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).
Analysis of vehicle ride quality issues, focusing on suspension, springs, and shock absorbers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\4\ scan0264 | |
| Date | 10th December 1924 | |
| -2- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/AL.10.12.24.Contd. fabric body, however, is most difficult to deal with as it has a tendency to pitch over the whole running range. Such cars also ride harshly at low speeds. The higher the frequency of the pitching the more uncomfortable the car appears to be. We can usually appreciate the benefit of a full petrol tank on such cars but have not been very successful in improving their riding qualities. LUBRICATED AND BEDDED SPRINGS. There is no question that the lubricated and bedded spring is a great improvement in low speed riding comfort. HYDRAULIC SHOCK ABSORBERS. When we get cars to deal with fitted with Hartford's we appreciate the hydraulics. Apart from their inconsistency in operation, Hartford's spoil the low speed riding of the car if set above 30 lbs. This loading is insufficient to control the car at the higher speeds. Incidentally, whenever a car comes in the Hartfords seem to have excessive loading. MAXIMUM SPRING DEFLECTION POSSIBLE. We found, as you suggested, that the best general specification for springing cars used for normal purposes is to use the maximum deflection possible and then damp. However, in almost every case of complaint with which we are now dealing, the car has already been fitted with the weakest possible springs without satisfying the customer, so that inter-leaf lubrication appears to be absolutely essential to get the full benefit from these weak springs. For light fabric bodied cars which we have so far failed to improve to any great extent, we are experimenting ally | ||