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).
Letter to Hives discussing issues with fuel atomisation in induction pipes, detonation, and potential solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 75\2\ scan0255 | |
| Date | 8th September 1921 | |
| X2758 ROLLS-ROYCE OF AMERICA, INC. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. Oy3 - G 8921 Sept. 8, 1921 Dear Hives:- Re: Induction Pipes Replying to yours Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/LG 23.8.21. "Dry gas" is a relative term. I think I have explained since my letter of Aug. 8 to which you reply, that dry or thoroughly atomised mixture is what is required. The trouble with thoroughly atomised fuel when it is largely composed of heavy ends, is that it will largely get on the walls within a few inches from the jet. This is the condition of our own carburetter and induction system. Therefore it is necessary to get the liquid stuff off the walls before it can get into the cylinder, if crankcase dilution and the other troubles are to be avoided. Whether the wet fuel slopped in does or does not increase the tendency for detonation is unimportant. The general belief in the States is that it does, and you must remember that the American engineers are more closely in touch with their own conditions than even Ricardo can claim to be (see article on "Flame" in September issue S.A.E. Journal, which makes some attempt at an explanation.) The important thing from our point of view, as you say, is to find a solution of our present difficulties, with the least possible disturbance of our present designs. But in the meantime we must not shut out information from the outside, and might just as well know as much as we can of what the other fellows are doing, as for example, the Dorris scheme. The object of this letter is to show you how we have carried out the drains and boilers, so that you can see how very unobtrusive they are (see enclosed photographs). The results in horsepower and fuel consumption as compared with the present induction pipe with through pipe, are shown in the enclosed charts. There is a distinct increase in horsepower and decrease in consumption. | ||