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).
Meeting notes discussing research and development for the Merlin, Vulture, and Griffon engines, focusing on superchargers and intercoolers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\1\ scan0086 | |
| Date | 4th March 1940 | |
| Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Rg.{Mr Rowledge} Lr.{Mr Ellor} Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} (Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Gr.{George Ratcliffe} Lr{Mr Ellor}/Lov.{Mr Lovesey} Lr{Mr Ellor}/CTL. Lr{Mr Ellor}/SGH.{Sir Stanley Hooker} Lr{Mr Ellor}/Psn. E/TS. Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}/JRR. RESEARCH MATTERS AND EXE ENGINE. Notes arising from a Meeting in the Board Room on Monday -- 4.3.40. PRESENT. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Lr.{Mr Ellor} Rg.{Mr Rowledge} Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} Wd.{Mr Wood/Mr Whitehead} Gr.{George Ratcliffe} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Lr{Mr Ellor}/Lov.{Mr Lovesey} Lr{Mr Ellor}/SGH.{Sir Stanley Hooker} Lr{Mr Ellor}/CTL. Lr{Mr Ellor}/Psn. E/TS. Bn{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}/Rbr{Mr Rubbra}/JRR. Rg{Mr Rowledge}/CBT. E/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} (A) SUPERCHARGER RESEARCH AND INTERCOOLER. MERLIN. - (1) CENTRAL ENTRY BLOWER. Lr{Mr Ellor}/SGH{Sir Stanley Hooker} reported that tests have commenced on the final Merlin XII C.E. blower (i.e. the intermediate scheme), results will be available this week. The final R.M.3.S.M. blower (i.e. full scheme incorporating narrow rotor) will be available for engine tests in a fortnight to three weeks. (2) 32 BLADED ROTOR. This development has been delayed due to the only available blower being used on work of more immediate importance. (3) INTERCOOLER. The planning drawings of the intercooler applied to the Whitley installation have been sent to Hucknall and the necessary design work is going forward. Engine tests on an intercooler have been delayed owing to more urgent work. The gains expected from the use of an intercooler include:- (a) Maintenance of power at altitude with decreased boost. (b) Increase in cruising power. VULTURE. Lr{Mr Ellor}/SGH{Sir Stanley Hooker} reported that the intermediate stage to increase the blower performance is the use of a modified diffuser - this work is going ahead. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} stressed the importance of pushing ahead with the 2nd stage of improvement which involves a 6" carburetter and narrow rotor etc; this should be mocked up on an engine as soon as possible. The anticipated performance was stated to be 2000 HP at 21,000 ft and 2400 HP. for take off. Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} has taken up with S.U's the question of the supply of the larger carburetter. GRIFFON. Agreed that work should go ahead to bring the Griffon blower into line with the R.M.3.S.M. This may involve adding about 5" on to the blower diameter. Investigation to proceed to find out the largest | ||