to heavy industrial machinery, must the participating engineers, physicists, be packaged. chemists and others start again plan- ning another project. These men, and In the past few years, packaging many others behind the scenes, have has grown until it has reached tre- worked together in a gigantic team. mendous economic importance in the Their undertakings are highly com- United States. The estimated total ex- plex. The education and skills of penditures for packaging the output these men have been carefully co- of our farms and industries exceeded ordinated. 20 billion dollars during 1957. Today, Although seldom praised or heard about, the men behind the scenes are instrumental to the success of MISSILE our missile program. The packaging engineer is one of these men. It is his job to guard the intricate mechanisms, via packaging, from the moment it is produced until it is used. It must be assumed that each missile, or its PACKAGING some knowledge of packaging is es- components, must be shipped a very long distance, probably handled main times, and stored for an indefinite period prior to use. If a shipping container fails to per- sential for most engineers and busi- form its function properly, the en- nessmen. In an era of rising competi- tire program for the specific missile tion, the technical excellence of a involved is jeopardized and all the package may well mean the difference skills and man-hours which went into between success and failure of a pro- the production and transportation of duct. The history of packaging com- the missile are lost. Also lost is the mercial items contains many examples training of the personnel in servicing, of packaging advances which have re- firing, and control. sulted in longer shelf life for perish- One has only to glance at a news- ables, drastic reductions in damage paper or magazine to realize the im- during transit, the opening of new markets, and greater convenience for portance of military preparation and the user. of inter-planetary travel. Guided mis- siles promise to play an important Included in packaging are the ma- role in world politics during the next terials, methods and machinery in- few years. New developments are con- volved in safely getting an item to stantly being made concerning guid- its ultimate user. Also, preparing mili- ance and control systems, propellants, tary goods for transport and storage fuses, timing mechanisms, to mention has become a large industry. only a few. Each new development leads to different properties and char- Still lesser known among military acteristics of the item to be packaged packaging is a branch engaged in Therefore, changes must be made in packaging guided missiles and their the package design. The packaging component parts. The c o m p o n e n t s (Continued on Page 48) 30 Spartan Engineer "Well, that's my job. You can see there's nothing monotonous about it. I'm responsible for keeping 50,000 subscriber lines over a 260-square-mile ar ea in A-l operating order. It's a big responsibility—but I love it." Bill Bloomfield is moving ahead, like many young engineers in super- visory positions in the Bell Telephone Companies. There may be oppor- tunities for you, too. Talk with the Bell interviewer when he visits your campus and get the whole story. It then takes each of these 7 and method of valuing positions is neces- One Jump Ahead computes the moves its opponent is sary. (Continued from Pane 15) likely to make. From these it chooses 7 for further analysis. It then con- Once a move-finding scheme is es- don. In hoi there are many programs siders its next move and its oppon- tablished (a rather complicated proc- available. ent's next move. ess) almost any strategy can be tacked The problem of programming con- on to it. It is often easier to combine sisis of ttating unambiguously in En- At this fourth level of analysis it a strategy not only with a move-find- glish with the aid of mathematical examines its opponent's 7 potential ing scheme, but also with an overall symbols if necessary, how B calcula- responses and c o m p u t e s the one game-playing routine which accepts tion is In be done, This is the uni- which would net the highest value the opponent's moves, displays the versal problem of programming any lor its opponent. In other words it positions, prints the move, and gen- computer to do any task; not just B chooses its opponent's most likely erally organizes the sequence of op- particular one to play chess. move. erations of the game. Since it would be Impracticable to Values are given to moves accord- The simplest strategy, and the one program a machine to consider all ing to four criteria: (!) gain of ma- tried at Manchester University in possible moves, because of the lime it terial (pawn counts ], a knight or England, is that of allowing the ma- WOtlld take for the machine to "make bishop counts 3, rook counts 5. and chine to consider a certain specified up its mind" about a move, only a a queen counts 9); (2) defense of the number of moves on both sides. It small number of mOVei OBI! be con- king; (3) mobility of pieces; and (4) then makes its final choice by con- sidered. On the IBM 704, which plays control of an important square. In sidering only the material left on the a respectable «ame of chess, this all it examines 2800 possible positions. board and ignoring any positional number is 30 ves. It then chooses a move which will advantage. Storage space limits the give both itself and its opponent the Manchester computer to considering It Is commonly believed that a highest score. machine could be built which could only six moves ahead—three on each win every game no matter what his It does all of this in eight minutes. side — but time considerations limit opponent does. At this time it is not If it were programmed to consider the the number of moves considered even possible to build such a machine. A 7 best moves through one more level more. computer can do no more than the of analysis, it would require 6V2 hours. man who programmed it. but (and Since there are about 10 possible Four stages therefore seems to be this is the big difference) it does the the best choice, if one doesn't want legal moves at each stage of the game, calculation a million times faster than the game to lag. the consideration of one more stage the man. multiplies by 10 the time required. The machine is never absent-mind- The English computer can consider Sci the machine must play the game ed. It never lets a piece be taken three moves (two of its own and one on human terms. It must do what you without knowing about it. It is capa- of its opponent) in about two minutes. do when you play chess-detect the ble of r e c o g n i z i n g its opponent's strategy and anticipate the judgments errors and of taking advantage of This number of moves represents of human opponents. In other words, them. Now and then it may make a about the limit which can be allowed it must try to outwit its opponent. move like a master but it is certainly if one wants an interesting game. It not in the master class in the play is not, however, sufficient to allow Since there are only two questions the machine to play well, although to which absolutely definite and un- of a complete game. it plays adequately until near the end. avoidable answers can be given; these Its glaring weakness is a heavy being "Is this move legal?" and "Is One noticeable difficulty of the bias toward moving attacked pieces the game over?" a method of evalua- rather than defending them. This machine is its willingness to sacrifice ting positions and moves of each piece could be corrected by allowing it men, rather than allow its opponent is necessary. This is what fascinates more time to consider its moves. The to form a king. This is perfectly logi- the mathematician and the chess-play- machine, however, has a shortsighted cal from the machine's point of view. er alike. view of the game. It must consider It loses two points if its opponent each square individually and cannot forms a king and only one point if To evaluate the merits of its alter- it loses a man. It therefore goes along natives the computer looks at each take into consideration the whole field of play. happily sacrificing all of its men when square individually and asks whether it becomes possible, rather than let- it is occupied and, if so, by whose Somewhere in between the com- ting its opponent form a king. Any man, whether it is attacked or de- fended and whether it can be oc- plicated game of chess, and the all- opponent therefore can hold his piece cupied. This takes about one-tenth too-simple game of tic, tac, toe, lies at the point of kinging while the of a second, a long time by computer the game of checkers. This makes it machine, not seeing the inevitable standards. Then it considers its best rather suitable for programming, for, disaster, sacrifices each of its men. move. although there is no complete theory of the game available which make This fatal flaw might be avoided Because it is impracticable to con- it necessary, as in chess, for the ma- if the machine were allowed to con- sider all possible moves, some method chine to consider several moves in sider the moves ahead, until it found of limiting the number under con- advance, the number of moves is two consecutive moves without a cap- sideration must be available. The digi- few and rather simple. ture. This would enable it to recog- tal computer IBM 704, for instance, nize the futility of sacrificing to pre- selects its best move by limiting the Many forms of checker strategy are available but they all have one pur- vent kinging. The number of stages number of moves considered from a possible 30 (average number) to the pose-reduce the time taken by the under consideration would have to best 7. It does this by asking itself machine to consider each move. Since, be increased to four and more time 8 questions