This report summarizes the present knowledge concerning the relationship among fabrication history, metallurgical structure, and the mechanical properites of the refractory metals columbium, tantalum, bolybdenum, and tungsten, and their alloys. These are the refractory metals currently reveiveing the most attention for aerospace applications, and are therefore the materials considered in this survey. The report is organized into three main sections, titled ''Fabrication'', ''Microstructure and Alloying'', and ''Interstitial Impurities''. The data presented were selected as those which best illustrate the topics discussed. Descriptions of the metaljurgical principles involved are included. Suggestions for optimizing mechanical properties by controlling metallurgical structure are made where possible. (Author).

A review of the research and development work sponsored in the field of materials and processes over the past decade is presented. Abstracts of WADC Technical Reports for the period 1 July 1951 to 30 June 1953 are included. A summary of Technical Reports published in the areas of metallurgy, textiles, petroleum products, structural materials, rubbers, plastics, packaging, protective treatments, analysis and measurements are included also.

These reports cover basic and applied research in the materials area being conducted by the Metals and Ceramics, Non-metallic Materials, Physics, Manufacturing Technology and Applications Laboratories of the Directorate of Materials and Processes.