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).
Axle 'periods' or vibrations on test cars, identifying a potential solution by using a damped spring type engine coupling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\3\ Scan043 | |
| Date | 7th February 1914 | |
| Mr. Johnson. X964 COPY. 7th. February. 1914. RE. AXLE "PERIODS". --------------------- With cars now on test, we are having trouble with axle "periods". This "period" is similar to the one we had with the axles fitted with footbrake behind the gear box, but it is not so pronounced, and also at a lower speed i.e. about 10-12 miles per hour. I was also able to demonstrate to Mr. Wormald and Mr. Haldenby yesterday, on a chassis which was fitted with an axle which was in every way very good, but has such a "period" that same could be entirely eliminated (as far as any of us could tell) by replacing the solid engine coupling with the damped spring type. The test was quite straightforward and definite and there was no dispute about such. We also all agreed that the "period" was quite objectionable with the solid coupling. I did not, however, go into any great detail, which I think is a matter for the Exp. Dept. I am not trying to condemn or recommend anything in the construction of the car, but wish to bring to your notice that we are delivering to customers cars which have this complaint slightly and may develop worse (as seemed to be the case with the axles on the cars fitted with the old type footbrake). Also, that I am refusing to pass axles which are in this state but which the Works cannot make better, - they point out it is not any definite fault of the axle or gears. | ||