on position and value of as in chess, the time required to make would have to be allowed for each pieces. a move increases very rapidly with move. the number of moves considered, a (Continued an Page 38) 32 To Direct and Implement U.S. Research Efforts In Aeronautics and the Exploration of Space "The aeronautical and space activities of the United discoveries which have value or significance to States shall be conducted so as to contribute materi- that agency; ally to one or more of the following objectives: (7) Cooperation by the United States with other (1) The expansion of human knowledge of phenom- nations and groups of nations in work done pur- ena in the atmosphere and space; suant to this Act and in the peaceful application (2) The improvement of the usefulness, performance, of the results thereof; and speed, safety, and efficiency of aeronautical and (8) The most effective utilization of the scientific and space vehicles; engineering resources of the United States, with (3) The development and operation of vehicles capa- close cooperation among all interested agencies ble of carrying instruments, equipment, supplies of the United States in order to avoid unnecessary and living organisms through space; duplication of effort, facilities, and equipment..." (4) The establishment of long-range studies of the The excitement, the importance, and the scope of potential benefits to be gained from, the oppor- the National Aeronautics and Space Administration tunities for, and the problems involved in the are apparent, we believe, from our enabling act. utilization of aeronautical and space activities for Career opportunities at NASA are as unlimited as peaceful and scientific purposes; the scope of the organization itself. (5) The preservation of the role of the United States as a leader in aeronautical and space science and Please address your inquiry to the Personnel Direc- I technology and in the application thereof to the conduct of peaceful activities within and outside tor of any of the following NASA research centers. Your inquiry will be answered immediately, and the atmosphere; will be treated in the strictest confidence. (6) The making available to agencies directly con- cerned with national defense of discoveries that have military value or significance, and the fur- Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia nishing by such agencies, to the civilian agency Ames Research Center, Mountain View, California established to direct and control nonmilitary aero- Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio nautical and space activities, of information as to High-Speed Flight Station, Edwards, California This Can Be You...A Top Engineer-Journalist Carroll W. Boyce, B.S. in Business and Engineering Administration, M.I.T., today is a key managing Editor of FACTORY Magazine Assistant Editor; Associate Editor for editorial engineering journalism is a rewarding, satisfy- plans; Special Projects Editor. These steps up ing career to me." the ladder have brought Carroll to his present If an editorial career, reporting on new busi- position of executive responsibility on McGraw- ness and industry developments, with the op- Hill's FACTORY MANAGEMENT AND MAIN- portunity for advancement and a chance to TENANCE. become a leader in your profession, appeals to Carroll Boyce is the author of numerous arti- you, too—you're the man we're looking for! cles; guest lecturer at Graduate Schools of Engi- Send today for your copy of "Successful neering and professional societies, Consultant to Careers in Publishing at McGraw-Hill." Or the Administrator, National Production Au- write and tell us about yourself, your achieve- thority; member, American Society of Mechani- ments and career goals. Write to: cal Engineers, the National Press Club and other leading organizations. Peter J. Davies "During my four years at M.I.T.," relates Assistant Editorial Director Carroll, "I was an editor of the Tech Engineer- McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, Inc. ing News. I discovered that I enjoyed both 330 West 42nd Street, writing and engineering, so I decided to combine New York 36, N. Y. the two. Knowing that McGraw-Hill is the larg- est publisher of business magazines, I wrote a letter to the Personnel Department. In a way, it was probably the most important letter of my life. I was hired! "Since joining McGraw-Hill, I have been able to grow in professional stature; travel; partici- pate in society activities; meet interesting peo- ple; see nebulous concepts grow into accepted technology. There's no doubt in my mind that G.E.'s c o m p u t e r coordination of Top Management Should Run Programming payrolls and other work calling for Computer (Continued from Page 17) the same basic data points up a highly One way to avoid many mistakes important c o n c e p t in the current waste. On top of this, it has been is by choosing the right boss. At first theory of computer use. The computer found that a computer is often more nearly all business computers were should be thought of as a "system expensive than older systems. run by engineers. At the time it was tool" rather than a convenient office felt that engineers with their intimate In spite of these disappointments, machine installed for independent use knowledge of a computer's workings the situation is far from bleak. Not by several separate departments. In were best qualified to handle them. only have computers frequently other words, it should be used to cut This idea, however, overlooked the helped companies avoid expanding across the company's entire operation, engineer's frequent ignorance of the work forces, but often secondary func- tying in areas concerned with the tions have proven of greater value company's business o p e r a t i o n s and same information and data. than the work originally intended for needs. the machine. The greatest good, how- Such application of a computer can The next chief, and the one still ever, has come from the disappoint- bring out one of its most important most often in control, was the com- ments themselves. Because of them, a characteristics, an ability which makes pany comptroller. Since usually the realistic reappraisal is going on which it distinct from all other calculators: first application of a new computer is already paying off, and which will properly programmed, a computer can is in payrolls and finances, this choice he a giant step in the progress of make decisions. For example, if it is seemed most logical. Unfortunately it computer application. necessary that a certain number of a can lead to the old problem of limited given item be in stock at a certain Probably the largest commercial clerical use and wasted potential. time of year, the machine can be pro- user of electronic computers in the grammed to decide what this number With these lessons learned, only country today is the General Electric should be. It need not stop here one solution seems practical: the best Company. As of June, 1958, G. E. either. If, knowing the number need- boss for a computer is an enlightened was using eleven large and thirty-two ed and the actual number on hand, top management man. Only these medium computers, and had thirty- the machine anticipates a shortage, men, with their overall grasp of the eight on order. They have by no it can order the replacement items. broad aspects of the business, can means found all of the answers in the Furthermore, should the order be held apply the computer effectively as a exploitation of their computing ma- up for any reason, the computer can coordinator between departments and chinery, hut they have definitely made send out an expediting order. Such a as a true system tool. it pay oil. system would avoid the bottlenecks so often encountered in older and "Computer men," those interested Company Payroll Turned Out By in the rapid and effective integration Computer much slower approaches. of computers into business and in- G.E.'s first computer, one of the In some businesses, computers are dustry, are a young lot. Seventy per earliest used in industry, was installed actually beginning to change manage- cent of them are under 37, and nearly in Louisville. Kentucky in 1954. This ment policy. As can be seen in the half of these are under 32. There is was the beginning of a painstaking illustrations already given, one kind a good reason for this. Older men are and sometimes COStly exploration into of policy change comes from the re- frequently m u c h m o r e firmly in- the potential of such a device, a pro- appraisal of methods in use, and the trenched in traditional ways of doing gram still going on. One of the initial subsequent reorganization of depart- things. On top of this, any change things learned was the error frequently mental functions. Another way policy in established systems which shifts found in transferring an entire existing is affected by computers is through job responsibilities may be much more system over to a computer. their clarification of the precise in- costly to an older man in a higher formation needed by top management position. It could even mean his job. Theoretically this first business inorder to best do its iob. Often ton "brain" should have been able to turn Organized labor has also expressed executives find their offices cluttered out an entire company payroll in only the fear that jobs will be lost to elec- with superfluous detail which can be two hours. By the time the computer tronic brains. They are equally con- handled either at some lower echelon, cerned about the problem of juris- was programmed, information fed in, or possibly even by the computer it- diction over the new jobs created by and additional supplementary work- self. Even the most efficient business computers. The first problem has al- completed, the job took nearly 36 organizations suffer from this problem most no basis in fact. To begin