Text 3379, 101 rader
Skriven 2006-06-26 08:52:14 av Glen Jamieson
     Kommentar till en text av Michael Loo
Ärende: TASTES 872 60626
========================
 -=> Quoting Michael Loo to Glen Jamieson <=-

 GJ> As a mechanical engineer, I do not trust mechanics.  Deterioration due
 GJ> to metal fatigue is at a predictable rate, and thus the safe time for
 GJ> replacement of susceptible components has been established.

 ML> I don't see it that way at all - metal fatigue numbers are
 ML> averages. Mechanics have some accountability, unlike Nature.

Metal fatigue is something which has been intensely studied, even
before the Comet failures.  Ferrous alloys have fatigue limits,
meaning that stress below a certain level can be repeated an infinite
number of times without failure.   Aluminium and other non-ferrous
alloys, otoh, have no limit, and will eventually fail if stressed
repeatedly.  The task of the aircraft designer is to select alloy
specifications and loading so that the theoretical time to failure is
safely beyond the expected life of whatever part he is designing.
This means that components like wing spars are designed to have a life
well beyond the aircraft's anticipated life span, but other, readily
replaceable parts which can readily be inspected for incipient cracks
and replaced at the times of major "C" services can be stressed higher
and thus be lighter in weight, giving better aircraft performance.

 ML> Of course, I haven't had experience with the Airtran mechanics,
 ML> though (Southwest, as do most reputable airlines in the US,
 ML> uses United mechanics).

I have read too many accounts of failures resulting from defective
human inputs to have your sublime trust in their infallibility.
The most recent here has been a military helicopter crash resulting
from the failure to replace a locking clip on a vital pin.

 GJ> The first sign of neglected maintenance on an aircraft is when
 GJ> non-essentials, such as toilets are allowed to remain un-repaired.
 GJ> Then the time before C-service is extended beyond the maker's
 GJ> specification.  Then there is a crash, either physical or financial.

 ML> Toilets are an interesting indicator. I found the United
 ML> toilets nastiest during its palmy days (then poor during
 ML> bankruptcy, then okay after). Was this testimony, I wonder,
 ML> of accounting troubles not apparent to the outsider? I hear
 ML> United has just lost its US Mail handling contract: wonder
 ML> if that will lead to yet more bankruptcy (but the rest rooms,
 ML> as I said, have been okay of late).

Maybe the United powers that be heard of my theory of incipient
airline bankrupcy, and acted to disavow it.  It seemed to be
substantiated by the financial failures of Philippine Air Lines and
Ansett.  The loss of the mail contract could be a sign.  Worry!

The much delayed and criticised new Adelaide Airport has again been in
trouble.  Yesterday it was closed down for some hours after a yellow
powder was discovered on luggage which had arrived from Singapore.
Some of this was transferred to passengers collecting luggage from the
caroussel and carried on shoes all over the airport. 400 people were
detained for most of the day, and 80 people were given warm showers.
So far the powder has not been identified, although it has now been
decided that it is harmless.  Further tests are needed to properly
identify it, but, based on the descriptions I have read, I have my
suspicions.  Security provisions at the airport are being reviewed.

So, if you buy a packet of turmeric in Singapore on your way here,
make sure it is double wrapped and doesn't leak.

MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05
 
      Title: Diced Potatoes with Turmeric & Cumin
 Categories: Vegetables, Indian
      Yield: 6 Servings
 
  1 1/2 lb New potatoes
      5 tb Oil
    1/8 ts Asafetida
    1/2 ts Black mustard seeds
    1/2 ts Cumin seeds, whole
    1/8 ts Turmeric
    1/2 ts Coriander, ground
    1/2 ts Cumin, ground
    1/4 ts Cayenne
      1 ts Salt
 
  {originally also had the category Gujarati
  
  Dice potatoes.  Heat oil in a wok over a medium heat & when hot add,
  in quick succession, asafetida, mustard sees, cumin seeds.  Add
  potatoes & stir once or twice.  Sprinkle in turmeric.  Continue to
  stir every now & then for about 15 minutes.  Sprinkle in the
  remaining ingredients, stir & cook 2 more minutes.
  
  Madhur Jaffrey, "A Taste of India" From
  : Mark Satterly           Thu 20 Apr 95 10:31
 
MMMMM
 


... Gravity is the chief cause of airplane crashes.
___ Blue Wave/DOS v2.30 [NR]

--- FLAME v2.0/b
 * Origin: Braintap BBS Adelaide Australia (3:800/449)