Gryphon 1957 - Adm.monash.edu.au

First of all we saw a micro hardnesstester used for measuring the hardnessof a metal within the grains, and then abearing testing machine, which was developedin the Division. This lattermachine "the bearing buster" as it hasbeen christened by its fond parents,took n ine years to build. It is extremelysensitive and accurate; the scientists atC.S .1.R.O. are very proud of it. It isused to study running-in properties, theeffect of journal surface finish, clearancesand other factors affecting bearingperformance. When a meta I is deformedor work-hardened it acquiresstored energy. We were shown anotherextremely sensitive apparatus which wasbeing used to compare the energy releasedby a work-hardened specimenwith an annealed specimen at the sametemperature. The apparatus consistedessentially of two vacuum colorimeters,plus some electronic measuring equipment.Next we sow on electron diffractioncamero which was used for studyingthe structure of surface films. Wewere then shown how single groins ofmetal were made. This can only be donewith small specimens but even so, apure metal can be made to have (Jstrength of around 1,000,000 poundsper square inch.Finally we inspected a modern andspotlessly clean machineshop wheremuch of the equipment at Tribophysicswas made. We then had afternoon teaafter which we were goven a further illustratedlecture.I would like to thank Mr. Keller onbehalf of Form 8A for arranging this excursion.The 8A Form ogreed that itwas the most interesting and educationalexcursion for the year. The only troubleabout visiting such a place is that youfind out just how much you don't know,but perhaps that is a good thing.J .G.*• DEFENCE STANDARD LABS.During one Wednesday afternoon inJuly the 8th Form pa id a visit to D.S.L.,Maribyrnong. D.S.L. were so pleased tosee us that they kindly sent a bus to pickus up at Spencer Street Station.On reaching our destination, we weregreeted by dozens of glamorous girlswho were to act os our guides-theypresented us with ident ificotion tags.One certain gentleman knew a number36of these girls, and consequently notmuch was seen of him during the excursion.The first point of call was at theStrength of Materials section where allmanner of materials including metals,rubbers, plastics, and timbers are testedand instruments are calibrated andtested.From here we went to Electrodepositionwhere a demonstration of the electroplotingprocess was given. Productionof pure chromium, electropolishingand anodizing of aluminium were alsoseen here.Next we saw the testing and developmentof paints and then the ChemicalDefence section where methods for detectingtoxic agents are investigated andthe development of respirators is carriedout.In the Pyrometry section we saw variousmethods for measuring temperaturesfrom 183°C to 2300 °C.At the Explosives and Ammunitionsection smokers were compelled to leavetheir equipment outside the building.The performance of explosives and detonatorsis studied here.In the Physical Metallurgy section weinspected a wide variety of service failuresof engineering components. Wesuspect that this is the origin of Mr. K'scollection.No one, except possibly a few electricalengineers, understood the Electronicssection where experiments arecarried out on radio frequencies. Wespent a long time in the Spectroscopysection because afternoon tea wasserved here and an appl ication form for" working" at D.S.L. was g iven out. Wewere shown how the spectrograph wasused for the quantitative detection oftraces of impurities in metals and alloys.Other sections visited were Radiography,Metrology and Text iles . Thosewho went on this interesting excursionwish to express their gratitude to Mr.Keller, who made the trip poss ible .J .G.