with, hours. It was soon found that the chore of sorting checks, then done by to some degree. not nearly as many jobs will be lost the machine, could be managed by In all r e v o l u t i o n s wrought by as might be expected. Only about two clerks in only four hours at less 25% of the average clerk's job can change, the human element is by far than one percent of the computer be done by a computer. The other the most difficult to predict or regu- 75% consists of purely human work cost. From that point on the process late. We have been given, so to speak, such as answering the telephone, fil- was made increasingly efficient. Today the machine manages the job in about an electronic wand capable of untold ing, etc. Add to this reduced cut- 16 hours. True, this is still a far cry wonders. But we must discover for back the new jobs created by the from two hours, but in addition to ourselves the magic words to activate computer, and very likely there will paycheck processing, several other it. This could be managed in less than be an increase in the total labor force. jobs are done. For one, the computer ten years, but a twofold fear holds The problem of labor jurisdiction tabulates at the same time the labor us back. Some of us fear using the cost per production item; for another, is far more real. Since many of the wrong words which might cause more it maintains social security records. jobs to be taken over by computers damage than good, while others, se- Originally these secondary tasks in- now employ union members, labor cure in the status quo, hesitate to try volved long hours of labor in several will claim that personnel operating any words at all. Because of this, the separate departments. computers should also belong to the change may take over a generation. (Continued on Page 38) 36 This could be the most valuable reading you've ever done! JUST PUBLISHED—YOURS FREE! An interest- Application and Sales Program — advantages to you in ing, comprehensive, 16-page brochure that will answer world-wide field engineering activities; rewarding your questions about how to use your training and opportunities in electronic sales. talents to your best advantage in the job you select. The story is too big, too diverse and too detailed to tell AND — important facts you want to know about indi- vidualized training, your advancement opportunities, here—that's why we ask you to let us send it to you. chances for advanced study; company policies and bene- Get this preview of a whole range of exceptionally fits; plant locations; living and recreational prospects. Promising futures for the price of a postage stamp. Find out how a fast-growing company encourages For Your FREE Copy—Mall This Coupon! engineers and scientists to develop their potentialities to the fullest. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS HELPFUL BOOK: raytheon's Record — review of pace-setting activities in electronics that widen horizons for you. Research Program-suggestions for your future in either Pure" or applied research. Development and Design Program - prospects for you in the Practical application of research to the manufac- ure of new electronic products and components. Manufacturing Techniques Program-latest production Processes outlined for you who are inclined toward suPervision and management positions. about $1,000 per year more than One Jump Ahead the starting salary of a man with a t "^ • M • • • * • • * " • ' * • • %* V "V. V* - • V » ^- ' 4 ^* > - ' I J 111 — (Continued from Page 32) B.S. degree. A Ph.D. will usually gree in an accredited engineering or mean $3,000 or more per year, de- related curriculum with a grade point With this modified strategy it can pending upon content of his thesis, average of 3.0 or higher (on a scale play quite an acceptable game even his ability to bargain, and the com- of A equals 4.0). This may be com- though it still may sacrifice men need- pany hiring him. puted on the last half of undergradu- lessly. It seems probable, however, ate work to give the student added that a whole new strategy will have There is a great demand for the chance for regular admission. For to be worked out for the end of the services of those holders of advanced those not meeting these requirements game. degrees in research and development a provisional admittance may be pos- due to the rapidly advancing tech- sible. This allows one to start gradu- The ultimate in chess and checker nology and the increased complexity ate work under the following condi- programming and in all games-play- of the problems handled in engineer- tions: a B average must be attained ing machine programming for that ing. A very good example of this may for the first 16 credits of graduate matter, would be the ability of the be taken from metallurgical engineer- work taken. Those fulfilling this con- machine lo learn from experience and ing. At the end of World War I dition will then be admitted to the eliminate its own errors. Such a ma- 12 metallic e l e m e n t s w e r e used regular program. chine would never make a mistake in the metals industry. By the end twice and would of necessity need of World War II this had increased (2) requirement for thesis: the re- quite a large storage capacity. It to 18 metallic elements. Today, how- quirement of a thesis at the Master's might even be programmed to think ever, with the a d v e n t of nuclear level is a matter of department policy. of plays on its own within the legal power, missiles, and other undreamed limits of the game. It seems probable of advances, 43 metallic elements are (3) grades for course work taken: that these and other developments in used commercially while another 13 grades must average out to B with games-playing machines are not far are used semi-eommercially. These 56 any grades below C being repeated away. elements are combined in different in class. ways to produce a total of 19,280 (4) number of credits at Master alloys. Since no one could be expected level: at least 45 credits must be taken to know the properties of each of Programming these alloys, it is necessary to study beyond the Bachelor's degree includ- ing 12 to 15 credits in a minor. An (Continued fro\n Page 36) the fundamentals of the 56 elements average of 3.0 must be maintained to and their properties in combination receive an advanced degree. union. Management, on the other rather than trying to master the entire hand, will hold that many of these group which is continually growing For those needing financial assist- persons are executives. Both sides will at a phenomenal rate. ance there are a number of programs have their arguments, but the problem to help cover exoenses. These fall into is by no means insoluble. Certainly Similar examples may be found in five groups: (1) N a t i o n a l Science greater difficulties have been equit- every branch of engineering. The Foundation fellowships, (2) Industry- ably solved in the past. fields of atomic energy and missiles sponsored fellowships, (3) research Computers are definitely here to have alone presented this generation assistantshios, (4) graduate assistant- stay and no competitive industry can with enough problems to keep our re- ships, and (5) scholarships. These pro- afford to ignore them, or relegate search men busy with challenging grams are handled by Mr. Hoffman them to insignificant work. A reason- investigations for many years. and staff. Room 105, Olds Hall. Mr. able man does not swat a fly with Hoffman feels that anyone who is Here on the Michigan State campus qualified and has the ambition and a steam shovel. Traditionalists in busi- the engineering college has a well- determination to continue in gradu- ness and misinformed labor leaders developed graduate program. At the ate study, need not pass up the op- will have to change their tunes, or present time there are 175 students portunity for financial reasons. If you risk being swept aside. Tomorrow's industry will lean as heavily on elec- enrolled for advanced degrees in en- desire further information of graduate gineering. This compares with 45 in study, the following people can pro- tronic computers as it does today on the fall of 1952. In the same period vide the information or can direct you assembly line machinery. the undergraduate e n r o l l m e n t has to someone else who can be of assist- risen from 1,300 to 2,000. All de- ance to you. partments are offering graduate pro- Agricultural Engineering: Anticipating Your Future grams leading to Master of Science Dr. Farrall (Continued from Page 23) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Applied Mechanics: Dr. Harris There are several important reasons Due to the extreme importance of for taking graduate work. Perhaps the advanced degree in our technical Chemical Engineering: the most important is the sense of world and the advantages gained by Dr. Gurnham accomplishment one attains in ac- the holder of the advanced degree, Civil and Sanitary Engineering: quiring an advanced degree. For the the College of Engineering would like Dr. Cutts individual who is less interested in to see at least 50% of the upper half knowledge for knowledge's sake, the of the senior class in engineering go Electrical Engineering: advanced degree may be considered into graduate work. Dr. VonTerscb an investment in his future which For those interested in work be- Mechanical Engineering: will bring added economic advantages yond the undergraduate level, the fol- Professor Price as well as other benefits. Having a lowing requirements apply in general Master's degree will, in general, mean Metallurgical Engineering: to all departments: (1) applicants for Dr. Smith 38 Spartan Engineer YOUNG ENGINEERS CREATE NEWS AT NORTHROP! Youthful engineers and scientists discover an ideal, crea- tive work climate when they join Northrop-a growing organization headed by aggressive, forward-thinking management. Northrop's new, dynamic and diversified corporate structure consists of three autonomous divi- sions-all located in Southern California, all managed by men avidly receptive to fresh ideas. For the next two minutes, assume that you can qualify to join us-that you're a man who wants to create to- morrow's headlines. You'll choose to join the Division offering greatest chal- lenge for your own special talents, making your choice from the more than 30 different operational fields in which we're actively exploring the future. "You'll earn top money, within a salary structure outstand- ing in the industry. Increases will come as soon and as often as you earn them, based on your own individual achievement. Fringe benefits include a uniquely liberal vacation policy, among many others. "you'llworkwith recognized leaders in their fields-highly creative men-fellow engineers especially skilled in de- veloping the talents of younger men. In addition, they operate on the sound principle of delegating their author- ity assuring you credit for engineering triumphs. You'll learn while you earn, with no-cost and low-cost educatipnal opportunities at leading Southern California institutions-earn advanced degrees and keep abreast of latesttechnological advances in your chosen field. So, check these facts on Northrop's three Divisions-see which most closely fits your own interests. 