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).
Failure of clutch fabric on the Phantom III and subsequent experiments with new materials.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 129\3\ scan0308 | |
| Date | 22th June 1936 | |
| X1110 To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}5/KW.22.6.36. Phantom III Clutches. Up to the failure of the clutch fabric on 34-EX the problem of Ph.III clutches was to get a smooth take-up. Now we have had to combine with this a lining which will not break up centrifugally under the influence of high temperatures and high speeds. This has complicated the problem, and the attached report indicates a new series of experiments on material strength which have been carried out. We know that now we have got a centre plate the lining of which will not disintegrate under any ordinary running condition; it remains to be seen by trying on a number of cars whether it will be free from clutch jaggers. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Att: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Smth.6/KW.22.6.36. | ||