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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).
Tests of repositioned shock absorbers on a Phantom to prevent high-speed wobbles.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 29\1\  Scan352
Date  13th November 1928
  
To R: from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}
c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Oy
c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}
4457
Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RmL/LG13.11.28.
HIGH SPEED WOBBLES. X2354 48430
We carried out tests on the Phantom to determine if shock absorbers applying load at the extremity of the axle are more effective for a given loading than those in the standard position with regard to preventing high speed wobbles.
In order to get the shock absorber load as near the brake drum as possible we used ball ends fixed in the pivot lubricator hole. This necessitated disconnecting the brake operating rods.
We found that an upward and downward load of 50 lbs. on the transverse shock dampers working at the axle extremity was as effective in overcoming wobbles as 70 lbs. up and down on the damper in the standard position.
Experiments in riding comfort, however, have so far proved rather disappointing as it is difficult to detect any increased softness in the ride due to the reduced load at the axle extremity.
There therefore does not seem to be much advantage in fitting shock dampers in this position.
We are confirming our results however.
Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
  
  


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