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).
Engine design choices, component development, and project philosophy regarding the 'Japan 1 Unit'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179\1\ img057 | |
| Date | 30th October 1931 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} ) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} C. to BG. WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} RG{Mr Rowledge}? C. to Br-D? R2/M30.10.31. x5770 re. JAPAN 1. UNIT. We are very pleased to see that this can give 94HP. You will remember that for many reasons I wanted this head adopted very many months ago, and gave my reasons- i.e. free-r inlet passages, better cold distribution, simpler exhaust pipe, etc, and less firing in the exhaust. I am now saying that to save our bearings, and for other advantages, we want the 12/8 scheme of balance weights instead of 8/6. We know theoretically that all the bearings are saved, and especially the ends and middle. We only expect that amount of balance weight permitted by the master period equal to 80MPH. at 21.6 - We also now know that the flywheel vibration can be cured by the thin diaphragm, so that the full balance is not demanded for this. Naturally also long ago we wished the low inertia damper to be adopted. When there is a well known theoretical reason for supporting the experimental results we are on safe enough ground to go ahead, but when there is no such agreement I have recommended extra caution, and also when there is no design that satisfies those responsible for this work we must wait for the old motto - slows the word and quick the action. Lay your plans with thorough and mature consideration, but having decided, "go ahead full speed", whatever you are doing, be it battle, or abstract research. We are doing much better but still it leaves much to be desired for greater economy and quicker results. You will as time goes on understand what makes me occasionally very vexed. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||