19 Ways to Flunk Any Course Learn now that society will provide for you. Just because you are you. Just because you are pay- ing for an education doesn't mean you have to get your money's worth. Don't be ridiculous. "If the learner hasn't learned," it isn't your fault, surely. 1. GENERAL ATTITUDE-The B.B.A. degree is valuable. Successful grads have made it so. It is valuable because they produced. Let them keep up the good work, but don't prepare to rob them of their glory, to increase the value. 2. BE YOUTHFUL-Be young while you can. Why discard those good old high school days-and ways? Don't grow up until you just have to. People will always be understanding and appreciative of your adolescence. 3. DRESS—Be yourself, dress naturally. Those business people can be very stuffy about sartorial matters. On that first job, they'll probably start you off as a porter anyway, so why not look like one? 4. AROMATICS—The pungency of the locker room can be carried with you. A gamey "athletic" odor is a great personal asset—in class and out, in business and out—and fast. Carry your own at- mosphere—be "aromatic." 5. RELAX, ENJOY IT-A stiff posture restricts absorption. Spread yourself figuratively. Chairs in front, occupied or not, are fine for parking feet, thus facilitating relaxation. 6. MENTAL EFFORT-Some say that brain cells, like liquor bottles, can not be used twice. Save them, coddle them, spare them-in class and out. The mind(?) you save may be your own. 7. DON'T ANTICIPATE-Who knows what might happen tomorrow-or for that matter next week, when the paper is due? Don't do it ahead of time-nothing might happen. Then you'd have no excuse. 8. ACCURACY-Is for the birds. A misplaced decimal point is embarrassing but not critical. You can always do it right when and if you get a job (on the basis of your excellant school record, of course). 9. DON'T WRITE, TELEGRAPH-Legibility went out with long underwear. None of the really big wheels like Napoleon, Hitler, or even Confucius—could write good English. 10. SPELLING-Why bring that up? Phonetics are out, "word picture" didn't work, so your genera- tion just can't spell. Everyone understands and is sorry. You are unique—now don't go and spoil it. 11. LATE PAPERS-Promptness here is a sign of servility. Be independent. Be different. A few days late shouldn't matter, especially if you use a good standard explanation. 12. BE LATE-A "fashionable" entrance, after everyone else is seated, and the class is moving along—this calls attention to one, definitely. You can also be so ignorant about what has gone before and get the spotlight again. 13. ATTEND IRREGVLARLY-That's the stuff. Always being there is dreadfully boring. After all, one meeting is like another and the instructor gets tired of your face, too. 14. BE CONVERSATIONAL-Talk it up. If the old buzzard doesn't make it interesting, it surely can't be interesting to your neighbor, can it? Competition is good for business, so why not for busi- ness educators? 15. PREPARATION-A dangerous habit. Here again, let's don't anticipate. A heavy snow might make the work useless. And-the instructor might resent having you come to class one day knowing what he is talking about. 16. (BUT OTHERWISE) CLAM UP-Don't ever venture an opinion, don't defend a point; let some other jerk stick his neck out. Remember it may be better to remain silent and be thought ignorant-than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt. 17. ON YOUR M ARK-Don't get left at the post when the bell rings. A rustling of papers and plopping of books indicates alertness on your part to the hour of parting and reminds the Professor accordingly. 18. REPETITION-A powerful force. If the files show that someone did a good paper on the topic last year, why should such a gem be discarded? The instructor will never recognize it if your pal was at U. of M. 19. PLAGIARISM-If in preparing a paper you find that some author has said it better than you can; and a long time ago-don't dull initiative. Let him have his way-in your paper, too. It should be flattering to him. The vortex tube is a refrigerating ments are underway in challenging, ENGINEERING AT CARRETT OFFERS YOU THESE ADVANTAGES: machine with no moving parts. Com- important work at AiResearch in pressed air enters the vortex chamber missile, electronic, nuclear, aircraft • An eight-month orientation pro- gram is offered prior to permanent pictured here and spins rapidly down and industrial fields. assignment to help you aid us in an attached tube. Pressure and tem- Specific opportunities exist in sys- determining your placement from perature differences build up, forcing tem electronics and servo control a variety of analytical or develop- cold air out one end and hot air out units; computers and flight instru- ment projects. the other. Requiring no maintenance, ments; missile auxiliary power units; • Intensified engineering is con- a large vortex tube developed by gas turbine engines, turbine and air ducted by small groups where individual effort and accomplish- AiResearch scientists and engineers motors; cryogenic and nuclear sys- ment is quickly recognized provid- can be permanently sealed in nuclear tems; pneumatic valves; industrial ing opportunity for rapid growth reactors, and has many uses in indus- turbochargers; air conditioning and and advancement. tries with spot cooling problems. pressurization; and heat transfer, • Advanced education is available Many such pioneering develop- including electronic cooling. through company financial assist- ance at nearby universities. SIDETRACKED Marriage may be the real road to Baby Carriage: Last year's fun on A sort of old-fashioned gentleman happiness . . . but there are a lot of wheels. took his gal for a ride in his car and good side trails. 0 0 0 after finding a suitable spot to park, Last summer at one of the ROTC kissed her several times lightly on the summer camps one of the cadets was cheek and then said, "This is called "1 kill flies with a bow and arrow," spooning." sent down to a stream to get some Jocko said. drinking water for the platoon, but "Okay," she said, "but I had much "Isn't that kind of messy?" had not been gone long when he rather shovel." "Navvww," said the Jock. "I only came running back to camp empty- o o o aim at their legs." handed and panting. Bus. Ad. Stud: "Do you know what "Sir," he exclaimed, "There's a big virgins dream about?" "What are you doing, wearing a alligator in the s t r e a m , and I'm afraid to get the water." Engineer: "No, what?" wastepaper basket for a hat?" "Don't worry, son," said the sym- Bus. Ad. Stud: "I suspected as "Listen, if I wanna throw my head pathetic officer, "That a l l i g a t o r is much." away it's my business." ft • 9 0 0 0 probably four times as scared of you as you are of him." Sign in front of crematorium: He breathed on the back of her "We're Hot for Your Body." neck . . . and bleached her hair. "Well, sir," replied the cadet, "if O O O o o o that alligator's only half as scared as I am, that water ain't fit to drink." Instructor: "Before we start this She dropped her handkerchief but final exam, are there any questions?" I didn't pick it up. I use Kleenex. A smart girl is one who knows she E.E.: "What's the name of this can get more from Santa if she leaves course?" THE MOST GRUESOME ONE her legs in the stockings. o o o OF ALL: Cremators are selling ashes o o o "Will you be free tonight," he to cannibals to be used as "instant Visitor in Harem to the Sultan: asked. people." "I'll have a short one just to keep "No, but I'll be reasonable," she A nickel goes farther now than it you company." said. o o o a o o ever did . . . you have to carry one for several weeks before you find Irritated Prof: If there are any mor- Things men like to hear a girl say: anything it will buy. ons in this room, please stand up. 1. "No, I've never seen the golf ft o a A long silence, and a lone freshman course at night." A group of freshmen taking as- rose. 2. "Why bother, there's no one tronomy had their first class in the Professor: What, do you consider home here." observation lab one evening. The pro- yourself a moron? fessor went to the telescope and be- 3. "You don't think this bathing gan to make an observation. Just Frosh: Well, not exactly sir; but I suit is too tight, do you?" then a star fell. do hate to see you standing all alone. o o o 4. "Let's go dutch!" "That was a fine shot, sir" one stu- 5. "Chaperone? What chaperone?" dent said with admiration, "Why, we Advice to p r o f e s s o r s : "Vary the hardly had time to take aim at it." monotony." 