Calculations comparing the Vulture axle to the Bentley axle, and discussing instances of Bentley axle failures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 123\3\ scan0116 | |
| Date | 29th January 1934 | |
| x4704 To Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hy. {Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Bn. {W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Ba. Hdy. {William Hardy} re Vulture(Experimental 6 CYL OHV LONG STROKE / Aero Engine) Axle. With regard to the Vulture(Experimental 6 CYL OHV LONG STROKE / Aero Engine) axle, Mr Day has made some calculations of which we attach a copy, and from which it will be seen that on the basis of the calculations the Vulture(Experimental 6 CYL OHV LONG STROKE / Aero Engine) is slightly inferior to the present Bentley. Note figures of merit in column 6 and 9. We think however it should be satisfactory. In the case of the Bentley we have had one bent front axle on the open experimental car, for which there is an explanation, and one steering ball joint broken off on a car which was rolled over recently under circumstances where we would expect some damage. In connection with the latter, we are examining the fracture to confirm that there is no symptom of fatigue. We have also had two examples of front Bentley axles damaged in torsion due to braking, but a modification of the design has been issued for strengthening up the axle to meet this condition. E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||
From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).