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).
Progress report on engine development, including prototypes, pumps, test beds, compressors, and bearing research.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\1\ scan0102 | |
| Date | 18th April 1940 guessed | |
| (2) instructions were completed for the Twin Cylinder Prototype Unit except for the cylinder block which is almost completed. Instructions for the main engine are promised by 10th June, and on this assumption HPS{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} hopes to complete the first engine by the end of November. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} requested Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} to produce a comparative installation layout of the main engine - with the Griffon - showing cowling lines, weight estimates etc. for discussion at the next meeting. (2) INJECTION PUMPS. Details of the R.R. pump will be finally instructed by 20th April. The C.A.V.pump will be fully interchangeable with the R.R.pump. (3) TEST UNITS. Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} reported the position of the test units - no special comments. (4) TEST BED POSITION. Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} reported an improvement in the test bed position. No.1 unit will be installed on the first new test bed in No.2 test house in about a week's time. (5) CONTRACT POSITION. Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} reported that all work was covered by contracts except for the 12 cylinder main engine for which negotiations are in hand with Major Bulman, and for pumps and pump running for which contractual cover is also being applied. (6) AXIAL FLOW COMPRESSOR FOR P.1.ENGINES. Gr.{George Ratcliffe} reported that Fraser and Chalmers were not prepared to supply us with a blower during the war. Constant, (of the R.A.E.) is having one made which will be suitable for use with our main engine. (7) PETROL INJECTION ENGINES AND FUTURE POLICY. Arising from Wd{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead}'s review of the possibilities of this type of engine and in view of his recommendation to develop an air cooled version, it was agreed that work should commence immediately in Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}/JRR's section on the design problems of the air cooled cylinder. Some previous very preliminary work has been done by Rg{Mr Rowledge} who will arrange for Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}/JRR to have the drawings. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} said that before deciding on shapes and sizes of engines, as much experience as possible should be accumulated on single and twin cylinder units. (C) MATERIAL AND MECHANICAL RIG RESEARCH. (1) MAIN BEARINGS. Lr{Mr Ellor}/Psn outlined the programme of work in hand - all failures appear to be preceded by "nipping in" and development is proceeding towards elimination of this feature by the use of (a) stiff wide flanged bearings (b) thin shell bearings, and (c) methods for holding the bearings in the crankcase in such a manner that nipping in is prevented. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} requested that tests on "By's" scheme of improved lubrication should be pushed to a conclusion. Alternative main bearing materials under investigation are the Armstrong Siddeley 10% silver bearing and a 4% silver bearing. | ||