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).
The failure of a water pump, discussing potential causes and proposing a modified design with improved drainage.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149a\3\ scan0274 | |
| Date | 14th November 1940 | |
| Filec (handwritten, crossed out) 1269 (handwritten) Bm/Wyman (handwritten) Please try out. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} (handwritten) To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Col. c. to RmHH. Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner}1/JH.14.11.40. FAILURE OF WATER PUMP SCD.1398 We have made a modified design PL.405 herewith which can be tried quickly, as we only ask for alterations to the existing parts and two new pieces which are simple lathe work. The reason why the coolant entered the ball bearings may be due to (1) The difference in expansion rate between the Alum casing and the C.I. pressure flange which might result in spoiling the joint. (2) Inadequate drainage in the chamber between the gland and the ball bearings. Examining the parts which failed there is some evidence that the latter is the more likely reason. Rust sediment may have accumulated in the drainage chamber sufficient to prevent the immediate exit of the gland leakage. The design besides having the addition of a flinger embodies drainage which is three times better. Jnr.{Charles L. Jenner} (Signature handwritten) Original of PL.405 to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/HH. Prints to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/HH. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Ashby. | ||