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).
Letter to Leyland Motors Ltd. discussing the development and potential issues of new aluminium bearing materials.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 114\2\ scan0265 | |
| Date | 21th December 1935 | |
| X1070 Exptl. Dept. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}10/KW. 21st December, 1935. Messrs. Leyland Motors Ltd., Leyland, Lancs. For the attention of Mr. Spurrier. Dear Sirs, You will recollect that some time ago we discussed with you the merits of running aluminium alloy rods directly on hardened crankshafts. Since then we have done a considerable amount of work on this ourselves, and only rejected the light alloy rod running directly on the shaft because it tightened up when cold. We have now, however, developed a bearing material which is largely aluminium, which we are running without a steel shell in a steel connecting rod big end. This is giving us extraordinarily good results, but naturally we are apprehensive about going into production with it without extended periods of use. For this reason we wonder whether you can tell us whether there are any objectionable features which are likely to occur in aluminium bearings after protracted periods of service. If you have any troubles we shall be happy to discuss them, as possibly our new bearing material may be of assistance in overcoming them. Yours faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. | ||