6. "No, it really doesn't make any o o o o o o difference whether I get back at all "Unlawful" is against the law. "Ille- tonight." Two rabbits were being chased by a pack of wolves when one turned gal" is a sick bird. 7. "My, but I'm cold!" to the other and said: O O O 8. "Yes." "What are we running for, let's If ever a new Statue of Liberty o o o stop and out-number them." is designed, it will be holding the bag Hi-Lifer: "I dreamed about you instead of a torch. last night, sugar." The other rabbit said: o e o "Keep running, bud, keep running Sweetie: "Did you?" You can't fool all the people all . . . we're brothers." the time . . . some of them are fool- Hi-Lifer: "No, you wouldn't." o o o ing yon. o o o A Texas oil man was visiting New o o o The waiter approached the attrac- York. His city friend showed him A bosom c o m p a n i o n sometimes tive female customer and asked po- all of the sights including the Em- turns out to be a false friend. litely, "Do you like cocktails?" pire State building. o o o "Yes." she said, "tell me one." "Isn't that a magnificent structure?" Voice on phone: "Are von the desk o o o asked his friend. clerk?" And then there was the obviously "Nothin'," said the Texan. "I got Desk Clerk: "Yes, what's eating sozzled fellow who was feeling his an outhouse bigger'n that" you?" way around a lamp post and mut- The New Yorker looked him over. Voice: "That's what I'd like to taring, "S'no use, I'm walled in. "You need it!" he retorted. know." /Continued on Page 46) There's much more to it than just the size of the FISH and the size of the POND O We've been told that an engineering graduate is frequently attracted to companies our size because of his understandable human desire to be "a big fish in a little pond". While it is true that (numerically speaking) our employee team is small compared to some, we encounter great difficulty in trying to think of Sikorsky Aircraft as a "little pond". Our contributions to the field of rotary-winged aircraft have not been small, nor can our field be considered limited or pro- fessionally confining. Quite the contrary. Sikorsky Aircraft is the company which pioneered the modern helicopter; and our field today is recognized as one of the broadest and most challenging in the entire aircraft industry. And what of the size of the "fish"? Unquestionably, that is a matter involving your own indi- vidual potential for growth. Like any far-sighted company, we're always willing to talk with "young whales"! For factual and detailed information about careers with us. please write to Mr. Richard L. Auten, Personnel Department. More Finagles Laws A mathematical notation of Finagle's work has also However, John W. Campbell feels there is a different been developed. Here, however, there seems to be some basic structure behind the Finagle, fudge and diddle confusion, because two Other names enter the picture: factors. The Finagle factor, he claims, is characterized "fudge" and "diddle" factors are also used to consider- by changing the universe to fit an equation. The fudge able advantage by (dentists and engineers. factor, on the other hand, changes the equation to fit the universe. And finally, the diddle factor changes things Years ago—when the universe was relatively easy to so that the equation and the universe appear to fit, with- understand—the Finagle factor consisted of a simple out making any real change in either. additive constant (sometimes known as a variable con- stant) in the form: For example, the planet Uranus was introduced to the universe when Newtonian laws couldn't be made to x' = K + x. match known planetary motions. This is a beautiful ex- where any measured variable, x, could be made to agree ample of the application of the Finagle factor. with theory, x', by simple addition of the Finagle factor, K,. Einstein's work leading to relativity was strongly in- fluenced by the observed facts about the orbit of Mer- Later difficulties couldn't be solved so easily and so a cury. Obviously a fudge factor was introduced. fudge factor K . was added. The photographers use of a "soft-focus' lens when x' == K + K X. taking portraits of women over 35 is an example of the Powerful as this adjustment was, World War 11 diddle factor. By blurring the results, photographs are studies in servo theory indicated a need for a still stronger made to appear to match the facts in a far more satis- influence. The diddle factor K r was born and made to factory manner. multiply the quadratic term. To our knowledge, this is the first clear enunciation x' = K + K x + x-. of the scientific method. All our vast sum of human knowledge has been derived with these as the basic It is felt that, at least at present, reality can be made tools. By having them in writing for the first time, per- to conform to mathematical theory with reasonable agree- haps our children can build even better futures than the ment on the basis of these three factors. best we envision today. "It is what men bring with them in the way of character and adaptability and fresh ideas that enriches the organizational bloodstream and insures corporate longevity." This is the ob- servation of Crawford II. Grccnewalt, President of the Du Pont Company. In a lecture given in the past year at Columbia University. Mr. Crccncwalt outlined his views on the role of the individual in the organization. "The DuPont Company's success over the last 150 years," he pointed out, "has come about in large part through devoted allegiance to two major themes . . . "First, the realization that an enterprise will suc- ceed only to the extent that all individuals as- sociated with it can be encouraged to exercise their highest talents in their own particular way. "Second, the provision of maximum incentives for achievement, particularly in associating the fortunes of the individual to that of the corporation. "Men arc not interchangeable parts, like pinion gears or carburetors. Individuals differ in ap- proach and method, and, to perform to best advantage, they must never be fettered to ap- proaches and methods not their own." "Conformity" obviously takes a back scat here. As Mr. Grccnewalt comments, "We conform as is necessary to good manners, good relationships and the highest use of individual talent. And bear in mind that these arc strictures on be- havior, not on creative thought." If you find this kind of atmosphere challenging it will pay you to explore career opportunities with Du Pont. Who is the man who designs OUT The bruins of a college student is An ME was very indignant at be- pumps one of the most amazing things known ing arrested. He staggered into the With judgment, skill, and care? to man. It starts to function the mo- police station and before the captain ment he jumps out of bed and doesn't had an opportunity to say anything Who is the man that builds them stop until he reaches the classroom. he pounded his fist on the desk and And who keeps them in repair? o o o said: "What I wanna know is why Who has to shut them down be- First Drunk: "Shay, do you know I've been arrested." cause the valve seats disappear? what time it is?' "You were brought in for drinking," It's the bearing-wearing, gearing- answered the captain. tearing Second same: "Yeah." MECHANICAL ENGINEER. First Drunk: "Thanksh." "Well, thass different—thass fine- let's get started." Who buys the juice for half a cent The ME instructor held the chisel o o o And wants to charge a dime, against the rusted bolt. He looked at "How can you keep eating this Who. when we've signed the con- the ME student and said, "When I dorm food?" tract. nod my head you hit it." Can't deliver half the time? "Oh, it's easy. I just take a table- They're burying him at noon today. spoon of Drano three times a day." Who thinks a loss of sixty-nine per- o o o o e o cent For years the bum slept under Is nothing queer? Teacher (warning her children bridges and in ditches. Then one day against catching cold): I had a little The volt-inducing, load-reducing, he switched to culverts and became a brother seven years old, and one day ELECTRICAL ENGINEER. man of distinction. he took his new sled out in the snow Who is it, takes a transit out. o o o when it was too cold. He caught pneu- Some girls are cold sober. Others monia and three days later he died. To find a sewer tap, are always cold. Silence for ten seconds. Who then with care extreme locates 0 o o The junction on the map? Host: "There are my grandmother's A voice from the rear: Where's his Who it is, goes to dig it up, ashes over there." sled? o o o And finds it nowhere near? Guest: "Oh, so the poor soul passed It's the mud-bespattered, torn and Then there's the touching story of away?" the young man who said to his girl: tattered, Host: "No she's too damned lazy to "I'll betcha you wouldn't marry me." CIVIL ENGINEER. look for an ash tray." The story goes that she not only Who thinks without his products 0 0 0 called his bet, but raised him five. We'll be in the lurch, Fellow to blind date: "I never really o o o Who has a heathen idol believed in reincarnation — but what Ch. E.: "I just bought a skunk." Which he designates Research? were you before you died?" o o o M. E.: "Where you gonna keep Who tints the creeks, perfumes the 'im?" air, When the teacher asked little Jackie And makes the landscapes drear? how he enjoyed Easter Sunday, he Ch. E.: "Under the bed." It's the stink-evolving, grass-dissolv- came across with the following tale: M. E.: "What about the awful ing "Pop and Mom painted some real smell?" CHEMICAL ENGINEER. pretty Easter eggs for sis and me, and Ch. E.: "He'll just hafta get used hid them in the hen house so we Who takes the pleasure out of life, wouldn't find them. About that time, to it like I did." o o o And makes existence hell, Bob, our rooster came along and took Who'll fire a real hot girl one look, dashed over the fence into "Ah wins.' the next yard and kicked the hell out Because she cannot spell? of the peacock over there." "What you got?" Who substitutes a dictaphone o o o "Three aces.' For a coral tinted ear? "No you don't. Ah wins." It's the penny-chasing, dollar-wast- M.E.: "I like mathematics when it isn't over my head." "What you got?" ing, INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER. Ch.E.: "I feel the same way about "Two eight's and a razor." pigeons." "You sho do. How come you is so o o o Who is the man who'll draw a plan lucky?" For anything you desire, People are like steam boats-they o o o From a transatlantic liner toot loudest when they are in a fog. o o o Co-ed: "I had a date with an ab- To a hairpin made of wire? Instructor: "I suppose you wish I sent-minded professor last night.' With "ifs" and "ands" and "buts," were dead so you could spit on my Co-ed No. 2: "How do you know Who makes his meaning clear? grave." The work-disdaining, fee-retaining, he is absent-minded?" Student: "Not me, I hate to stand Co-ed: "He gave me a zero on a CONSULTING ENGINEER. in line." quiz this morning." 