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).
Chassis frame deflections on a Barker phaeton body and proposed experiments for reinforcement.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\K\August1923\ Scan23 | |
| Date | 28th August 1923 | |
| TO IHS. for HO. FROM DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. to PH. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to C. BG. ORIGINAL X3730 X4260 RE.20.HP. CHASSIS FRAME DEFLECTIONS. We saw the Barker phaeton body which apparently suffered due to chassis deflections, and rather came to the conclusion that the distorsion was either due to direct vertical bending of the side channels or torsional deflection of the frame. Of these 2 suggestions at the moment we are inclined to favour the former. We tested the side channel for local torsion due to the body brackets on the lines used by SP.{Mr Spinney} and were of the opinion that in this direction the frame is extremely rigid. Three of the five body brackets along the frame are opposite cross members, and should therefore be very rigid. We have discussed the matter with Mr. Royce and he has agreed to make some experiments. We propose fitting up a Goshawk with tie-bars on the lines of the 40/50. We also propose asking the Works to make us 2 body stiffening frames of stiff sheet metal so endeavouring to reinforce the bottom runner of the body that as a unit the body is complete and stable. If this could be achieved the body could be mounted on flexible material and so relieved of some of the frame distorsion. These two experiments would be tried conjointly and separately and in this connection we would mention that we believe that Messrs Barker's would be willing to fit up a body with the pieces in question. This latter suggestion was described with sketches in our memo. to IHS - DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/M27423. We also propose to make some experiments to compare the rigidity of the Goshawk with the 40/50, and we think we would possibly like to compare the actual Goshawk chassis in question with a new chassis, just to satisfy ourselves that it is not worse than standard, or has no peculiarities such as loosened cross members. We hope to do further work on this in the course of a few days, and shall be writing you again. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} will be at Sales at 11.30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30th., until lunchtime. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||