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 investigation of engine cutting out trouble on Kestrel F/S engines at high altitudes and low temperatures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 178\4\ img023 | |
| Date | 18th April 1932 | |
| C.c. From Hx/Mrx. C.c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Mr. C.c. Sw. Jr.{Mr James Royce} C.c. Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester} C.c. Lp.{Mr Lappin} 23933 No./ARK.1/AL.18. 4. 32. R.A.E. CUTTING OUT OF KESTREL F/S ENGINES AT HIGH ALTITUDES AND LOW TEMPERATURES. (Signed) R.A.E. Introduction. The following report deals with the investigation of the cutting out trouble on Kestrel F/S engines at high altitudes and low temperatures as carried out at the R.A.E. Conclusions. By increasing the revolutions of the engine, the mixture has been strengthened enabling the engine to run at low temperatures and so allow the machine to reach its ceiling. Further Developments. In order to cure the trouble on standard Furies some-thing other than increasing the r.p.m. to strengthen the mixture will have to be carried out. To understand the characteristics of the diffuser can be altered without much trouble to give a richer mixture at the lower r.p.m. It is hoped that this will be sufficient and that a heated elbow will not be necessary. The ignition wiring could be improved. Resume of Investigation. Fury and Nimrod aircraft fitted with Kestrel II S have been unable to reach their ceiling due to the engine cutting out. Investigations at Martlesham Heath were carried out on Fury K.1927 to ascertain the cause of the trouble. Several theories were put forward; such as distribution being affected by the low temperatures experienced; and ignition failure due to sparking taking place outside the cylinder, due to the difference in density, between the inside of the cylinder, and the surrounding atmosphere. | ||