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).
Visit to Hardy Spicer to discuss Rudge Whitworth wheel issues, potential modifications, and propellor shafts.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\7\ scan0196 | |
| Date | 4th March 1938 | |
| 1375 To By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /Gry. {Shadwell Grylls} c. Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Da. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. Hdy. {William Hardy} c. MX. {John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} RUDGE WHITWORTH WHEELS. We visited Hardy Spicer to-day to discuss wheel clonks with Mr.Daniell who used to be with the Rudge Co. Mr.Daniell told us of all sorts of devices he had tried such as having two seven sided out of phase driving cones, half the length of the splines on the skew and internal split nuts etc. We discussed the reason for the 10° outer cone angle. This angle was chosen because of its epicyclic tightening tendency which combined with that of the thread will tighten a nut which has only entered one thread. Even with the 10° cone, epicyclic tightening does not provide a torque of more than half what is got by the spanner. If, therefore, a wheel has been tightened properly by a spanner the epicyclic arrangement does not do any further tightening. Owing to the tightening due to the thread being in the same direction as that of the cone Daniell says that he does not think a flat cone would come undone if once tight, but is certain that 30° would be safe. We do not see why we should cater for someone who puts on the wheel nut finger tight. We have, therefore, ordered a pair of 30° wheels for test. Daniell also suggested a modification to the wheel mounting which he is just patenting and which we could try if the altered cone angle does not affect a cure for clonks. He was surprised how small a wheel we are using particularly on a 40 cwt. car and expected we should have trouble from creaking. The weight of the car being offset from the driving cone is responsible for considerable fidgetting. Propellor Shafts. From a quick walk round their factory we came to the conclusion that their propellor shafts are very well made and tested. | ||