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).
Tests conducted on Hartford shock absorbers to resolve issues with the 49-GB model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 51\4\ Scan077 | |
| Date | 20th October 1922 | |
| X.4426. Mr. Hives. from GWH. {George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} HARTFORD SHOCK ABSORBERS. We have made a series of tests with the above owing to experiencing trouble with 49-GB shock absorbers. These shock absorbers had got so polished that it was impossible to get the required load without collapsing the rear disc. We have had the surfaces sand-blasted, then we experienced a binding effect which took approx. twice the set load of the shock absorber to move it in the first instant. We took the matter up with Mr. Bailey and he saw the tests - also it was found that to fit thick plates at the back and two springs - one thick and one thin - was totally destroying the effect that was require. The following sketch will show our meaning. [Sketch of a shock absorber part with a dimension of 1/2"] A deflection of 3/32" only is required for a given load of 46 lbs. This means that a few thousandths wear on the discs immediately releases the full load. At least a 1/8" deflection is necessary to get a stablished load. We shall then get a gradual loss of load on shock absorber. We propose trying this out on 49-GB when it returns from the Coachbuilders. The Following Bench Tests contd:- | ||