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 a research laboratory to discuss high-voltage investigations and equipment.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 163\7\ img332 | |
| Date | 5th July 1939 | |
| -2- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/RC.{R. Childs}2/JH.5.7.39. Part of their equipment consists of apparatus capable of recording oscillations of the order of 20,000 K.{Mr Kilner} meters/sec. costing approximately £1,000. I was then conducted round the research laboratory and shewn various apparatus, including a large X ray tube for hospital use and apparatus for operating and measuring up to 2 million volts. I was shewn a high frequency spark discharge about 4 feet long, produced by the application of 1/2 million volts across the gap. The laboratory is well equipped and has the necessary expensive equipment for high voltage investigation and we consider it would prove very useful for solving certain ignition problems for which, owing to the few involved, the buying of expensive equipment would be wasteful, and we recommend that we enter into a contract with them to proceed with the investigation until a certain sum is reached; a report should then be issued If after consideration we feel that further investigation is worth while, then it could continue on the same basis for a further period. I arranged with Mr. Perry that should the investigation be carried out, we should be present when the oscillograms are made. I also discussed with Mr. Perry, H.T. peak volt-meters, and explained that variations in the sphere gap upset our experiments. He agreed that this was the case with the ordinary sphere gap, but explained that the inconstancy could be eliminated by the use of a minute particle of radium in one of the balls. This would cost about £10. He promised to supply me with full particulars. The required apparatus for the suggested experiments was then discussed, and it was agreed that the R.R. should supply the drive, this to consist of a plain shaft capable of operating two contact breakers at the same time, the breakers to be mounted one at each end of the shaft. A pulley, mounted at the middle of the shaft to be belt driven from an electric motor. | ||