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).
Value and continuation of single-cylinder research work on car engines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 134\2\ scan0042 | |
| Date | 18th July 1935 | |
| To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} & Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} X1129 HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}15/KW.18.7.35. Single Cylinder Work on Car Engines. We have always been enthusiastic about single cylinder car work as a means of helping design to decide the best type of cylinder head, valve gear, etc. We have now the staff and test equipment for dealing with this work. At the present moment, however, there does not appear to be any definite objective or continuity of design in connection with the project. If it is a fact that no means can be found to keep the job going from the manufacturing side owing to pressure of other work, then we ought to admit this and close down the test section. On the other hand, we think that if a programme is considered intelligently the types of single cylinder required can be kept down to two or possibly three, and that facilities ought definitely to be established to let this work continue, particularly since the recent reorganisation of the Experimental Dept. will permit of it being given adequate ground space. As we see it, the maximum value of car single cylinder unit research work will be to establish the most desirable combustion chamber, valve disposition and valve gear for the complete engine, and also to prove any novel cylinder construction which may be under consideration. The requirements of a good cylinder head which occur to us are as follows :- | ||