46 Spartan Engineer How to get steel tough enough to land America's first jet airliner " y O U see above the axles of the Boeing 707— Career at the Timken Company". Write Mr. Russ America's first jet airliner. They have to be tough. Proffitt, The Timken Roller Bearing Company, Canton A cross-wind landing could put the whole landing im- 6, Ohio. pact of this 122-ton plane on one wheel—instead of eight. And these axles have to be light. Manufacturers of the 707's landing gear had built landing gears for dozens of other models using an analysis of seamless steel tubing specially developed by the Timken Com- pany. But to be strong enough for the much heavier 707, the steel would have to be cleaner. Any impurities in the finished part would cause its rejection. Timken Company metallurgists said the steel could be made clean enough for the 707. And it was—met highest specifications, stood up to the terrific landing impacts. Timken steels have solved the toughest steel prob- lems.Problems that you may face in your future job in industry. Our metallurgists will be ready to help you. And if you're interested in a rewarding career with the eader in specialty steels . . . with the world's largest maker of tapered roller bearings and removable rock bits • • . send for free booklet, "Better-ness and your a readily visible stretch or bend. It is siles are subjected. Added to this are Missile Packaging sufficient that complex delicate assem- the possibilities of damage caused by (Continued from Page 30) blies be out of adjustment. Lack of depot handling and storage, corrosion, alignment, for instance, could result dust, temperature, humidity and pres- man is always striving to design the in the missile missing its target or, sure changes. Results obtained from best possible container at the lowest in more extreme cases, misfiring at analytical and experimental tests in- possible eost. time of launching. dicate ways to reduce some of the The functions of a missile container, serious transportation problems. Missiles, because they are longer and the types of damage such a con- Laboratory simulation testing is the and thinner than other types of me- tainer is designed to prevent, are re-creation, under scientifically con- chanical assemblies, present unique common to containers for all types of trolled conditions, of certain physical problems in shock and stress which equipment. Viewed in this light, there forces or conditions in such a manner the packaging man must contend with. are no fundamental engineering dif- that a measurable result or effect is Assembled missiles that approach for- ferences between the design of mis- produced on a test specimen. In shock ty feet in length often have to be sile containers and the design of con- and vibration simulation the actual shipped completely assembled. The tainers for other types of equipment, environment is rarely reproduced ex- combination of length, weight, and and the sole difference is the degree actly in the laboratory. Engineers at- fragility must be accurately provided of difficulty in arriving at the correct tempt to synthesize the natural en- for in the container. solution. This difference of degree vironment into an artificial laboratory may, however, he of about the same Before starting to design a con- test that will produce a desired and order of magnitude as the difference tainer, the packaging engineer must controlled effect on the test specimen. between designing a model airplane confer with the missile designers to The results of such tests are then and designing a jet bomber. get full knowledge of its expected evaluated, keeping in mind the actual Over the years, standard ink's have functions. This in turn demands an service environment that the missile been developed for designing con- intimate acquaintance with many fea- will experience. tainers for the vast majority of mili- tures of the entire missile system. The tary equipment. Reliance on these combined skills of a packaging en- Ideally, the laboratory simulation rules is not sound for most packaging gineer and a missile designer are test should include all the physical problems today, but a detailed engi- seldom found in one person. There- forces and conditions found in the neering approach is required. Missile fore, a cooperative partnership of the natural environment. Actually to per- containers are definitely in this cate- two technologists must be formed at form such tests, however, would be gory. Missiles are extremely delicate the inception of the basic design. too expensive and time consuming. and a failure does not have to take Transportation is perhaps the most Therefore, packaging engineers must the form of a drastic fracture or even severe hazard to which guided mis- (Continued on Page 50) STRAIGHT TALK TO ENGINEERS from Donald W. Douglas, Jr. President, Douglas Aircraft Company The "Space Age" isn't going to become a fact by our senior engineering vice president. It will by itself. We engineers have to make it happen. map out the most important goals in aviation and Here's what Douglas is doing about it: mobilize the scientific and engineering resources We've formed a top level engineering council required to achieve them. to bring all our knowledge and experience to If you would like to become a part of our stim- bear on the new problems relating to extreme ulating future, we'll welcome hearing from you. high speeds and altitudes and to outer space. Write to Mr. C. C. LaVene This council is composed of the heads of our six Douglas Aircraft Company, Pox 600-X major engineering divisions and is chairmanned Santa Monica, California. Missile Packaging tablished practices in design tech- niques or material standards to guide (Continued from Page 48) missile packaging. decide, on a deductive basis, the tests The experiences gained from a few which are to be simulated and the initial developments should indicate results which are to be measured. to the designer a general approach to his particular needs. The design The gathering of shock and vibra- of containers and their shock and tion environmental data, and simula- vibration isolators, in most cases, have tion attempted in laboratories, both to be intimately linked. call for extensive i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n . Packaging men must have a working Shock a b s o r b e r s and vibration knowledge of the instruments used mounts are placed between equip- for both dynamic and static testing. ment and its base, so as to prevent Equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ac- damaging forces from reaching it. celerometers, and drop-test apparatus However, for adequate protection become important tools of the missile of the equipment, it is most im- packager. portant to design or select a suitable mount for a specific job. Certain fac- Laboratory simulation of the shock tors must be established before a de- and vibration environment of missile sign can be considered. The materials packages has an economic as well used in absorbing shock are made as an engineering significance. Care- from such things as steel springs, pads ful package testing and selection mean of fiberglas, and even animal hair a saving to taxpayers. dipped in molten rubber have good Information is obtained by well shock absorbing properties. planned and accurately executed lab- The employment of cushioning ma- oratory simulated tests. The value of terials for missile packaging calls for these tests so out-weigh the costs efficient design, both to prevent dam- involved, the government cannot af- age and to limit cost. Formerly the ford to forego such tests. Engineers selection of isolation material was ac- engaged in packaging work are likely complished mostly by trial and error. to spend many hours in the lab an- In recent years, due to new packaging alyzing container p e r f o r m a n c e and materials being developed and a re- comparing cost. finement in test procedures, new cri- The lack of confidence in the so- teria have been established for system- called " e d u c a t e d g u e s s e s , " time atically selecting the proper stiffness wasted, and high cost of full scale of cushion for efficient design. field tests are factors leading to more A serious drawback to many cush- and more reliance on the lab simula- ioning materials is their failure at tion tests in missile research and temperature and humidity extremes. development programs. The rapidity Containers and their equipment must with which the results of such tests function satisfactorily at very high can be translated into engineering de- and low temperatures. The tempera- sign or production changes also un- tures will range from -65° F to 165° F, derscores their importance in complex design programs. and at varying humidities. In order to translate the