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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).
Test report on 'radiator jellying', comparing steering and ride harshness with different front spring stiffness on EX chassis models.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 15\1\  Scan246
Date  27th March 1930
  
X7250. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}3/MJ.27.3.30
X7250
X7520
D410
X457

RADIATOR JELLYING.

Tests were carried out fitting 25% stiffer front springs to 22-EX and front springs having 4.45" initial deflection to 20-EX.

With standard shock absorber loading 22-EX steering was definitely very superior for shocks and joggles, and general selectivity, and in fact appeared to be very good.
20-EX on the other hand was worse than standard for shocks and joggles.

In niether case did there appear to be any diminution of radiator movement though the frequency was definitely higher with the stiffer springs, and lower with the weaker front springs.

A further tests was carried out, increasing the shock absorber load on 20-EX from 150 lbs. up and 160 lbs. down, which improved the steering considerably but it was still not quite as good as 22-EX, and the front of the car road very harshly.

The general inference is that stiffer springs give the best results for steering.

We had an American Phantom 1 chassis on the bump test and found that though the radiator could be made to 'jelly' with the same amplitude as a Phantom 11, the frame appeared to have far more internal damping. This was apparently due to the body having no subframe and very little stiffness (the body was an all-weather type). The node of the complete car appeared to be the central pillar of the
  
  


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