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).
Experiments on exhaust silencers, steering modifications, and flexible shackle suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\6\ 06-page59 | |
| Date | 14th April 1932 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} ) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} S. DR: ) (AT Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence.) X 433 R4/WD{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}/24.32. Sent from HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 14.4.32. C. to BG. ON. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} FN. X 7230 X 3230 X 7430 X 3430 CAR WORK. X 433 INTAKE & EXHAUST SILENCERS. Now that HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} has returned from the States I think that it would be good for him to concentrate on silencing the exhaust and inlet system of our cars by the method he found so effective in USA., and which results in such little exhaust losses. Mr. Elliott will be able to do the necessary work for SS{S. Smith}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} to experiment with. STEERING. In parallel with the above he might experiment with any modifications to the steering that seem possible to apply without serious alterations. I understand that the large motor-buses here are now very light on the steering. Several years ago I got Mr. Hardy to supply designs for a larger worm, because it would have a rather less reversible angle of thread, and also it would be less liable for the oil film to be squeezed out, (more consistency,) but it was not considered by the Experimental Dept. to be so good. I did not at the time think this decision reasonable, but had no alternative. We have now decided on the flexible shackle idea, but I do not know the theoretical reason why this is an improvement, except that the gyrostattic theory of the road shock is wrong or exaggerated, and that it is the direct road shock which one feels. Will HE. kindly ask Mr. Grylls or someone to say if the gyrostattic action can be reduced by the fore and aft movement of the pivot - i.e. if the point of reaction gives way the motion would be reduced, but I am very shaky on this, because any gyrostat seems to work if held freely in the hands. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||