XO. 3 EUROl'F'.AN AERONAUTICAL LABORATORIES ZAH.M I5 



The Instittit Acrotechniqite de lUniversite dc Paris is described 

 in sufficient detail as to its material plant and operation in its pros- 

 pectus, and in the following- article published in the Engineering 

 Maga::ine for October, 191 1 : 



The area of the site occupied is about eigliteen acres. The buildings com- 

 prise a central hall, surrounded on three sides by workshops, stores, labor- 

 atories, and a power house. In the central hall will be installed experimental 

 apparatus devoted to the study of aerial phenomena, which will include a large 

 fan, six feet six inches in diameter, and an aerodynamic balance, whereby the 

 pressure of a jet of air on surfaces of various shapes will be determined. There 

 will also be an air chamber supplied by another fan wherein it will be possible 

 to measure the strength, the center of pressure, the components, and the 

 resultant of the reaction of a current of air at any speed up to 65 feet per 

 second. A tunnel similar to that used by Colonel Renard will also be erected 

 for studying the stability of models. An arrangement for measuring the 

 friction of air on surfaces of various natures when the air is moving at all 

 velocities, an electric dynamometer for measuring the torque of propellers 

 fixed in position, apparatus for studying helicopter screws, and a test bench 

 for trials on the output, endurance, and fuel consumption of aeronautical 

 motors will also be installed. A closed chamber is to be erected, wherein the 

 resistance of helical screws at speeds far in excess of those normally arranged 

 for, and almost at the rupturing speed, will be investigated. 



In the chemical laboratory the study of light gases, suitable for balloon 

 work, will be carried on, and questions relating to their manufacture, puri- 

 fication, properties, etc., will be investigated. • The chemical features of 

 various envelope materials, the changes which occur in them under the in- 

 fluence of heat, light, and humidity, the properties and features of the various 

 varnishes applied to render the material airtight and to preserve it, and similar 

 subjects will also be studied. In the physical laboratory the instruments used 

 in aeronautical work, the accuracy of their indications, their reliability and 

 the modifications which are called for in their design to meet aeronautical 

 conditions, will be investigated, while the densities and coefficients of expan- 

 sion of light gases, and the best means of storing and transporting them will 

 also receive attention. 



A photographer's department has been provided next to the physical labora- 

 tory. In the workshops it will be possible to manufacture and repair all the 

 experimental appliances required by the institution. A part of one wing is 

 reserved for the installation of machines designed specially to test the 

 materials employed in the construction of aircraft. In the power house, 

 situated at the west end of the building, are two vertical compound steam 

 engines coupled directly to dynamos supplying power and light to the entire 

 institute. 



One of the most interesting features of the institute is the provision made 

 for certain large-scale expernnents with planes and propellers. To this end 

 a long, narrow strip of ground is laid out with a normal gauge railway about 

 seven-eighths of a mile in length. The rails are laid on oak sleepers, and are 

 bonded in pairs by the aluminothermic process. The line is level over its 

 entire length, with the exception of an incline at each end. At the starting 

 point the line for a length of about 235 feet is given a slope of i to 100 to 



