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).
Use of hydraulic dampers to improve steering performance and prevent wobbles.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\1\ Scan257 | |
Date | 11th October 1926 | |
To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Mr. Claremont. X457 RL/M11.10.26. STEERING - HYDRAULIC DAMPERS - LEAN OF PIVOTS. X.8430 X.235 X.457. You will see in various memos. that I have suggested an increase of the lean provided we can rely on keeping clear of low and high speed steering wobbles by means of sufficient hydraulic damping friction. In the arrgt. we are sending you we have provided for a leak from each side of the piston so that the steering will move quite freely slowly. We have provided a relief valve so that when the 30/40 lbs. is reached the steering could be moved quickly. There is the usual replenishing valve at the bottom, and the upper leaks provide the means of discharging air. Both leaks are guarded with a ball valve to prevent ingress of air at this point. When it is added up you will see that not only is the max. friction fluid exact and constant, but it provides slow speed movement with the minimum of resistance. This cannot be done by mechanical means. It should be also smooth and free from wear. In conclusion, I feel sure that even if we suffer slightly in some way on the steering, to get safer lean of pivots, it would be worth the while. I believe we are the first to use hydraulic dampers in this way on the steering. The Lanchester scheme is much more clever and novel, but we think perhaps it is not so practical. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||