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).
Letter to J. Howlett, Esq. discussing the development, performance, and lubrication of various engine bearing alloys.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 115\5\ scan0027 | |
| Date | 9th May 1938 | |
| J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} Howlett, Esq. -2- 9.5.38. We think it extremely doubtful, however, that A.C. alloy will make a good main bearing material against a .4 carbon shaft when run at high rates of revolution. It is very probable that it might function satisfactorily on a commercial engine run at lower speeds. As I understand the position from Mr. Hives, an agreement has been reached whereby Messrs. Wellworthy's share the cost of this development. From my point of view, this is important, because my Department works on an annual budget which, obviously, would not permit me to do extensive research on this alloy unless this were imperative to enable us to produce motor-cars. At present, we have finished developing this bearing to suit our particular engines, i.e., we have a bearing which is easy to manufacture and reliable where we want to use it. We can, however, see a great many complications, to cover which further work is desirable on these bearings, and we want to come to some definite arrangement as to whether we are to proceed with the development or not. Needless to say, full scale experiments which, in my opinion, are of the greatest value, are somewhat costly. Over and above the points I have raised there is the question of lubrication. The R.R. bearing alloy is more sensitive to lubrication than Babbit, and we have from experience found out what to do to ensure that it always gets sufficient oil on our own engine. With the object of assisting you, we have as you know, allotted Matthews of my staff to work with Wellworthy's to ensure that when the bearings are put in an engine they have a reasonable chance of being lubricated. From my point of view, I would welcome a general talk round the job as soon as possible as I want to know what to do about further development. I should certainly recommend that you use nothing but A.C.9 from now onwards. Here again, you should be aware of the reasons why the alterations to the alloy were necessary. Yours sincerely, | ||