Abstract: A lightweight mortar tube is presented herein having at least three layers: (1) a first inner bore facing layer comprised of a metal having a melting point greater than 800° C.; (2) a second thermal barrier layer comprised of a ceramic material attached to the first layer, and (3) a third outer shell layer attached to the second layer comprising of fiber reinforced composite material where the composite material is either a polymer, metal or ceramic. All of the layers are cohesively integrated with each other into a seamless wall. The improved multi-layered mortar tube described herein is lighter, yet maintains the same performance standards as comparable steel-based mortar tubes.

Abstract: A modularized system and method for interactively diagnosing and addressing workplace issues that can lead to employee turnover includes computer-delivered assessment and training modules, each directed to a particular aspect of improving employee retention by focusing on retention competencies. Some modules are intended for employee use; others, for supervisors. The employee sector modules are primarily administered for the purpose of data collection, the resulting data utilized to prescribe assessment and training modules to the supervisor. The supervisor sector modules include an assessment adapted to create an individualized learning plan, wherein questions assess understanding of the topic, and then a job simulation is presented, guiding the user through a simulation applying the concepts from the lesson, followed by a mastery assessment. After passing the mastery assessment, the user can view and print learning activities and key learning points for each program.