Test report comparing the durability of standard versus two-piece cylinder block top joints on a 'Kestrel' engine under detonation conditions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179\2\ img253 | |
| Date | 16th February 1932 | |
| To H. {Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} From Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Yng. c. to Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Ver. c. to RG. {Mr Rowledge} H. {Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} c. to By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} CYLINDER CONSTRUCTION - TOP JOINTS - 'KESTREL(Aero Engine)' ENGINES. Handwritten: r2965 / x38d. We are primarily interested in the top joint construction of the two piece cylinder block, for reasons stated in our report ref: Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Yng.1/KT.31.12.31. The following test was carried out in order to obtain a direct comparison as regards durability, between the standard and the two piece cylinder blocks. At the same time a comparison is drawn on the condition of the standard joint rings which have run some considerable time in service. Engine. 'Kestrel(Aero Engine)' 11-S-25 (A. {Mr Adams} side cyl. block Std. (B. side cyl. block two-piece. Fuels D.T.D.134 and D.T.D.134 plus 3 cc's. TEL/gall. Tests were carried out under water cooled conditions, i.e. water outlet temperature 75°C. Plugs - Lodge A.2. Tests Carried Out. This test was run concurrently with a test carried out on a big end split pins, running being carried out as requested in memo. Rg. {Mr Rowledge} 5/DM. {D. Munro} 22.1.32 viz: ten periods of one hour each, made up as follows :- 10 mins. detonating at 2500 R.P.M. 20 mins. at 2500 R.P.M. - 1/2 lb/sq.in. boost. 10 mins. at 2700 R.P.M. 580 BHP. 15 mins. at 2400 R.P.M. 480 BHP. 5 mins. at 3000 R.P.M. light load. At first it was necessary to fix a standard of detonation. Such a degree was required as would show up after 10 hours, but not of such intensity as to damage the engine before that time was completed. Knowing that 'S' 100 ft. at 2000 R.P.M. burnt a top joint ring of the two-piece block away in 2 hrs. 40 mins. we arrived at our standard of detonation as follows. The engine was set detonating to 'S' 50 ft. at 2000 R.P.M. on D.T.D.134. The power drop due to detonation was then recorded by running on D.T.D.134 plus 3 cc's TEL/Gall. This proved to be 2.75%. With the throttle setting kept constant the speed was let up to 2900 R.P.M. Audible detonation at this speed was 'Y' 9 ft. | ||
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).