At the present moment great activity is being manifested in the application of the cinematograph to mechanics. Two Sheffield investigators have designed a steel-testing machine to which is attached a microscope and a cinematograph camera. The piece of steel to be tested is placed in the machine and the cinematograph is set in motion. By throwing the resulting pictures upon the screen it is possible to follow exactly what takes place in the molecular construction of the steel while it is under test.
The idea has been applied to many other phases of mechanics with equal success, and there have been many discoveries of a technical nature which have had their effect upon manufacturing processes.
Another series of technical experiments was carried out by Dr. Otto Füchs, professor of engineering at the German Technical High School of Brünn. The purpose was to elucidate some hitherto obscure points in connection with the working of steam hammers. Investigations in this field have hitherto proceeded on the graphic principle, the results being recorded by a stylo continually travelling over calibrated paper. It is admitted that this system leaves much to be desired because the stylo is not sufficiently sensitive, and fails to record many of the smaller and more important movements. Accordingly, Dr. Füchs conceived the idea of using the moving-picture camera in the anticipation that much missing data might thus be discovered.
A special apparatus was designed. In reality it is an ingenious combination of the moving-picture camera and the graphic method. There is a paper tape that passes continuously over two rollers and has two stylos constantly bearing on it. These stylos are connected with two indicators attached to the sides of the cylinder of the steam hammer, and they supply a continuous record of the steam pressure. The paper tape is moved by an electrically-driven gear, while time intervals are indicated by means of clockwork mechanism. So much for the graphic portion.
By courteous permission of Dr. Otto Füchs.
Moving-pictures of a Steam Hammer Ram.
An illuminated index attached to the ram moves over a graduated scale, while an illuminated clock indicates the lapse of time.
