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).
Material composition and testing of cast iron brake drums, comparing in-house production with a supplier's product.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 120\1\ scan0078 | |
| Date | 7th March 1932 | |
| X4612 To BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c: to Hl. c: to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/MJ.7.3.32. BRAKE DRUMS. Replying to By/Cgh.{W Clough}5/03.3.32. We should like to point out that we have tested drums made in cast iron similar to what we use for cylinder blocks. The matter of cast iron drums was discussed with BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} and he specified the material. The brake drums made from our own material we could never think of standardising. They do not compare in results with the Lake and Elliott. The difference in the R.R. drums and the Lake & Elliott is that the R.R. after a certain amount of braking, developed surface cracks which gives the drums a 'crazy pavement' appearance. The Lake & Elliott drums are entirely free from this cracking of the surface, and it was a big problem which had to be overcome on the cast iron material. Originally it was a trouble with Lake & Elliott, in U.S.A. they also had the same trouble. It is practically certain that we shall standardise cast iron drums so that if it is thought we know how to make these drums here now, will you please instruct some right away. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||