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From 1947 to 1949, a project known as MX981 took place on Muroc Field (later renamed Edwards Air Force Base) for the purpose of testing the human tolerance for g-forces during rapid deceleration. The tests used a rocket sled mounted on a railroad track with a series of hydraulic brakes at the end.

Initial tests used a humanoid crash test dummy strapped to a seat on the sled, but subsequent tests were performed by medical doctor John Paul Stapp, at that time an Air Force Captain. During the tests, questions were raised about the accuracy of the instrumentation used to measure the g-forces Captain Stapp was experiencing. Edward Murphy proposed using electronic strain gauges attached to the restraining clamps of Stapp's harness to measure the force exerted on them by his rapid deceleration. Murphy was engaged in supporting similar research using high speed centrifuges to generate g-forces. Murphy's assistant wired the harness, and a trial was run using a chimpanzee.

The sensors provided a zero reading, however; it became apparent that they had been installed incorrectly, with each sensor wired wrongly. It was at this point that a disgusted Murphy made his pronouncement, despite being offered the time and chance to calibrate and test the sensor installation prior to the test proper, which he declined somewhat irritably getting off on the wrong foot with the MX981 team. In an interview conducted by Nick Spark, George Nichols, another engineer who was present, stated that Murphy blamed the failure on his assistant after the failed test, saying, "If that guy has any way of making a mistake, he will."

2006-08-10 01:01:28 · answer #1 · answered by guhralfromhell 4 · 0 1

Yes his name was Major Edward A Murphy Jr., although the details as to how the phrase was coined is uncertain.

I swear his ghost shares an office with me too! We blame him for somthing at my Job everyday!

2006-08-10 07:47:44 · answer #2 · answered by Scott M 3 · 0 0

yes hundreds of them? nay ,thousands thats why the laws are called so laws that are not achademically correct, eg if its going to happen it will. one of murphys many.

2006-08-10 07:43:46 · answer #3 · answered by lefang 5 · 0 0

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