Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - First Years of Engineering Experiment Station (1906) [PAGE 43]

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ILLINOIS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION

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oratory of applied mechanics with its extensive equipment furnishes ample facilities for this line of work. The new 600,000pound vertical testing machine permits the testing of full-sized specimens 24 feet in length. The reinforced concrete tests now in progress show the possibilities in this line of work. In the near future, an extensive series of tests on cast-iron columns, and others on steel plates are contemplated. A considerable portion of the available funds of the station will be expended in this work of testing materials. Secondly, the Experiment Station will investigate manufacturing processes. As an example of this line of work, the high-speed steel tests are cited. Thirdly, problems relating to design and construction will be studied, and all useful results will be published for the benefit of those engaged in design or construction. As a rule the Experiment Station will undertake only such investigations as will lead to results of fundamental importance, results that will be helpful to a large class of engineers or manufacturers. It will not, in general, undertake work of importance to individuals only, e. g., the testing of a device or invention for the sole benefit of the inventor. Those in charge of the Engineering Experiment Station feel t h a t if the work of the station be carried out along the lines here suggested, and if proper support be afforded by the state in order t h a t the work can be so carried out, the engineering industries of Illinois will receive benefits which will amply repay all expenditures. VIII. C O O P E R A T I O N I t is very essential that great care should be exercised in the selection of subjects to be investigated. I t is equally important that the results of the investigations should be published in such shape as will best serve the purposes of engineers and manufacturers. In order that these ends may be attained it has been thought desirable t h a t there'shall be organized several committees of conference on matters of widespread interest. One such committee has already been appointed, the Conference Committee on Fuel Tests, composed of representatives appointed by the following Illinois organizations: State Geological Survey, Western Society of Engineers, Building Managers'Association of Chicago, "Western Railway Club, Illinois ManufacturersAssociation, Illinois Coal Operators' Association, State Electric L i g h t Association,