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).
Fracture on an inlet pipe flange for chassis GF-80, attributing the failure to a weak design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\5\ Scan012 | |
| Date | 1st September 1925 | |
| To RJ. C. to B/E. C. to ET. C. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} +4118 28HP Hm {Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} 's Dept. Hm. {Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} is absent. NRC {N. R. Chandler} 14/D7.9.25. Chassis No.GF-80. - J. {Mr Johnson W.M.} Allen Esq. Memo ref. D {John DeLooze - Company Secretary} /AWS12/B1.9.25. The fracture referred to in this case is the oval flange on the inlet pipe by which it is attached to the cylinder. The actual part broken is the inlet pipe, but the memo referred to above states the exhaust pipe, because the two are bolted up to form a unit, and when one fails both have to be scrapped. There have been a number of cases of breakage of this flange, and although the breakage may possibly be due to someone tightening up the nuts unevenly, we are of opinion that the design is slightly weak at this point. An alternative scheme has been in the hands of the Experimental Dept. for some time past, but is not standardised as yet. We have suggested Works Policy because there is not as yet any alteration to the design of this part. NRC. {N. R. Chandler} WAD | ||