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).
Challenges and progress on developing rivetless bonnets, comparing steel and aluminium options.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\March1931-September1931\ Scan180 | |
| Date | 9th May 1931 | |
| SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Copy to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ORIGINAL RIVETLESS BONNETS. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}1/M9.5.31. RECEIVED MAY 11 Y385. Replying to SG{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}17/E7531., we regret the delay in dealing with this matter. We have given considerable attention to it and have investigated several schemes, but as we have not yet succeeded in getting one which promised entire satisfaction, we have not been able to issue a drawing to Derby. Also, the rivetless steel bonnet has been bound up to a considerable extent with J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3., and the temporary slowing down of that design has caused us to pass on to other urgent jobs. It will be remembered that the steel bonnet with solid hinges was not approved in Derby because the hinge joints were visible. In order to cover these joints we want a strip fastened to the bonnet without rivets. This might be stainless steel electrically riveted, but we understand stainless steel is debarred from J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. on account of expense. If it is a chromium plated strip it cannot very well be welded. There is some doubt whether electric welding can be done satisfactorily in Derby, and whether it is entirely invisible. In DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/M19231., we asked for several experiments to be done with a view to ascertaining the limitations, especially in connection with electric welding, but we have not yet seen any experimental pieces done in Derby. At the moment we do not see any likelihood of a successful rivetless aluminium bonnet being evolved, and are therefore confining ourselves to the steel one. We propose bringing the matter to R's attention immediately after the very urgent J.1. work, on which we are now engaged, is finished. DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} | ||