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).
Analysis of steering dynamics, including gyroscopic effects, wheel inertia, and front axle anchorage.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 38\1\ Scan139 | |
| Date | 26th March 1924 | |
| BY1-P26.3.24. contd. - 2 - d/- If the front axle were anchored at the front the two actions would tend to cancel out, as then the inertia effect of the wheel described under b/- would give a left hand turn to the car, while a/- effects would give a right hand turn. e/- The gyroscopic effects due to the wheel being turned slightly from its truly vertical plane as the axle is driven up on one side would result in a "precession" in direction to turn the wheel in plan, so that the front of wheel again moves to the right, or again in the same direction. I do not estimate that the gyroscopic precessional effect is a large force, but since it agrees in phase and direction with a/- and b/- it does assist the general effect, even if only slightly. f/- The fact that our present design is not really centre point steering would not, in my opinion, enter into the issue at high speeds, as the inertia of the wheels would completely mask it. g/- From a design point of view, the above points to front anchorage and a careful proportioning of the trailing or side view moment about the pivot, with the front or ordinary steering moment so as to make effects a/- and b/- absolutely cancel. This would need careful experimental investigation. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||