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).
Cause of a front pivot breakage and proposed design modifications to increase strength.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\B\July1918\ Scan7 | |
| Date | 30th July 1918 | |
| Copy to B.J. " " EH. " " DY.{F R Danby} ORIGINAL. X.3354. RE FRONT PIVOT BREAKAGE. Referring to the breakage of the front pivot on the Duke of Westminster's car, since this appears to be the weakest point round the front axle, we find it can be strengthened quite materially by the addition of a small amount of weight. We do not believe there is anything the matter with the material, but it is going to Derby to be examined. We believe that the car has during its life received some very rough shocks which, as we pointed out in a previous memo, would not cause a breakage at the time, but might be the beginning of a fracture, which would ultimately cause such a breakage as the one in question. We find that modifying the design, by increasing the radius in the corner, and by reducing the size of the lightening hole, we can increase its resistance to such shocks as has broken it, by positively 33%, and probably 50%. We propose that two such pivots shall be made at Derby and be sent for the Duke of Westminster's car, and that all future pivots shall be so proportioned. In addition to the material for this part being fault-less in composition and in physical condition, it is highly desirable that the outside surface shall be smoothly finished, and polished. It is in this respect only that we can find fault with the broken specimen, there being a nasty mark running (Contd.) [Top Right Corner Information]: 30th July, 1918. 3 R5/G30718. [Stamp]: RECEIVED, with a clock face. | ||