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).
Technical report discussing gearbox grinding, road shock reduction methods, and types of engine mountings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\4\ img200 | |
| Date | 2nd January 1935 | |
| -5- Ha/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}10/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2.1.35. While on the subject of gearboxes, no-one in the States now grinds the gear teeth, which are finished with a female cast-iron lap. (3) Road Shocks. We were not able to find out any 'secrets' other than the tight place in the centre of the steering wheel movement. Two other methods of reducing shocks are worth trying: correctly tuning the engine mounting to reduce frame movement by using the mass of the engine as a harmonic damper; and secondly, a discontinuous steering column having two universal joints so positioned that twist of the offside frame member does not cause movement of the steering wheel. As regards the steering box, nothing is available better than the La{L. A. Archer} Salle box brought from the States by Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} two years ago. ANSWERS TO Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/K.4.11.35. Various of these questions have already been answered in detail in the reports sent from Detroit. However, to enlarge on certain points - (1) Engine Mountings. The two types of engine mounting which seem worth trying are the Cadillac diamond shape and the Packard inclined rear feet. The former should be a help as regards front end movement, since inertia of the engine no longer reduces frame frequency, and also because by raising or lowering the side feet, the ratio of the weight carried fore and aft can be altered to provide maximum engine smoothness. The chief interest in the Packard mounting is that with the unit construction gearbox, the movement of the bottom end of the gear lever can be reduced to a minimum under the effect of engine movement with torque. | ||