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).
Postscript discussing the dynamics of rear-wheel steering and other miscellaneous design notes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 170\3\ img151 | |
| Date | 21th January 1938 | |
| S.H. Grylls Esq., Rolls-Royce Limited. P.S; (1). Just as a mental exercise consider what would happen if we tried to steer cars by the hind wheels. The torque on the steering wheels would always reverse suddenly just after entering a curve, and this torque reversal if there was any elasticity at all in the linkage, would be in the direction of oversteer. To get the car out of a curve one would have to produce more cornering force by increased slip angle at the rear wheels. And if the car was near the skid limit, you could not get the increased force and the car would'nt come out. This explains why we dont like Hotchkiss rear ends with oversteer, because this is rear steering. Also why ice-boats have reversed themselves within the last two years and now run with the single steering skate in front. Also why speed boats are trying for front rudders, and some planes are trying both front rudders and landing carriages with two wheels behind and a castored wheel in front, why ferry boats have rudders both ends and most ships would be a sight better off with the rudder in front. Several trick cars have been built with rear steering and they have all smashed themselves. (2). I enclose prints of shock absorber spindle and lever as requested by Leslie. (3). Tin covers lined with canvas are better than leather covers (Tin covers now on 25 Vauxhall). Liners, which Frank Woodhead is developing without any covers, are better than either. And if you asked Buick they would say that coil springs are best of all. M.O. | ||