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).
Proposed 50-hour test programme for the Kestrel six-cylinder engine, focusing on high-temperature and evaporative cooling systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 54\4\ Scan078 | |
| Date | 11th March 1933 guessed | |
| -2- We should like, therefore, to submit a programme for a 50 hrs. contract for running the Kestrel six-cylinder unit. An advantage that could be obtained by the use of this unit is that the two different types of cylinder construction which we have could be tried out with high temperature cooling. The unit would be built up as far as possible to our latest standards of construction for evaporative cooling at power proportional to the proposed rating for Goshawk engines which is 600 BHP. normal. The major portion of the running would be carried out at outlet temperatures of 120°C, at which temperature we have accumulated our experience on engines running evaporatively cooled. Temperatures, however, would be increased for a portion of the running in an endeavour to find the limit for economical operation. Arrangements are being made to supercharge the six cylinder unit so that running under boosted conditions can be carried out. (1) To confirm the reduction in the amount of heat to the cylinder walls, i.e. heat to be dissipated, in relation to that on water cooled systems. (2) To establish the radiator cooling surface required in relation to water cooled system. (3) To find the effect of increased temperatures on heat to oil. (4) To confirm the effect of increased jacket temperatures on detonation and to find whether detonation commences at lower boosts than on water cooled engines. (5) To find the effect of Ethylene Glycol on the circulating system due to the greater viscosity of this coolant. (6) To confirm or deny that errosive action in the water pipes is delayed by the use of Glycol. | ||