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 results of tests on various types of bearings, including composite and solid lead bronze.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img048 | |
| Date | 19th January 1934 guessed | |
| -2- MS. the bearings were very badly scored. The centre bearing which was made in 30/70 was the best. In the case of the FS.{F. Steele} these bearings were our Standard material. The centre bearing had actually pieces of the metal broken away. As I have already stated, the results of these two Type Tests with balanced shafts are very disappointing. These tests were run 70°C. oil inlet and 50 - 60 lbs. oil pressure. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} suggested a fancy composite bearing of lead bronze and white metal which failed, as we should expect, very early. You will remember that we had considerable success with the bearings made in solid Lead Bronze. Stan. Smith suggested bearing with Lead Bronze on the back with lots of holes to the bearing with the idea that it could easily get rid of its heat but we would still have the steel shell to give the stiffness required for the dowel. This bearing was also a disappointment. I am still looking forward with the hope that your visit to U.S.A. will enable us to produce a suitable journal bearing in Lead Bronze. We expect to have the 'Vulture' running on the road tomorrow. All is quiet on the Experimental Department front at the present time. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||