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 use and testing of magnesium castings for engine components like pistons and crankcases.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 142\4\ scan0001 | |
| Date | 1st January 1925 | |
| R.{Sir Henry Royce}(F.{Mr Friese}) Mr. Olswandel. (W) FOR W.A. File. c. CO. c. SO. c. WOP. c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X 4112 Rg{Mr Rowledge}1/W30. 1. 25 MAGNESIUM CASTINGS. A great deal of work has been done with regard to the use of Magnesium alloys for light engines. Magnesium pistons have been run in many racing car engines, and in experimental aero engines. At the present time Napiers are casting "Lion" crankcases experimentally in Magnesium Alloy for the Air Ministry. We are in touch with the Magnesium Co., who are a branch of Vickers, and whose job is to supply the Magnesium. The Magnesium crankcase castings are being made in Napier's foundry under their direction. Some time ago we obtained a sample Magnesium casting from Sterling Metals, Ltd., who are connected with the German producers. We broke the casting up and the principal experiment we made with it was to hold a lump in a pair of tongs in the flame of a blow pipe, to see how dangerous the material was. We found that it began to melt before it caught fire. We have since obtained sample pistons off the R.A.C. pattern and off the "Condor" lll pattern, which we propose to test when we have a convenient opportunity. Particularly with regard to the "Condor" pistons, we shall have to be careful, and I think use them in the old two cylinder rig, as we are not very sure of their reliability. Originally I was under the impression that it was necessary to use the material in the forged state, but this apparently is not the case. The standard "Condor" piston bare weighs 2 lbs. 15 ozs., and a Magnesium one off the same pattern about 2 lbs. 3 ozs., but we should probably have to increase some of the sections of the Magnesium piston before we get it reliable, which would somewhat reduce the advantage in weight. I think the first use of Magnesium is for pistons, but it seems pretty certain that it will also be used for crankcases for special racing engines. I think we should proceed to make tests with the pistons we have, and consider whether we should try to make some sample castings under the instruction of the Magnesium Co. Rg.{Mr Rowledge} | ||