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).
Bearing materials, focusing on the properties and applications of White metals and Babbitt.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 115\5\ scan0214 | |
| Date | 6th December 1938 guessed | |
| 3 the endeavour to produce an alloy having a higher fatigue life than Babbitt. Cadmium and Lead, and certain of their alloys are subject to this deterioration. The corrosiveness of the lubricant is brought about by the addition of an acid such as oleic in order to improve the oiliness of the oil, or by the oxidation of the lubricant itself during engine operation MATERIALS. There are many formulae for the composition of White metals although there is little to choose between them as regards length of life etc., when they are properly applied. Probably more good has been done in recent years by decreasing the thickness of the white metal lining and supporting by steel backing members than by altering the cheemical composition. The foremost reason for white metal being so popular is its most excellent anti-score properties. It is the least sensitive of the alloys to oil-film failure and metal-to-metal contact from shaft distortion. This advantage, together with the fact that the babbitt is bonded and cast quite readily, has made it the first choice for any bearing where the obtained fatigue life is sufficient. Another advantage is that if the bearing got so hot that the oil film broke down, the metal could run locally and resolidify | ||