A flow surveying technique is described which provides a direct and quick output of either flow speed or direction. The computer based system enables ‘contour plots’ of these quantities to be obtained for fixed offset distances from a surface, using a series of surface contacting cylindrical probes. Pre-set values of the signal from the flow sensing system are used to switch a tri-coloured light source which traverses in unison with the probe, while a time exposure photograph is taken. For flow direction measurement, the signal activating the lights is computed from the pressure difference between yaw meter tappings on the cylinder in conjunction with the cylinder base pressure. Flow velocity is obtained from the base pressure alone, or alternatively from a hot wire probe.

Results are presented to show that the method can provide useful and detailed data. It is seen mainly as a complement to other methods available for visualising complex flows.

This paper presents a new finite element model for the dynamic analysis of thick rotating blades with flexible roots. The new model is based on the fast convergent element developed by Abbas and Thomas which can satisfy all the geometric and natural boundary conditions of a thick non-rotating blade. It is the only element developed so far which can distinguish between roots of blades that are rigidly clamped and are elastically supported.

‘Soon shall thy arm, Unconquer’d Steam! afar
Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car;
Or on wide-waving wings expanded bear
The flying-chariot through the fields of air.
— Fair crews triumphant, leaning from above,
Shall wave their fluttering kerchiefs as they move;
Or warrior-bands alarm the gaping crowd,
And armies shrink beneath the shadowy cloud.’

It is shown, fairly rigorously, that large aerospace projects, with typical periods of 15 years to break even, are unlikely to provide a commercial rate of return on a ‘risk’ investment. However, they can generate enough surplus to meet an alternative criterion, the ‘self-financing ratio’, which emphasises the contribution made by the Project to the future self-financing capability of the company. Until this blessed state is achieved, the industry needs ‘cheap money’ whose main source can only be the taxpayer. The role of the taxpayer as investor is examined with the help of an elementary econometric model. A form of ‘Prospectus to the Taxpayer’ is developed which summarises the quantifiable benefits to the national economy arising from the launch of a project. The same methods are also applied to the formulation of a ‘Home-Purchase Discount’, intended as an aid to government procurement decisions. The concluding remarks emphasise that the paper is relevant primarily to the ‘large scale high R&D sector’ of industry, of which aerospace is a prominent component.

Finally, the views expressed in this paper are my own and emphatically do not reflect those of the Company I have the honour to serve in other fields