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).
Investigation of torsion bar suspension systems for potential use in Bentley vehicles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 95\2\ scan0058 | |
| Date | 7th April 1936 | |
| SECRET 4346 -Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}-Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}-W/BV. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} n E.2/HP.7.4.36. re Torsion Bar Suspension. After the Easter holidays I think we ought to arrange to try one or two cars that are fitted with front independent suspension with torsion bar, such as the Citroen, and Chenard-Walcker. I realise that these cars are all smaller than our Bentley, but we should learn something from them, even if it is of a negative description. This system of suspension is also fitted to one or two small racing cars, and some information might be gleaned from this direction. The main feature of the suspension to be investigated is the effect arising from having the linkage at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the car, in which respect it is similar to a number of other schemes being used today. The ability of the torsion bar spring to provide the required ratings can be investigated on paper, and our preliminary results in this respect are satisfactory. The experiment with the nearest approach to this form of suspension carried out by us on a Phantom II did not give very satisfactory results, but it is possible that the effect was somewhat upset by other features of the experiment as carried out. An analysis of these results will be made to see what relation they bear to the scheme we have in mind for Bentley. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||