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).
The purchase of a J.A.P. motorcycle cylinder head for research into combustion chamber design and volumetric efficiency.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 86\1\ scan0051 | |
| Date | 21th December 1933 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} X219 c. to Hcr. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 7/KW21.12.33. In connection with our tests on cylinder heads, it has been suggested that we should obtain one or two of the most up-to-date motor cycle cylinder heads, with a view to investigating whether they know more about the combustion chamber design and volumetrical efficiency than we do. We believe it is worth while purchasing the best head because we can very easily measure its breathing capacity on our rig. We are quite prepared to find out that the high power output is obtained in a way that cannot possibly be used on a luxury motor car, but the point is worth investigating. We consider that the J.A.P. people are at the top of the tree in this particular branch of the industry. We should like Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} to see these people and find out whether they will sell us a cylinder head, and at the same time give us particulars of their valve timing, piston crown shape, etc. We understand the cylinder head can be purchased at something less than £10.0.0d. Since we are in no way competitive to J.A.P's, we hope it will be possible to arrange this. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||