September 3, 1942
Dr. John S. Burlew
Geo-Physical Laboratory
Carnegie Institute of Washington
Washington, D.C.
Dear Dr. Burlew:
I have tried in various ways to find some documentary evidence for the statement that
several people have made to me, that British Picrite powder, presumably Cordite N,
is less erosive than the ballistically [sic] equivalent American FNH powder. I believe
that you told me that a statement had been made to you by Professor Southwell of England,
that RD Picrite is only one-half as erosive as American FNH. If you have made a notation
in your diary regarding this conversation with Professor Southwell, would you please
send me a letter about it, including also any details that you can give about the
nature of the tests that were made. I should also be glad to have any references to
the subject that you know about. I think that Dr. Hirschfelder is planning to look
through the British reports for this purpose; would you please check with him on this
point.
I wish also to request you to prepare and submit to me a report in which you outline
all of the information that you have about erosion as related primarily to the propellant,
for use of our Ad Hoc Committee. The report should mention the nature of the observations
or tests which have been made, and give references to sources. I request also that
there be included in the report any information which you can give regarding the nature
of the propellants which have been used to far in high-velocity guns, including both
constant-bore guns and tapered-bore guns, or guns with adapters.
I shall be in Pittsburgh, at 4800 Forbes Street, until September 8, and in Washington
thereafter. If you report could be ready a day or so before our meeting on September
12, I should be very glad to see it. My headquarters in Washington will be at 1530
P Street, Northwest.
Sincerely yours,
Linus Pauling
LP:dc
