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).
Experimental testing of front axle control arrangements, focusing on semi-elliptic springs and radius rods.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\3\ scan0267 | |
| Date | 29th May 1924 | |
| 19421 To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. RG.{Mr Rowledge} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} RE. FRONT AXLE CONTROL. X.3441 X.9421 X.2628 R3/M29.5.24. We have lately gone into all patterns of front axle control with a view to experimentally testing what is thought the most hopeful. The best we can see is 45" equal ended semi-elliptic springs (with rubber shackles fore and aft) which are only asked to carry the load of the car and for providing side control. With this arrangement we propose testing radius rods, 2 high up inside the frame which are hardly noticeable, and 2 extremely low down, (these are to take the road shocks - horizontal - and brake torque) so as to give practically perfect steering under all conditions, both in geometry and in pivot inclination. We find it very undesirable to attempt torque rod control as the stresses on the springs are considerably increased, and are repeated on every bump and rebound, so that there is no hope of the springs lasting well with such an arrangement. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||