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).
Letter to S.Smith & Sons Ltd. regarding graphite bearings, fuel tests, and potential design modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\3\ scan0026 | |
| Date | 17th February 1939 | |
| 1263. Experimental Dept. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/JBD.{John B. Dixon - Fuel Systems}1/BA. 17th, February.1939. S.Smith & Sons.Ltd. Cricklewood Works. LONDON.N.W.2. For the attention of Mr.Russell. Dear Sir, We thank you for your letter and sample of graphite bearings. We are interested to have your assurance that no cement or gum is used in the manufacture of these bushes. I regret I am unable at the moment to supply you with a sample of the French Fuels as it is difficult to obtain this by post. We have carried out gum tests with these fuels and find them quite equal to English Grades in this respect. The main difference being the quantity of alcohol in the fuel which varies from 4% - 15%. The suggestion for shortening the bottom bearing and increasing the clearances might have some effect, but on the other hand may also bring up trouble in the pinions, and until we are able to reproduce the trouble it would be dangerous to make an alteration without being able to prove its value. It would be worth while to run one gauge experimentally with increased clearances and a shorter bush and if you supply one we will be pleased to test it. So far the results with rubber in the fuel are not complete, though the phosphor Bronze Bush appears tight while the graphite is still free. We should like to have the particulars of the clearances and limits used in the Graphite bushes. Yours faithfully, for ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. | ||