R.R.S. “RESEARCH”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23599, 8 September 1938, Page 13

R.R.S. “RESEARCH”

NON-MAGNETIC STEEL AND FITMENTS (From Our Own Correspondent) (By Air Mail) LONDON, Aug. 15. The principal work of the Royal research ship Research, now being constructed, will be investigations in connection with terrestrial magnetism and atmospheric electricity, but she will also carry out meteorological work and oceanographical work, for which purpose she will have both observatories and laboratories. The Research will probably be launched in February next, and be ready for her first cruise in October. She will visit the Carnegie Institution at Washington, and, after calling at South American ports, will examine an area in the South Atlantic between Tristan de Cunha and Capetown. This will be followed by a circuit of the Indian Ocean. The greatest care is being taken to eliminate, so far as is possible and practicable all ferrous material from the hull, machinery, and stores. Considerable research work had to be carried out by Messrs Fetters at

their works at Yeovil to reduce the quantity of steel in the Diesel engines A bronze alloy is being used extensively, and the crank" shaft is of special non-magnetic steel. The main engines are four cylinder, twostroke direct air reversing type. The oceanographical winch will be driven from the auxiliary engines through line shafting and a fluid flywheel.

Consideration is also being given to such matters as iron nails in packing cases, tin containers for food and cigarettes, cooking utensils, cutlery, razor blades, drums for paint and lubricating oil, typewriter. all of which must be nonmagnetic. Even the fresh-water tanks, holdiing 37J tons, are built of wood. Anchors, cables and wire for the rigging are made of aluminium bronze. The vessel’s load displacement will be 770 tons, her endurance 3000 miles, her speed 6 \ knots, her rig brigantine (full sail area about 12,000 square feet). There will be accommodation for six officers, four scientists, 22 petty officers and men. She will carry, scientific instruments for scientific work, for atmosphericelectric work, and for meteorological and oceanographical requirements.