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).
Proposed modifications and investigations following a component failure.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 2\B002_X168\ 00000001-page021 | |
| Date | 28th February 1913 | |
| From F.H.R. Copies sent to: Mr. Johnson. Mr. Wormald. Mr. Hadin. [Handwritten]: X168 1) Test the materials of the broken men to find the elastic limits which may be low owing to material or defective heat treatment. 2) Improve the material if possible of further supplies. (I am not blaming anyone and I do not want anyone to defend himself.) 3) Reinforce the section at the point of failure. Get the forgings from the best possible market for quality such as Vickers. [Handwritten]: Have done (Helps our stock) Design. (next move) 4) Lower the stub to the centre of the joint - this can now be done owing to the raising of the frame. Shorten the joint. Improve the lightening bore inside the stub by drilling deeper and reamering to a better section. Push ahead with the special axle for the wire wheels, raise the whole axle and put less dip on the front hubs, alter the back shackles to get a level spring. This will carry the whole axle and spring about 1/2" further from the road surface. [Handwritten]: Amendment to design 5) Cancel the zero adjustment on the cross steering tube. Introduce the set-up spring buffers lately suggested. These two alterations should be done immediately. [Handwritten to the left]: being reconsidered [Handwritten to the right]: Immediate action 6) I think that it is advisable to consider seriously making these alterations to cars already made, a providing that the tests shew that these buffers lessen the maximum stresses. [Handwritten]: W.J. can we check on this 7) Alter the section of the pendulum lever on the steering box to make it more suitable for torsion and lessen the maximum stress on the edges. F.H.R. [Handwritten at bottom]: Looks as if we must alter - W. Johnson [Handwritten at bottom]: all cars on the road if there is any possibility of accident let me know that this is understood + will be carried out [Handwritten, sideways at bottom right]: Examined and passed 28/2/13 | ||