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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).
Discussions from a visit to West Wittering regarding gas starter distributors and crankcase strength for F and H type engines.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 33\2\  Scan132
Date  5th November 1929
  
X1698

To H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} from Rr.
c.c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hives by Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} C. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} dr.

RG{Mr Rowledge}/LW.7. 11. 29

VISIT TO WEST WITTERINGHenry Royce's home town, TUESDAY, 5.11.29.

We confirm various points discussed with R.{Sir Henry Royce} during the above visit.

A revised scheme of gas starter distributor for our engines was discussed and it was agreed that this should be adopted for both F.{Mr Friese} and H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} engines as soon as possible. We had an opportunity of discussing this with Capt. Forsyth the previous day and had already obtained his sympathy, so we are able to put through the new gas starter distributor for the next H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} engine type test, which will cover the six engines for Japan, and the eight we expect will be required for Short's Boat, also the F.XIV.MS. type test engine, and the six F.XIV. engines on order for the Air Ministry. We are modifying the length of the job as discussed and find we can shorten it 3/4". We will send you a copy of the completed scheme in a day or two.

The question of crankcase strength was discussed. The original defect at the nose end had been provided for by an alteration to the pattern which is now coming through on engines in the Shop. A scheme was suggested for dealing with the later trouble which had been found after very long periods on two development engines. It was decided to carry on with this for the time being with an additional thickening of the bottom flange, a thickness of the side wall being tapered into it. At the same time, further investigations are being made into this point, the Exptl. Dept. testing a crankcase statically for torsional strength with and without the cylinders bolted in position, and also making a test by driving an engine at high speeds, say, 4000 R.P.M., to determine whether the main cause is due to torsional forces or to a horizontal bending moment due mainly to the whirling of the shaft.

These modifications should also be applied to the H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} type.

It was agreed that we should proceed with the future H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} type which will include R.{Sir Henry Royce} engine features, and that the lowering of the horizontal joint in the crankcase is a feature

(continued)
  
  


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