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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).
Recommendation against testing a worm axle, citing overheating issues and the superiority of spiral and hypoid bevel gears.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 23\5\  Scan084
Date  24th July 1922
  
U4336
To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG24.7.22.
CHASSIS 48-H-O.{Mr Oldham} F.E.Brown.
Y141
x2061
With reference to the attached correspondence
in connection with Worm Gears.
The merits and disadvantages of the worm
gear have been thoroughly discussed by R.{Sir Henry Royce} on several occasions.
We do not consider there is the least possible chance of R.{Sir Henry Royce}
ever considering a worm axle.
There is much less reason for fitting the
worm axle since spiral bevels and Hypoid bevels were
introduced.
It is unfortunate they mention the Stutz as
an example of a satisfactory worm axle because when we ran
the Stutz here on the dynamometer we could not run up to
the maximum speed because the axle over-heated and was
actually burning off the paint.
We should be under an obligation if it was
agreed to test this axle, therefore we recommend that we
should courteously refuse.
Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
  
  


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