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).
Causes of road shock in steering systems and proposed modifications for all cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\2\ Scan110 | |
| Date | 29th March 1924 | |
| To HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} } FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} RG.{Mr Rowledge} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} } X763 c. to CJ. BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} PN.{Mr Northey} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} C. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} STEERING OF ALL CARS. R1/M29.3.24. X.963 X3465 Mr. Bailey's theory has pointed out that we must not expect a definite reduction in road shocks from centre-point steering, (the value of which has been over-rated) and we can conclude that we must get and keep the steering pivots nearer the centre of the wheel. We have tried to do this always but limitations prevented, so that we have :- (1) Shocks due to oblique shocks, gyrostatic force - which are unavoidable, and can only be treated by irreversible gearing. (2) Road shocks due to distance of pivot from centre of wheel - (waiting for treatment.) We are to endeavour to find how this can be reduced. SEE ORIGINAL FOR SKETCH. (3) Bad geometry of longitudinal tube, uneven braking. This was thought to be one of the worst faults. We have materially reduced or kept low shocks and effects. Mr. Hives has many investigations to make to shew the value of certain modifications. We are expecting good things from centre-point steering with vertical pivots and from low rating slightly set up springs in the longitudinal tube with ample clearance, so that shocks can be expended upon the inertia of the road wheels. Also we are trying 25% slower steering. I am anxiously awaiting the results. I would like to point out that our designs have always endeavoured to get as near this same object as possible and we are slightly superior to the best competitive practice in the nearness of our pivots. Disc wheels are best. The R.W. new scheme promises good, but we must never use any road wheels which increase the overhang. A fast 80 m.p.h. car is a dangerous thing and cannot be lightly dealt with. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||