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).
The failure of ball bearings compared to roller bearings in the epicyclic gear of an 'Eagle' engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 38\6\ Scan077 | |
| Date | 6th November 1918 | |
| H.R. 235a (500 F) (S.D. 408. 28-4-17.) Bm. 2/156/13. X.3383 To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from EH. c. to CJ. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to EY. FH3/LG.61118. 6th Nov. 1918. X.3383 RE - BALL BEARINGS IN PLACE OF ROLLER BEARINGS ON EPICYCLIC GEAR. We find on examining the second set of ball bearings which were fitted with spigotted cages and have run on an "Eagle" engine for 18 hours, that two of the bearings are destroyed and the other one shews distinct signs of wear. These bearings have run under the same conditions as the last set. They are in a much worse condition after 18 hours than the last set after 32 hours. We have got to admit that the two sets of ball bearings we have tried have given worse results than the roller bearings. We should like to know whether Mr. Royce has any further instructions as regards this test. We are sending the last set of bearings which we ran to Mr. Royce. We still think it would be useful to try plain bearings as we do not know for certain whether it is the load due to the gearing which destroys the bearings or whether the bearings, working in this particular condition, destroy themselves. On a revolving test the bearings stand up exceedingly well when running with stipulated max load. Yet on the "Condor" even with its spring controlled anchorage which should take charge of any shocks, the roller bearings were destroyed. EH. | ||