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 explaining a design decision about a Duralumin flange and advising on safe braking with four-wheel brakes while steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 66\5\ scan0144 | |
| Date | 16th August 1928 guessed | |
| 2. found distinctly advantageous to remove this flange entirely thereby introducing flexibility into the drum. The reason we maintained the diameter of the Duralumin flange was with the object of preventing water and dirt getting into the brakes, and it was considered that the fact that the brake drum rubbed on the flange when the brakes were applied was of less disadvantage than permitting a big clearance through which water and dirt could enter. In our experience accidents of the kind described by OY. are the result of brake application at a moment when the front wheels are being turned in the act of steering. It is particularly important that users of the four wheel brakes should avoid strong application of the brakes under such conditions, or alternatively if brake application is to be made under these circumstances it is essential that the driver should have a good grip on his steering wheel to prevent the application of the brakes deflecting the steering. It is difficult to convey this idea to the customer without at the same time giving him the impression that the brake is seriously at fault, but the facts of the case are that the driver with rear brakes only, knew that to apply his brakes under such conditions would result in a skid, and therefore drove in such a manner as to avoid the necessity: F.W.B users must do similarly. Yours faithfully TECHNICAL PRODUCTION ENGINEER FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. | ||