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 S.S. Cars Ltd. enquiring about semi-floating axles and the cause of half-shaft failure.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\1\ scan0118 | |
| Date | 21th December 1937 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}5/MH.{M. Huckerby} S.S.Cars Ltd., Holbrook Lane, Coventry. 21st. December 1937. Dear Mr. Lyons, When you were here the other day I had a talk to Haines about semi-floating axles and the cause of half shaft failure. He told me from your experience that a reduced overhang overcame the trouble. This would appear to show that failure is due to the bending moment of the car weight or 1st. speed torque and not due to violent cornering, as the stresses from this latter increase with less overhang. Would you mind telling us what the overhang on the S.S.was and is, and the shaft diameter. We could then compare the stresses with the American axles we know about. However, please say if these questions overstep the mark and we shall quite understand. Your views on the causes of shaft failure would be greatly appreciated. Best wishes for the New Year, Yours sincerely, | ||