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).
Letter to a supplier regarding material testing and failure of sample radiator filler caps.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 150\3\ scan0377 | |
| Date | 1st March 1938 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Std.9/MH.{M. Huckerby} 1280 1st. March 1938. Messrs. Birkbys Ltd., Liversedge, YORKS. For the attention of the Technical Dept. Dear Sirs, Our Order Office have been in touch with you about radiator filler caps to EW.1065 and we have received sample caps in SO.2, SO.3 and SO.204 grades of material. We have tried these when new and found them quite strong enough. As, however, they will be partially in contact with water and anti-freeze solution, we have boiled three of them in 30% ethylene glycol solution. After 70 hours boiling, all show signs of attack but the SO.3 appears to be least affected, while the SO.204 appears to be the worst. We have broken a piece of the SO.204 cap and from its appearance deduce that the water has penetrated along the fibres. We would like your remarks on this. We are returning the piece herewith. We would also like to know whether in your experience your "Elo" material is water and heat resistant or whether it can be made so - whether there is any reason why SO.3 material should be better than SO.204. Further we should like to know whether you anticipate swelling, shrinkage or distortion to occur under the action of heat or water. Finally, we would like to know to what limits mouldings of this type can be kept constant. | ||