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).
Examination and report on the microstructure and strength of a welded propeller shaft.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\4\ scan0054 | |
| Date | 24th February 1937 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gryls. 1262 BY.6/G.24.2.37. PROPELLER SHAFTS. I have had an opportunity of examining the micro structure of the welded propeller shaft, and also its composition, and I am satisfied personally that in view of the examination made there is no essential weakness in the shaft due to the welding, as the low carbon content, coupled with the method of welding, produces a weld which is free from the usual structural weakness due to the presence of ferric carbide, which has melted and balled up at some slight distance from the weld. These conclusions are confirmed by the fact that when the tube was tested to destruction it burst at 180° to the welded portion. In view of this, therefore, I think an over-load test on either of the chassis, for which you have this form of tube would confirm the position sufficiently to enable us to instruct the Works to go ahead with this type of tube and obtain the better condition of balance resulting from this method of production. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||