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).
Gearbox component failures, with recommendations for strengthening parts and further testing of a new helix design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 8\11\ 11-page148 | |
| Date | 12th December 1938 | |
| -2- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer}1/JH.12.12.38. 3rd. Speed Floating Bush & Washers. Bush Cracked slightly 84 1/2 hrs. Flange of same bush broken off and loose washer broken. 94 1/2 hrs. 2nd. Motion shaft rear bearings. Balls chipped 84 1/2 hrs. In view of the above results we consider that the 1st. motion shaft PD.310 in S/ZNX and with the reduced helix proposed for production will be quite satisfactory. We think the 3rd. motion shaft collar should be strengthened as soon as convenient but that no existing shafts need be scrapped or replaced. We are continuing the running in 2nd. gear to determine whether there are any 2nd. speed parts which should be changed. When the existing 1st. motion shaft PD.310 with 45° helix has completed 100 hrs. we propose to fit the reduced helix to determine whether the standard bearing is adequate with this helix. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer} | ||