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).
Tests conducted on tank vent positioning and design for 'Fury' and 'Hart' aircraft tanks.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\December1930-February1931\ Scan105 | |
| Date | 7th January 1931 guessed | |
| - 3 - TANK VENT. Regarding the vent. The position originally was on the centre of the tank top and in our experiments it was moved as far forward as possible Fig.11. which would be the highest point of the tank at the maximum angle of climb. We also suggested that the vent pipe should be lead to the rear of the tank from the dome, this being to prevent 'spilling' when the machine is diving steeply. Unfortunately 'Hawkers' had made a large number of cowling sheets to fit the dome in the central position and owing to the proximity of the bulk head to the tank they are unable to make the pipe as suggested. Tests were then made with the R.R. dome (to which they agree) in the central position and was satisfactory. During these tests several points have arisen some of which are being investigated further and will be the subject of another report. Dealing with the tanks in question we find that:- (1) Using same engine, speeds, angle of tilt, the internal arrangements suited to a 'Fury' tank are hopeless when applied to a 'Hart' tank. (2) The dimensions of both the 'Fury' and 'Hart' tanks are such that they are very sensitive to small changes in water capacity regarding 'spilling'. 2 pints extra water above the cold filling level would be sufficient to cause water loss at 90° C if the throttle was closed smartly. It was necessary to work to such fine limits to enable the maximum quantity of reserve water to be retained. Failing this there would have been no alternative but to enlarge the tanks and this would be most undesirable from the installation point of view. (3) Internal baffling does not appear to play any big part in preventing water loss; its uses are confined to internal strengthening of the tank to reduce surging of the water with the rolling of the machine. All our tests were made without any baffles in the tank. (4) Opportunity was taken to measure the 'building up' characteristic and its effect on the 'Hart' and 'Fury' tanks. The results are being compared with those of the R.R. tank and will be reported on in due course, although the building up of water in the tanks is in no way attributed to the tanks it will no doubt influence the design. contd. | ||