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).
The testing of a new clutch material and design modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\4\ Scan208 | |
| Date | 26th September 1930 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/AD. 26.9.30. Contd. -2- are aware they handle all types and in many cases design the clutches for various firms. They recommend we should try a new material which they were supplying for a lot of the big heavy 'bus work with very satisfactory results. We tried some of this material and at the same time modified the rivetting. The result was, whereas our present standard clutch failed after 100 starts on the dynamometer, with the new material we carried out 1,000 starts and examination afterwards shewed the clutch to be in excellent condition. Our tests on the road since, shew that it is remarkably smooth in its take up. on the splines We also increased the clearance of the pressure plate on the clutch with the fabric on the driven member and found that by doing this we could overcome the tightening of the pressure plate, except after excessive slipping. When we had done this we found there was a distinct tendency for the pressure plate to cling when changing at high speeds. We also found that with the same test as we gave our present standard clutch, the back plate, which as you know is spring loaded, distorted badly. The result of these tests is that we propose to carry on with our present standard clutch with the modified material for the immediate production cars. We are also fitting this type of clutch to 25-EX. the L.H. car I am bringing out to U.S.A. I very much want to try this clutch under your conditions to see whether it is possible to damage it. We think it is going to be satisfactory. I shall, however, bring out with me the necessary parts so that we can change it over in case it gives trouble. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||