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).
Clutch 'jaggering' on the Phantom III and the benefits of using a gauge plate.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 93\3\ scan0169 | |
| Date | 24th September 1936 | |
| Sft{Mr Swift}/sct. (text struck through) o.{Mr Oldham} Sft.{Mr Swift} (text struck through) c. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Smth. +312 BY.3/G.24.9.36. RE: PHANTOM III CLUTCH. Referring to Sft.{Mr Swift}1/BH.21.9.36. whilst at first sight it would appear that the view put forward in paragraph 2 is a correct outline of the position, I think that further reflection will indicate clearly that the use of a gauge plate will effectually prevent jaggering. If the clutch is set up without the gauge plate the sliding plate as a result of the adjustment being made at points of varying thicknesses on the fabric is thrown out of line. This means that there are wide spaces and narrow spaces between the sliding plate and the fixed back plate. As these varying spaces come round to the thick place on the fabric they alternately either jam or go through without gripping, and it is this that causes the 'jagger'. If the gauge plate is used a correct and steady width between the two, the fixed plate and the sliding plate of the clutch is preserved, and therefore a steady friction is constantly produced on the thick spot of the fabric. MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} has established by test the correctness of this view, and I consider that whilst it increases the work in the Erection Bay it certainly will reduce considerably the cost on test, and that out of all proportion to the increase of cost in the Erecting Bay. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||