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).
Experiences with aluminium connecting rods and pistons, referencing Cadillac, Franklin, and Bentley models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img410 | |
| Date | 6th February 1934 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} I Feb. 6th / 34 Aluminium Con Rods. Cadillacs have run some of these made by the Bohn Alum. Co. The original ones broke across the shoulder but at a second attempt they overcame the failure and have had no further trouble. They use steel Caps. Rods have now done 30000 miles. It is recorded that Franklins used Aluminium rods direct on shaft and ran into trouble at 40° below zero the rods tightening on shaft. Cadillacs report that with strip lining 3/32 thick this trouble is overcome (white metal or lead bronze .025- thick rest steel). If we can get or make strip bearings, suggest that we should run these an endurance test. [interlinear text] average wt saving on large rod as over steel 40% Pistons Invar strut pistons are rapidly loosing ground to the T slot all Alum piston anodically treated. Will bring samples back suitable for running on the Bentley or 20/25- | ||