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 a Bentley radiator grille's cooling efficiency at Brooklands Track.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 87\1\ scan0063 | |
| Date | 16th May 1934 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Std.2/MA.16.5.34. REPORT ON TESTS DONE ON BENTLEY RADIATOR GRILLE AT BROOKLANDS TRACK (MAY 15th 1934.) In order to estimate the reduction in cooling efficiency at high speeds due to fitting radiator grille to LeC.3865 the following tests were carried out at the track. (Thermometers were fitted to read the top water tank temperature, the air temperature under the bonnet and the atmospheric temperature). (1) Car was run with standard Marston Mark III radiator fitted with radiator grille to LeC.3865 in place of shutters at a speed of 60 M.P.H. and starting from a water temperature of 60°C. (approx.) the air temperature, bonnet air temperature and water temperature (top tank) were noted at distances of 1 mile, 2 miles and 2 1/2 miles on each lap, until the water temperature remained steady for several laps. (2) Above test was repeated at 80 M.P.H., starting test from 70°C. water temperature. (3) Test No.(1) was repeated with the radiator grille removed. (4) Test No.2 was repeated with radiator grille removed. Note. All the above tests were carried out with thermostat removed from water system, the fan fitted and a portion of the radiator (150sq.in. at base) blanked off in order to allow a sufficiently high water temp with this matrix. Conclusions. Radiator Grille :- From curves attached it is seen that this grille results in a considerable decrease in cooling efficiency, an increase of 9° in water temperature resulting at 60 M.P.H. and an increase of 11° in water temperature resulting at 80 M.P.H. with the grille fitted. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/S.Steadman. | ||