164 ABSTRACTS OF TECHNICAL ARTICLES, 



industry is based upon such specifications because materials must be so con- 

 trolled since the action of the machine is unvarying. Modern statistical 

 methods can be applied to provide the tolerances and allowances necessary 

 to achieve a uniform product. The work of the American Society for 

 Testing Materials broadly covers the field of research in materials, methods 

 of test, and quality control. The benefits of this work extend to vast im- 

 provement in process methods, more uniform and higher-quality material 

 and result in economic gains of extensive character. Three examples were 

 cited illustrating extensive projects of great use to the war effort. These 

 were the development of requirements for sheet brass, which was applied 

 specifically to production of cartridge cases, high-quality die-casting speci- 

 fications resulting in the production of many parts used in communication 

 and aviation equipment, and the development of a method of test for in- 

 specting mica by an electrical rather than a visual test. This last resulted in 

 a large economic saving of this scarce material. 



Infantry Combat Communications.^^ Ralph E. Willey. Communica- 

 tions within an infantry division during combat involve not only the efficient 

 installation, operation and maintenance of all means of communication 

 normally provided and adopted for specific functions but also the use of 

 standard equipment in improvised methods adapated to the needs of the 

 particular situation. The paper covers a brief description of the major 

 items of signal equipment issued to an infantry division together with their 

 normal use. In addition, there is discussed the solution to many field 

 problems based on the combat experience of the writer in Belgium, Holland 

 and Germany. 



Interesting information is given on the signal supply problem and combat 

 losses over a six-month period of combat. Improvised field radio-link in- 

 stallations and remote controls for the protection of operating personnel are 

 discussed briefly. Photographs included with the paper show pictorially 

 the majority of the items of equipment described. 



"£/ec. Engg., January, 1946. 



