1953 09 00 Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society - Vol 57 No 513 - Cleaver

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, dated September 1953, features reviews of three significant books relevant to aeronautics, engineering, and broader scientific inquiry.

Book Reviews

Flying Saucers by Donald H. Menzel

The review, written by A. V. CLEAVER, discusses Donald H. Menzel's book 'Flying Saucers'. Menzel, a Professor of Astrophysics at Harvard University, approaches the topic with a critical eye, aiming to provide a more useful perspective than sensationalist accounts. The book posits that flying saucers do exist, have been seen, but are not what people initially thought they were. Menzel categorizes explanations for sightings into several groups: hoaxes and hysteria, mistaken identification of conventional aircraft and balloons, and natural phenomena like meteors, auroral effects, and optical mirages. He also describes laboratory experiments demonstrating how atmospheric refraction can create mirage effects resembling saucers. While Menzel acknowledges the possibility of interplanetary travel being achieved by mankind in the future, and even the Earth receiving extraterrestrial visitors, he considers it unlikely that flying saucers are evidence of such visitors.

British War Production by M. M. Postan

Reviewed by E. DEVONS, this book is part of the official history of the war and focuses on British munitions production from the inter-war years to the peak output of 1943-1944 and subsequent demobilization. Professor Postan, an economic historian, not only narrates the achievements but also critically analyzes the methods of planning, government control, and industrial organization. The review notes that the book is primarily based on government records and reflects the civil servant's perspective, potentially offering less insight for industrialists. Aircraft production is a prominent feature, with a detailed discussion on its progress and the reasons for the inability to meet programs 100 percent. The reviewer suggests that Postan may underestimate the industry's tendency to set ambitious targets and immediately request increases. The book also delves into design and technical development challenges, though the reasons for the success of some aircraft (like the Lancaster and Mosquito) over others remain somewhat mysterious. The reviewer believes that more 'industrial planning' by M.A.P. might have improved efficiency, but anticipates that the idea would be met with apprehension by manufacturers. The review concludes by stating that the book is compulsory reading for anyone interested in the aircraft industry and its relationship with the government, while lamenting the lack of detailed discussion on engine, propeller, and equipment production.

Fatigue of Metals by R. Cazaud

This review discusses the translated French work by R. Cazaud on the fatigue of metals. The review traces the history of the subject, beginning with Albert's 19th-century investigations into the effects of repeated loading on mine-hoist chains, which revealed that low stresses could cause fracture. The significance of this discovery grew, particularly in fields where weight economy is critical. The review highlights the British Government's concern over railway accidents in the mid-19th century, which led to a commission investigating metal deterioration in railway structures, with E. A. Hodgkinson playing a significant role. The review mentions bibliographies compiled by the Battelle Memorial Institute and the Australian Division of Aeronautics, noting the vast amount of literature on the subject, making it impossible for the average engineer to read everything. It emphasizes the growing importance of fatigue of metals, especially in the aeronautical field. The review suggests that periodic reviews of the current state of knowledge are necessary and mentions Gough's work as a notable example.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical analysis of scientific and historical accounts. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based examination over sensationalism, as seen in the review of Menzel's 'Flying Saucers'. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of understanding the technical and historical aspects of the aircraft industry and materials science, as evidenced by the detailed reviews of Postan's and Cazaud's books. The journal clearly positions itself as a platform for serious academic and professional discourse within the field of aeronautical science and engineering.