existing Technological innovation has long field measurements on common car- been the earmark of American in- riers into the language of the missile genuity. Until recently, there seemed packaging designer, it is necessary to to be few reasons for most Americans examine the shock and vibration data to doubt that we were the masters of obtained on railroads, trucks, aircraft, technological innovation in practically and ships. The purpose of assessing every field. This assumption was re- these data is to determine the damage cently challenged when the Russians potential of shock or random vibra- launched the first satellite. Suddenly, tion to a missile in the container while Americans were awakened. They be- in transit. It also is necessary to know the capacity of each missile to with- gan to see the strength of Russia and stand shock and vibration in its opera- could no longer look down upon the tional life. The difference between the rest of the world when comparing field conditions which exist on the recent scientific achievments. carrier, and the inherent ruggedness of the missile itself, is the extent of This is one of the main reasons why protection which must be provided there has been the tremendous inter- by a suspension system. est in satellites and guided missiles lately. As a result many essential allied Adequate protection for a missile industries have gained new import- in transit or in storage depends largely ance too. The field of missile pack- upon its container. There are no es- aging is one of them. T H E outstanding training course started to jobs in research, design, manufacturing, by Allis-Chalmers has proved a spring- application and sales. board to many worthwhile careers In fact, Even though you may not know exactly most of the A-C management team has what you wish to do, the Allis-Chalmers stemmed from its ranks. training course is designed to help you find Up to two years of theoretical and practi- the type of work and the field to which you cal training are offered. This experience leads are best suited. MISTIC . . . a versatile tool serve and try to predict. Both must take into consideration a large num- (Continued from Page 14) ber of factors simultaneously. In the uate student. The Purdue computer case of psychology the number of it different from Mistic, but the basic variables introduced may be as high idea of programming is the same for as forty or fifty. This means that in all digital computers. Dr. Mercer felt analyzing the data, a group of forty that the Purdue computer is about or fifty simultaneous equations must 100 times slower than Mistic, but is be solved. I'm sure that many of my still plenty fast! readers have dealt with simultaneous equations and can conceive the work Dr. Mercer performed his analysis entailed with the solution of forty of on a series of 15 different cases. The them. Before the era of the computer time necessary for him to set up the it was not uncommon for the statistical original program was a total of about psychologist to withdraw into a corner three or four weeks, over a period of with his desk calculator and actually a couple of months. This included spend more time in the analysis than studying the procedure for the Mistic. in the collection of his data. The Once the original program was com- plight of the psychologist has been re- pleted, programs for each individual duced—thanks to electronic computers. case took only a matter of hours. Each His problems fit very nicely into the run took 17 m i n u t e s of computer patterns of efficient computer usage, time, and provided a total of about that of repeating similar problems 200 numerical answers which, in turn, that would take too much time by were used to plot curves. hand to be practical. I asked Dr. Mercer if he had any Dr. Charles Wrigley of the Michi- Looking for a solid, satisfying career idea how long this analysis would gan State University Psychology De- have taken him without the use of the partment and formerly of the Uni- with a vigorous company in a grow- computer. He feels that he would not versity of Illinois has spent much ing industry? American Air Filter have attempted it without the com- time in studying the application of Company, Louisville, Kentucky — puter but, if he had, each 17 minute computers to the psychological field. world's largest manufacturer of air run would have taken him a couple He started his work in computer ap- filters, dust control and heating, ven- of months. The complete procedure, plication at the University of Illinois which took him one summer would when the Illiac was first completed. tilating and air conditioning equip- have taken him several years with a From his work Dr. Wrigley has drawn ment — needs graduate engineers to desk calculator. various conclusions that may be ap- fill responsible jobs in sales, engineer- plicable to other fields as well. He ing and production in its 173 field MISTIC Tackles Psychology Problems finds that computer usage must be offices and eleven manufacturing If you should happen to pass the considered in terms of its long term plants located in seven cities. Computer Lab. and see your psy- gains. Programs for the standard prob- chology professor in there, don't get lems take time, but once set up, they the wrong idea. He is probably not are readily applied to specific prob- Next summer AAF will inaugurate trying to psychoanalyze the machine, lems. Electronic computation demands its next five-month technical training nor to find out if it is suffering from greater accuracy from the staff since course for a select group of engineer- a mild case of schizophrenia. More computer time is valuable and mis- ing graduates. This full-time program than likely he is having the machine takes are costly, time-wise and money- combines classroom work, under the analyze some of the many problems wise. that arise in the field of research direction of competent instructors, psychology. Computers may and should be pro- with field trips to both company grammed to provide desired answers plants and large industrial users of There is a t e c h n i q u e commonly and not intermediate steps. This varia- AAF products. called the scientific method which tion from the desk calculator method consists of experimenting with two of procedure reduces the bookkeeping identical units; identical, that is, ex- necessary. An American Air Filter representa- cept for one factor. Any difference in tive will be on your campus at an behavior of the two units recorded Accuracy may now be obtained early date to interview interested throughout the experiment may then where estimations were used before. seniors. For the exact date and time, be attributed to the one factor. This Better methods, less time and greater method is very systematic and enables accuracy are the desirable products contact your Placement Office, now. of electronic computers. In short, the the scientist to vary one factor at a time and to observe and to record the psychologist gets more time for his results as his work proceeds. laboratory or his couch, as the case may be." This method, however, is impos- sible to use in many psychology situa- Now that you have seen a sampling tions. Where could one find two iden- of the uses of the computer about the tical people and, when he had found campus, you may wonder as I did- them, how would he vary one factor why are these people using them. in one of them. The science of psy- Some of the cases are more obvious chology may be likened to that of than others. Design work of the cyclo- meteorology. Both must take the fac- tron has a direct relation with the uni- tors as they are and be content to ob- (Continued on Page 54) Spartan Engineer Engineering leadership—a bench mark at Alcoa In exciting new architectural developments . . . in the automotive in- coupon—for your copy of A Career For You With Alcoa. Oi dustry's drive for the all-aluminum engine . . . in super conductors to contact your campus placement director. meet the nation's insatiable power demands, you'll find Aluminum Company of America in the forefront of technological advances. Alcoa Produces and sells nearly one-half of the nation's aluminum ... conducts about three-quarters of all basic research on aluminum aPPlications . . . maintains the world's largest and most completely equipped light metals research center at New Kensington. Pennsyl- vania. To maintain this type of leadership, we need outstanding men. men with top backgrounds in both academics and extra-curricular activities. Men w n o are trained in the nation's top schools . . . who understand and glory in the challenge of engineering . . . who know that therein lies the basis of a better tomorrow. Today, aluminum serves virtually every area of our industrial, commercial and day-to- day lives. Yet its uses havve only just begun to be exploited. Your challenge as an engineer lies in finding new applications, in bringing aluminum to its full potential as a servant of mankind. Whatever your specialty—metallurgical, mechanical, electrical. industrial, or any other type of engineering—whatever your interest -engineering, production, research, development or sales—there's a clear-cut future for you at Alcoa. Write us today—just fill out the MISTIC . . . a versatile tool (Continued from Page 52) versity. Graduate students may be interested to know that the computer is available for use in connection with their theses. Why, though, would the school be interested in developing a program for the design of DC rotating machinery? No, the school isn't thinking about producing motors or generators. The actual case is that the school is under contract to the Reliance Electric and Engineering Company to produce the program. This may be considered an ideal situation. The school is equipped with the staff capable of producing such a program which in turn pro- vides excellent experience for