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Aviation History
1931
1931 - 1267.PDF
FLIGHT, DECEMBER 4, 1931 The " Wobblemeter A New Device for measuring human fatigue NEW apparatus de-signed, among many other purposes, to de-termine the effect of flight fatigue on the equilibriumof aeroplane passengers and pilots, has been demonstrated inNew York by the Pioneer Instru- ment Company, a division of theBendix Corporation. The apparatus is called thewobblemeter, and was developed by Dr. F. A. Moss, head of thedepartment of psychology of George Washington University,with the co-operation of a research committee of the Societyof Automotive Engineers, the Bureau of Standards and thelaboratories of several manu- facturing companies. The devicehas gone through extensive laboratory trials and tests in thefield of aviation, although it may . the departmentpsychology and Courtesy, Daily Express.) THE " WOBBLEMETER " TEST.—Little Man : " Not quite as steady as you mightbe, Mac, but, as you seem to be the only pilot we've got handy, for goodness' sake let's get on with SOMETHING." Mr. Strube, always up-to-date, makes good use of theinstrument described on this page, but an inspection of the aeroplane causes one to wonder why Strube does not make Mac " fly British." be of motoring,psychistry. Weighing about 14 lb. andmeasuring 15 by 12| by 9 in., the apparatus consists of two footrests fitted to a base in such a way that they are free to oscillate most people will have the same ratio of final reading toin a horizontal plane after the operating levers are released. the initial reading, whether the initial reading be high or The subject taking the test attempts to balance himself low.while standing on the footrests, the total amount of motion made in the attempt being recorded by two meters,one for fore and aft motion and the other for lateral The wobblemeter in preliminary tests has showninteresting differences in the human sense of balance.Studies have shown a sex difference in balance in favour motion. The count is not only qualitative but it is also of women, and a decrease of steadiness and equilibriumquantitative, being in proportion to the degree of move- with age. The apparatus has also shown a diurnal change ment. The total amount of motion to reach and main- in equilibrium, the best average balance prevailing in atain equilibrium in a stated unit of time, usually one person around 2 p.m. It has been established that most minute, will be an index of physical condition, that is. normal male persons in an unfatigued state will registerfatigue or lack of fatigue. " between 30 and 40 units per min. Test Procedure Simple.—If it is desired to establish the Many Tests Possible.—Many tests are possible usingfatigue due to an aeroplane trip, the test procedure is as the wobblemeter, although in aviation it has been specifi- follows: Before the person enters the plane, his initial cally used to determine the effect of flight on the equi- iadex of fatigue is established. Suppose it is 35 before a librium of passengers and pilots. It is also being used inflight of 200 miles. After the flight the index of fatigue an experimental way to determine when a pilot is in is again established on the wobblemeter, and has in- sufficiently good physical condition to take a flight. Forcreased to 48. Obviously the ratio of the reading after the example, a pilot with a normal steadiness reading of 15 flight to the reading before the flight, as in this example, should probably not be allowed to take a plane up on a48/35, will equal 1.37, giving the measure of the riding day on which his steadiness reading is up to 45. It is also quality of the flight in question. proposed to use the instrument in connection with initial The lower the ratio the better the riding qualities of selection of people for training as aviators, the assumptionthe flight, as, obviously, a person roughly shaken over a being that those with poor equilibrium will never make stretch of bad weather will be more fatigued than one good fliers, while those with good equilibrium are worthwho has enjoyed a smooth journey. Tests have shown training, provided their other qualifications are satis- that when subjected to the same fatiguing conditions, factory. " Comrades of the Royal Air Forces " THE above Association, which has been in existencefor about 18 months, has now fourteen branches at vari- ous centres in the United Kingdom. The First GeneralReunion Dinner, at which it is hoped the various branches will be strongly represented, has been arranged for Satur-day, December 12, 1931, at 7 p.m., and will be held at Baltic House, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C.3. Amongstthe guests will be Air Vice Marshal Sir Oliver Swann, K.C.B., C.B.E., and other distinguished officers. Thestring band of the Royal Air Force will play during the evening, by kind permission of the Air Council. Morningdress—or ordinary lounge suit—is the order for dress upon this occasion. Tickets, price 6s. 6d., may be obtainedtrom Mr. W. Coen, Hon. Secretary, C.R.A.F., East- hurch, Kent, or D. C. Crowson, Esq., 33, Coburg Road,London, S.E.5, or from any branch of the organisation. The Royal Air Force Display, 1932THE Thirteenth Annual Display of Flying by the Royal Air Force will be held at Hendon on Saturday.June 25 next. As on previous occasions the gates will open at 10 a.m., flying commencing at noon and con-cluding about 5.30 p.m. Prices of admission will range from 2s. to 10s.. with a limited number of boxes from £4to £7. Further details will be announced later, and all information regarding -the Display may be obtained fromthe Display Officer, R.A.F. Station, Hendon, London, N.W.9Next Year's Paris Aero Show THE managing committee of the Syndical Chamberof Aeronautical Industries has decided, in its last meet- ing, that the XIII Aeronautical Exhibition, organisedby the Syndical Chamber, shall be held in the Grand Palais, Paris, in the course of November, 1932. 11S9
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