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).
Merits of thin versus thick leaf road springs and recommending rounding the edges.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 54\3\ Scan078 | |
| Date | 10th July 1922 | |
| To PN.{Mr Northey} ) from A.{Mr Adams} To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ) To EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} ) c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} X. 2628. R4/M10.7.22. 40/50 - RE ROAD SPRINGS. X. 2628. I understand that you have an impression that the thick leaf springs with rounded edges are superior to the thin leaf road springs. We never supposed that the thick leaf spring would be superior to the thin leaf spring except that it had less friction which was at one time thought desirable. It is friction which now concluded that we must put more damping friction, possibly owing to the change in the tyres, in which case the thin leaf springs are distinctly superior (more damping friction). We are also recommending the universal adoption of shock absorbers for the back axle (as well as the front) to increase the damping friction, the Hartford being the most suitable type to fit at present. Regarding the rounding of the edges of the plates, Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} reports that this is not a universal cure. It seems to be proved by experience however that it is a considerable benefit, and we know that it is very necessary on bearings generally to permit the lubrication to enter the surfaces. My advice therefore is never fit thick leaf springs if you can get thin leaf ones. Always replace thick leaf springs with thin ones, in changing. By all means round the edges of all thick leaf springs as recommended by Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} Presumably the rounding of the edges could with advantage be carried out also on thin leaf springs. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||