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).
Progress report on the development and testing of Griffon I and Griffon II engine components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\1\ scan0110 | |
| Date | 24th April 1940 guessed | |
| (2) this. Psn reported that arrangements for rig tests are completed. (5)AIRSCREW SHAFT. Lr{Mr Ellor}/Lov{Mr Lovesey} reported that a full series of torsiograph tests had been completed on the No.5 airscrew shaft; a preliminary investigation of the results revealed very serious vibrations. Design investigation in hand, tests with modified firing order in hand. (6)COOLANT PUMP. The only known method of reducing rotor end thrust on existing pumps is by the addition of small vanes on the back of the rotor. Lr{Mr Ellor}/Psn will pass particulars to Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} for application to all engines. (7)CYLINDER STUDS. Lr{Mr Ellor}/Psn reported that investigation continues to provide data on cylinder stud materials. (8)SINGLE CYLINDER TESTS. Lr{Mr Ellor}/RVM reported the satisfactory completion of 150 hours running on a double girder piston at main engine ratings - further running in progress. Single cylinder tests indicate that the Griffon requires more tappet clearance than the Merlin - Lr{Mr Ellor}/Lov{Mr Lovesey} to carry out confirmatory tests on a main engine. Lr{Mr Ellor}/RVM to compare valve temperatures on the Griffon and Merlin single cylinder units. Manufacture proceeds on the cast iron cylinder block for the Griffon single cylinder unit. PART I - (B) GRIFFON I ENGINE. (1)DEVELOPMENT POSITION. Lr{Mr Ellor}/Lov{Mr Lovesey} reported that 13 hours running had been completed on an engine fitted with Griffon II cylinder blocks. 50% of this has been done with the engine mounted on the standard engine and the remainder utilising a stiffened front yoke mounting. No head cracking has occurred and valve gear and valve guide wear appears to be negligible. Sheet metal rocker covers were used and apart from slight oil leaks these were satisfactory. PART I - (C) GRIFFON II ENGINE. (1)ROCKER COVERS. Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}/Rbr{Mr Rubbra} reported that an increase of weight of 1/4 lb is necessary to accommodate inter-changeable rocker covers. Agreed to carry on testing the covers at present instructed before finalising on covers produced from a common die. (2)AUXILIARY GEARBOX. Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} reported that the design position of the auxiliary gearbox was still not clear owing to the fact that no Air Ministry ruling was as yet obtainable with regard to the type of generators to be used on the Spitfire Mark III and Mark IV machines. "E"will communicate with Ross. (3)CARBURETTER. No further results available on the effect of water in a magnesium floatchamber due to the breakdown of the Exe engine on which tests were in progress. | ||