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).
Streamlining a Bentley body, detailing the impracticality of a complete undersheet and proposing further wind tunnel tests.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\2\ scan0119 | |
| Date | 14th June 1933 | |
| X4578. To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c. to Ss.{S. Smith} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson}11/KT.14.6.33. STREAMLINED BENTLEY BODY. With reference to E.2/HP.8.6.33. you will possibly recollect that we tried a complete undersheet on 10-EX XXX when we were attempting to streamline this car. We measured practically no increase in speed, but this was not surprising in that the car was very badly streamlined even when we fitted a tail. The important disadvantages were very evident, however, as it was observed that the under-tray increased the amount of engine noise and gearbox noise heard by the occupants of the car to a very considerable extent, and also increased the fumes in the driving seat. Therefore we came to the conclusion on this test that a complete undersheet was not practical. We have discussed the suggestion shown in LeC.3525 with Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} and he considers that he can reproduce the effect shown by utilising wax on the second model which has been made for wind tunnel tests, and it is proposed to do this. We should have some results in about three weeks time. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} | ||