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).
Modifications to the radiator matrix to reduce frontal area, weight, and cost.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 150\3\ scan0051 | |
| Date | 28th September 1936 | |
| (2) We consider that the safe critical air temperature is approximately 42°C. If we tailor the radiator matrix to give this critical air temperature, we can reduce its frontal area from 473 sq/in. to 427 sq/ins., i.e. a reduction in frontal area of 46 sq/in. If we remove this from the bottom of the matrix (the most advantageous place) we shall be able to reduce the matrix height by 2.5" delete the tunnel tube altogether, and save approximately 3 lbs. weight. In addition to the above we propose to use a new type of Mark VI core which we have discussed with John Marston & Co. Ltd., This is constructed with .005 waterway strip and .003 - .0035 air way strip ( this reproduces Harrison 'V' practice ) instead of our standard core with .006 waterway strip and .004 air way strip. This modification together with the reduction in depth and type of matrix (52 m.m. Mark VI instead of 59 m.m. Mark V) should give a weight reduction of 5 lbs. Hence the total reduction which can be made by all the changes enumerated above is approximately 8 lbs. This will be accompanied by a saving in cost, since it is generally true to say that the cost of a matrix block varies with its weight, while the complication of the tunnel tube will be eliminated. In passing it may be mentioned that the matrix described above represents the best we know in radiator matrices at the moment. However Mr. Dunn of John Marston Ltd., is at present in the U.S.A. looking for something better if that is to be found. It is probable that he will purchase machines from Harrisons or a similar firm for manufacturing their cores in this country. | ||