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).
Increasing aero engine speed and future development, including crankshaft hardening and cylinder construction.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 178\3\ img266 | |
| Date | 7th July 1932 | |
| H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} C. to MR. WOH. SY. MS. + R4/W/7.7.32. x3866 x3933. AERO ENGINES - INCREASING THE SPEED. Regarding increased speed, while I feel sure this will result in lowering the reliability, and increase the oil and fuel consumption, it may still be worth while for high speed military work. I think however we ought to be prepared to find that the crankchamber, even if the bearings would stand up, will be so highly stressed as to ask for a partly balanced crankshaft, which I think it would be as well to have in readiness. It is assumed that we shall derive some benefit from a nitro-hardened crankshaft coupled with Kelmit bearings. I should not expect much improvement from Kelmit bearings except in connection with a hardened shaft. Regarding the future of the aero engines I quite agree with you that it is advisable to not only make improvements to the present engine, but to make models, with or without the help of the Air Ministry, of any other hopeful type of construction. I mean this to refer particularly to what we have called the J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. cylinder construction. It promises to be such a very definite way of saving weight, and perhaps work. The foregoing rather suggests that the two piece construction may not be adopted because the 6 bolter should get over some of the present defects with less changes, and the J.3. type might be the big move forward. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||