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).
Vehicle springing, axle strength testing, and issues with aluminium brake straps.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\1\ Scan035 | |
| Date | 3rd October 1916 | |
| Contd. -4- stiffer springing will be permitted, and therefore the rolling need not necessarily be more than take place with the springs above the axle. Moreover, I believe the advantages of under springing are greater than the disadvantages of a slightly greater tendency to roll. I want Mr. Haldenby to demonstrate this by fitting the springs alternately above and below the axle with a heavy covered body. The axle will be lightened in accordance with instructions from here and it should be checked for strength under a severe bumping test on the dynamometer compared with the present standard axle. If the lightened one will stand what will break some part of the present axle on this bumping test, I think it will be safe to conclude it can be adopted. (14) Regarding the aluminium brake straps, these have worked satisfactorily with the exception of one broken one the car which has been doing lorry work. Why this has broken is not clear, but it may come about as suggested by Mr. Elliott through the brake drum running out of truth, or something wrong with the ball bearings on the axle. We think it is caused by the brake strap endeavouring to follow the brake drum, and therefore disagreeing with the fixed pins supporting the brake shoes. At the same time we find that the brake strap is of a different design to the original ones made of steel. Contd. | ||