Particulate Flow Research Lab quarterly progress report, January 1, 1991--March 31, 1991

Research from the Particulate Flow Research Lab continued. Six month milestones include: (1) complete design of prototype chute; (2) complete receiving antenna design; (3) complete preliminary work on single ship radiation pattern. The design of the chute in which the radiosonde system is to be tested is 80% complete. The chute will have width adjustable up to about 12 in. and a length of 8 ft. Calculations indicated that excessive deflection would occur if the chute was supported only at its ends, and therefore intermediate supports are to be provided. The cross-sectional dimensions were designed for a maximum deflection of 0.010 in. Essentially, the chute consists of {1/2} {times} 16 in. baseplate and 8 in. {times} 2 in. channels of {1/4} in. thick material. Work is now proceeding on the detailing of the components comprising the chute. 12 figs.