Prevention of Power Failures in Major Networks

An outline of the philosophy underlying the Federal Power Commission's study of the reliability of electric power systems and their distribution networks is presented. A broad review of bulk power system reliability is given. The steps required for the prevention of major power outages of wide extent and substantial duration are set forth.     

Definitions of Effectiveness Terms: A Report on the Purpose and Contents of MIL-STD-721B

The impact of the Systems Effectiveness concept upon U.S. military terminology required for acquisition of modern weapon systems necessitated a thorough revision of MIL-STD-721A and consolidation with MIL-STD-778 and MIL-STD447. Inclusion of a number of new terms and their definitions, as well as addition of standard definitions for terms on human factors and safety, was found to be necessary. The resulting military standard has been approved by the U.S. Department of Defense for use by all of its departments and agencies. Its contents should be of great interest to management and engineers in private industry who are concerned with the development and production of weapon systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This standard is now in print and will be available for distribution early in 1967; this paper is written by one of the participants in the revision and compilation of this military standard and is published here for the purpose of information on its scope and contents.     

Progress of Protection of the Environment and Resources in the United States - A Historical Survey

State and Federal legislative actions intended to improve and to preserve the quality of our environment and to conserve our natural resources were developed and implemented in a logical sequence, synchronized with our own social development and awareness of the need for specific legislative, punitive, or constructive actions. At all times, the desired legislation was developed through a consensus of opinions, needs, and costs that were to be incurred by the affected parties. In some cases, the Federal Government found it necessary to increase its budget allocations in areas where an immediate relief was needed and large losses were anticipated.     

A Discussion on System Effectiveness Assurance Elements

Growing complexity of some technological systems requires engineering assurance that the systems will perform effectively at some distant point in time, when all contractual requirements shall have been met and the first assembled system faces the performance test program. The many new- and old-related assurance disciplines are outlined briefly, as being indispensable to effective engineering acquisition of present day systems of large magnitude for civilian or defense purposes.