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).
Test report on a Rover 14 HP Free Wheel unit, detailing preliminary and endurance testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 127\3\ scan0037 | |
| Date | 25th April 1935 | |
| To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} x Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/WB.{Mr Brazier/Mr Bell}3/KW.25.4.35. Rover 14 HP. Free Wheel. The unit was arranged with the inner race fixed and the outer race driven in the free wheeling direction. During a preliminary test run of 4 hrs. duration at 1500 r.p.m. the temperature rose from 20°C. to 81.5°C. in approximately 1 1/2 hours, after which it decreased to 80°C. this temperature being maintained for the remainder of the run. When stripped and examined, the rollers and races were found to be in excellent condition, just a faint impression of the track of the groove in the outer race showing on the rollers, also the lines of contact between the rollers and the inner race were just evident. The unit was reassembled for an endurance test. At the end of 4 hours, at 1420 r.p.m. the temperature had risen to 91°C., and the rig was stopped. After cooling off it was re-started, and the test continued without a break for a further 26 hours. During this period the temperature rose to a maximum of 80°C. in the first 3 hours, and then gradually decreased to 71°C., remaining at that level. At this point it became necessary to change the electric motor, and the test then proceeded - without stripping - at 1485 r.p.m. for a further 40 hours, running continuously, making a total of 70 hours. After reaching a peak of 71°C. in the early stages of this period, the temperature slowly fluctuated between 65° and 71°C. during the remainder of the run. When examined, the general condition was still excellent, the impressions being only slightly more prominent than previously observed. The maximum wear on the rollers was .0005", and the width of the roller contacts on the inner race measured .050" wide approximately. The outer race was perfect, the original grinding marks being still evident. The roller pads were also in good condition. | ||