gradu- ate students expecting to enter the industrial field. Not just a big black box nor an aid for those only who completely understand its operation, Mistic is a tool to be utilized by all departments. As the library stands now, an invalu- able research tool, the day is here when schools as fortunate as Michigan State will turn to their computers as a tool for rapid calculation in all fields. Farm Production Problems (Continued from Page 21) Interested students may earn ad- vanced degrees in agricultural en- gineering. There have been over 150 M.S. and Ph.D. graduates since 1948, in agricultural engineering at Michi- gan State. Achievement of an ad- vance degree provides additional op- Inner fin is the patented Dunham-Bush portunities for employment, particu- development which has revolutionized the larly teaching and research positions in colleges and foreign countries. design of heat transfer equipment. It has Demand for graduates has grow" introduced a basic new concept of heat rapidly in the last few years. There transfer engineering, permitting units of are more than three times as many smaller, lighter construction. new opportunities each year as grad- uates become available. Engineering developments such as inner-fin Whatever the reason for his choice, there is a challenging career ahead tubing are commonplace at Dunham-Bush for the competent man choosing to . . . where progress in heating, air condi- apply engineering to agriculture. tioning, refrigeration and specialized heat transfer products is an everyday occurrence. A darning needle or grain of sand? E/C2? A singularity in a field? A ratio of accelerations? How is it held together? Is there a region of anti-matter extant in the cosmos? The nature of matter is important to Allison because energy conver- sion is our business and matter is convertible to energy. Thus, we have a deep and continuing interest in matter in all its forms. Basic to our business is an intimate knowledge of every form of matter — solid, liquid, gaseous. We search for this knowledge to increase the effectiveness with which we accom- plish our mission — exploring the needs of advanced propulsion and weapons systems. ADVERTISERS' INDEX Starting Salaries Allis-Chalmers Mfg. Co 51 The Engineers and Scientists of America Allison Div. of Gen'l Motors 55 have conducted a study of the trends in Aluminum Co. of America 53 starting salaries of new graduate engineers. From the data available we have prepared American Air Filter Co 52 recommended minimum starting salaries American Tel. & Tel. Co 31 for various levels of experience and class Asphalt Institute 48 standing. A. W. Faber-Castell Pencil Co 50 Copies of this recommended minimum standard have been sent to your Dean of Babcock & Wilcox Co 14 Engineering, Engineering Library, Place- Detroit Edison Co 1 ment Director, and Chairmen of the Stu- Douglas Aircraft Co 49 dent Chapters of the various Technical Societies. Dunham-Bush Inc 54 We would be happy to send you a com- Eastman Kodak Co plimentary copy. 45 E. I. DuPont deNemours & Co Engineers and Scientists of America Engineers & Scientists of America 56 Munsey Building Carrett Corp 41 Washington 4, D. C. General Electric Co l0 Hamilton Standard International Nickel Co Lockheed Missile Systems Div 34-35 McGraw-Hill Publishing Co Sophomores and juniors are needed to Nat. Aeronautics & Space Admin 33 fill vacancies in several editorial positions Northrop Aircraft, Inc 39 on the SPARTAN ENGINEER. Train- Pratt & Whitney Aircraft 28-29 ing in technical journalism is available to Rand Corp 37 Raytheon Mfg. Co all interested engineering students who Republic Aviation Corp desire experience in the publication field. 43 Sikorsky Aircraft Come up and chat with us in Room 346, Standard Oil Co. of Indiana Student Services Bldg., any class day Timken Roller Bearing Co afternoon. Perhaps you, too, can reap the U. S. Steel Corp rewarding benefits of this extra-curricular Westinghouse Electric Corp activity. Where atoms turn into horsepower COUNTLESS unusual—even unique— tography saved time in the drafting problems faced Combustion rooms. It revealed where stresses Engineering in creating this nuclear and strains would be concentrated. reactor vessel. Nine feet in diameter It checked the molecular structure with walls 8% in. thick, it is 235 tons of the steel, showed its chemical of steel that had to be flawless, make-up. And with gamma rays it seamed with welds that had to be probed for flaws in the metal, imper- perfect. And the inner, ultrasmooth fections in the welds. surface was machined to dimension Any business, large or small, can with tolerances that vie with those use photography in many ways to in modern aircraft engines. save time and money. It can go to As in all its construction, Combus- work in every department—design, tion Engineering made use of research, production, personnel, photography all along the way. Pho- sales, and accounting. Teaching— A Career Opportunity For the Engineer Leading educators, statesmen and in- one of the most important assignments educator is desirable; however, with a dustrialists throughout the country are in our country today. senior engineering educator, industrial greatly concerned with the current Q. Aside from salary, what rewards can experience is a "must". An ideal en- shortage of high-caliber graduates who a career in education offer as opposed gineering educator should have had are seriously considering a career in the to careers in government or industry? enough industrial experience so that he field of science or engineering educa- A. The principal rewards might be free- understands the problems and responsi- tion. Consequently, General Electric has dom to pursue your own ideas within bilities in carrying a project from its taken this opportunity to explore, with the general framework of the school, in formative stages to successful comple- one of America's eminent educators, the teaching, research and consulting activ- tion, including not only the technical opportunities and rewards teaching of- ities. As colleges and universities are aspects, but the economic and personal fers the scientific or engineering student. normally organized, a man has three relationships also. Q. Is there in fact a current and con- months in the summer time to engage Q. What do you consider to be the op- tinuing need for educators in technical in activities of his own choice. In addi- timum method by which an educator can colleges and universities? tion, the educator is in direct contact obtain industrial experience? A. Colleges and universities providing with students and he has the satisfac- A. There are many methods. After scientific and engineering educational tion of seeing these students develop completion of graduate school, perhaps opportunities are hard pressed at the under his direction . . . to see them take the most beneficial is a limited but in- present moment to obtain the services important positions in local and na- tensive work period in industry. Con- of a sufficient number of well-qualified tional affairs. teachers to adequately carry out their sulting during an academic year or programs. Projected statistical studies Q. What preparation should an en- summer is a helpful activity and is show that this critical need could ex- gineering student undertake for a teach- desirable for older members of the tend over the next 15 or 20 years. ing career? staff. Younger educators usually need Q. Why is this need not being met? A. In college, the engineering student experience in "living with the job A. There are probably three main rea- should obtain a basic understanding of rather than providing consultant's ad- sons. These might be classed under con- science, engineering science, humanities vice to the responsible individual. ditions of financial return, prestige as- and social sciences with some applica- Q. Based on your experience, what per- sociated with the position, and lack tions in one or more professional en- sonal characteristics are possessed by of knowledge and understanding on the gineering areas. He should have fre- successful professors? part of the college student of the ad- quent career discussions with faculty A. Primarily, successful professors have vantages and rewards teaching as a members and his dean. During graduate an excellent and growing knowledge of career can afford. work, a desirable activity, the student their subjects, are interested in people, should have an opportunity to do some and transmit enthusiasm. They have an Q. What steps have been taken to make teaching. ability to explain and impart informa- education a more attractive field to en- Q. Must an engineering student obtain tion with ease. They generate ideas and gineering students? advanced degrees before he can teach? carry them out because they are de- A. Steps are being taken in all areas. A. It is not absolutely necessary. On the voted to developing their fields of For example, we have seen a great deal other hand, without advanced degrees, knowledge. They desire personal free- in the newspapers relating educators' advancement in the academic world dom and action. salaries to the importance of the job would be extremely difficult. For further information on challenging they are doing. Indications are that Q. How valuable do you feel industrial career opportunities in the field of these efforts are beginning to bear fruit. experience is to an engineering or scien- science and engineering education, write Greater professional stature is being to: Mr. W. Leighton Collins, Secretary, achieved as the general public under- tific educator? American Society for Engineering Educa- stands that the youth of our nation is A. Industrial experience for a science tion, University of Illinois, Urbana, IIl. the most valuable natural resource that 959-.IO we possess . . . and that those associated with the education of this youth have