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).
Alternative clutch lining materials and manufacturing methods for the Phantom III Clutch.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 93\3\ scan0135 | |
| Date | 17th June 1936 | |
| X312 LE Smith Ms. from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} E/Hdy.{William Hardy} E.6/HP.17.6.36. Phantom III Clutch. Further to my memo E.1/HP.29.5.36, we have been in communication with the British Belting and Asbestos Ltd. with a view to getting an alternative clutch lining made up on the weaving principle described in the aforegoing memo. We have arranged with them to spin up one of our standard clutch centres fitted with Ferodo No.6. to 5000 r.p.m. and observe the result. They are also having the Ferodo weave examined by an expert. We have received a communication from Messrs. Ferodo in which they claim that their method of production is practically identical with a concentric weft. Actually, so far as we can make out the Ferodo ring is made up from a flat strip cut partially on the cross from sheet, this strip being put in a swerving machine and made into a ring, the ends of which are then joined. The British Belting and Asbestos Co. have an entirely different method of producing these clutch linings. In their particular scheme the lining is woven as a continuous strip in the form of a helical spring with a selvidge on the outer and inner edges. The helical spring is then cut into individual turns, the ends of which are joined to form rings. We have arranged with the British Belting to spin up some of their linings to 5000 r.p.m. so as to compare the result with Ferodo. They are also going to supply us with some linings made from material known as "W" grade after trying this material for spinning, which they think will give the degree of flexibility we require. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||