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).
Issues with single-plate clutches and the development of corrected and multi-plate designs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\1\ img093 | |
| Date | 1st October 1932 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} C.C. to SC. WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} (Strikethrough) CLUTCHES. We are all in agreement that it is necessary with single plate clutches to carry the asbestos on the driven plate. It will be remembered that this has been put up to the Expl. Dept. ever since the introduction of this type of clutch on the original 20HP., but it was not realised by any of us until recently that the heat given by this system to the moving plates of the flywheel was causing this part to bind up in its driving features. When it was discovered it was an easy matter to see that it could be avoided by providing clearance for the diametral expansion without of necessity making the plate loose enough to make a noise. It should also be noted that the pressure plate providing the initial engagement must be kept free in the same way. It was also found by Derby that the heat given to the clutch springs was too great with this system, and spoilt their temper. Now these features have been corrected and provided for and the frictional surfaces arranged to be in cast iron, we have little doubt that the clutches to this design will give any trouble, even at somewhat increased loads, and as far as WW. are concerned we are not interested in any other type except on Bensport, where we are trying the multi-plate design, as being more suitable for a sports or racing car owing to its lower inertia. Designs for J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. and Peregrine have already been sent, and modifications to P. 2. will follow in a few days. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||