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 properties and applications of moulded sheets and reinforced fabric.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\2\ scan0057 | |
| Date | 1st December 1939 guessed | |
| Moulded Sheets. Moulded sheets would give an absolutely uniform product with the necessary bolt or rivet holes already provided and would save greatly in cost of erection. Such use of these laminated sheets would, however, form a small part of the possible applications. The whole fuselage could be made from this material, as well as other parts. As parts of considerable size could be moulded quickly, unskilled labour could be used in erection, and with great increase in production. Moulding holes for fastenings. A standard size sheet could be designed for covering to be produced from one standard mould. In many cases they would be simple flat moulds with dowels, and holes for rivets, instead of drilling by jig. Electrical Heating. The fitting of end connections enables the fabric to be used for electric heating (Report on use of the fabric for heating, by Mr.F. Peake Sexton, A.R.C.S., A.M.I E.E., A.Inst.P., will be sent on request). Bullet Holes. The electrical circuit of heated sheets, whether in moulded or sheet form, would not be interfered with by bullet holes, and damaged sheets would be taken out and replaced. Fire, Water, Corrosion. The reinforced fabric is fireproof (resin does not burn), is unaffected by water, and is non-corrosive. Oil and Petrol. A specimen of the material immersed in petrol for ten days and then exposed to air for three days showed no change in appearance or loss of strength. Specimens were also immersed in motor oil for ten days without effect. Cotton is hollow and becomes filled when impregnated. Cotton and resin are non-conductors of electricity. Insufficient time has elapsed since the manufacture of the fabric to enable proper weathering and water tests - so I refer to the reports of tests of fabric material - pages 41 and 42 Royal Aeronautical Society - Plastic Materials for Aircraft Construction, by N.A. de Bruyne, M.A.,Ph.D.- .2. | ||