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).
Proposal outlining a new procedure for handling and preventing in-service failures across four key departments.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\4\ scan0167 | |
| Date | 2nd September 1937 | |
| RHO. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} [redacted] C.Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 1112 BY.2/G.2.9.37. FAILURES IN SERVICE. In order to ensure that we obtain the maximum benefit from any failure in service, I propose to have a full discussion with all four Departments present i.e. Design, Experimental, Test and Production, in order to :- (a). Ascertain and settle beyond dispute responsibility for fault. (b). To see that a procedure is adopted, and changes made where necessary to prevent such faults. (c). To impress upon all concerned that such faults are not necessary, and can be prevented by more careful consideration in each stage of what is necessary. (1). In Design. The real urgency here is that the design is well considered and not rushed through - ill considered, because of pressure from outside. (2). In Experimental Dept. The Experimental Engineer concerned must look at the problem wide and try to visualize the effect of faulty adjustment and what might be classed as slight departures from drawing requirements, where there is danger in slight variations from design fixtures must be recommended to avoid parts being wrongly assembled. (3). The Works must have a system of checking with fixtures where necessary every moving part to ensure that over its complete working range there is an adequate clearance. (4) Test Dept. There must be a systematic scheme of test for clearance, again with fixtures if necessary, to see that all moving parts are clear under extreme conditions. | ||