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).
Chassis dynamics, including torque reaction dampers, axle assembly, and engine mounting solutions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 28\5\ Scan043 | |
| Date | 29th April 1930 | |
| -5- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RL.2/LL.29.4.30Contd. (F) FRONT TORQUE REACTION DAMPERS. We found on the American Phantom I that we could detect a difference in the movement of the radiator when the torque reaction dampers were fully tightened up. This Phantom I had solid rear engine feet and therefore the arrangement approached a solid four point engine mounting, an assembly that we wish to avoid. We think that in getting sufficient friction on these dampers we shall always have to transmit an objectionable amount of engine roughness and that therefore we cannot use them for this purpose. (G) FRONT AXLE AND R.A. TUBE ASSEMBLY. We find that any modification likely to increase the tendency to high speed wobbles will have a bad effect on frame jellying. Though we are still working on the problem, so far we have not made much progress at this point. (H) DAMPING BETWEEN SCUTTLE AND DASH. This is beneficial but can only be used to an extent limited by the rigidity and strength of the body. (I) SPARE WHEELS AT THE SIDE. This has already been reported on. SUMMARY. Our conclusions are that we should mount the engine more flexibly than at present at four points, to obtain the smoothest car and counterbalance the stiffness thus lost by getting as much as possible back from the front of the frame with a tube behind the radiator and a slightly increased size of tube between the dumb irons. The three point mounted | ||