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Notes on piston designs, materials, and performance from America, comparing 'T' slot and 'Trans-slot' types.


Identifier  ExFiles\Box 170\2\  img217
Date  27th November 1934
  
To E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
c. to Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}
c. to By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}
c. to Hm {Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} /Wd. {Mr Wood / Mr Whitehead}

We give below copy of some notes on Pistons, received from Mr. Olley in America :-

"Notes on Pistons, just gathered from Byron Ellis.

"At present we are using pistons with 'T' slots, thus :-

These are in Lynite, possibly similar to 'Y' alloy. The difference in practice between this and Low-ax, is not marked. They are all 'anodyzed' but the actual effect of anodyzing on wear is doubtful. Probably it helps during the break-in period.

"Trans-slot" pistons thus :-

with inside pillars thus :-

are proving more successful than the 'T' slots and have as little hot friction as the latest Nelson Invar Strut Type (about one-third of 'T' slot friction). We have them in both Low-ax and Lynite without definite preferences either way.
  
  
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).


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