Naval Education

Basic Optics and Optical Instruments

Naval Education

Designed as a training manual for Navy personnel (Opticalman 3 & 2), this book provides thorough coverage of the basic theory of optics and its applications. Newly revised and updated, it presents the subject matter with extraordinary clarity, stressing theory and application equally. It will serve admirably to supplement a course in which only one of these factors is emphasized.The book begins with an introduction to the Opticalman rating. It then goes on to discuss the characteristics of light, with special emphasis on wavelengths, reflection, and refraction. Two chapters contain a detailed discussion of the formation of images by mirrors, lenses, and prisms; these explain how images are formed by thin and thick lenses, how to use the lens formula, and how to determine the location of an image formed by an optical instrument. The mechanical construction, maintenance procedures, and machining operations of basic optical instruments are explained in detail, supplemented by chapters on maintenance procedures, basic instrument repair, machine shop practices, optical and navigation equipment maintenance, night vision sights and gunsights and submarine periscopes. A helpful four-part appendix includes a glossary, common formulae used in optical repair and machine operations, prefixes and symbols used in the metric system, and English and metric system units of measurement, with common equivalents and conversions. Profusely illustrated with 370 charts, diagrams, photographs, and drawings of tools and parts of instruments — including cross-sections that reveal inner workings — this manual is especially clear and well-organized. Although designed for use in U.S. Naval training schools, it can be used to great advantage as a basic text in optics in standard technical schools, and it will be immensely valuable even to the layman who desires a knowledge of the fundamentals of optics.

Basic Machines and How They Work

Naval Education

This revised edition of an extremely clear Navy training manual leaves nothing to be desired in its presentation. Thorough in its coverage of basic theory, from the lever and inclined plane to internal combustion engines and power trains, it requires nothing more than an understanding of the most elementary mathematics. Beginning with the simplest of machines — the lever — the text proceeds to discussions of the block and tackle (pulleys and hoists), wheel and axle, the inclined plane and the wedge, the screw, and different types of gears (simple, spur, bevel, herringbone, spiral, worm, etc.). A chapter on the concept of work discusses the measurement of work, friction, and efficiency; this is followed by investigations of power, force, and pressure, with explanations of the uses of scales, balances, gauges, and barometers. The fundamentals of hydrostatic and hydraulic machines (such as the hydraulic braking system and the hydraulic press) are discussed in detail. The remaining chapters cover machine elements (bearings and springs), basic mechanisms (gear differential, couplings, cams, clutches), the internal combustion engine and power trains (including explanations of various transmission systems — synchromesh, auxiliary, etc.). Every concept is clearly defined, and discussions always build easily from elementary theory to specific applications familiar to anyone with the slightest interest in mechanics. Important concepts, machine components, and techniques are clearly illustrated in more than 200 diagrams, drawings, and cross-sections that reveal inner workings — all of these help to clarify even further an already clear and well-organized presentation. Although it was originally designed for use in U.S. Naval Training Schools, this book can be used to great advantage as a basic text in mechanical engineering in standard technical schools, and it will be immensely valuable even to lay readers who desire a basic knowledge of mechanics.