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).
Potential weight reduction opportunities on various vehicle components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\3\ 03-page081 | |
| Date | 30th March 1912 | |
| X200 C. Department Reduction of Weight. There does not appear to be any one piece that one could say is much too heavy. There are parts which by calculation could bear reduction, i.e. the rear axle tubes and torque tubes. These however, are already very thin when considered in relation to their diameters and if they are further reduced there is a real danger of a coarse finish materially affecting their strength. I am certainly not in favour of reducing the torque tube although my latest tests show they are generous in their proportions for the reason above mentioned; they are only too strong where they are large in diameter and the section of metal is relatively thin. In regard to detail weight reduction, I do not think the transmission shafts and gear behind gear box should be lightened as we may get trouble from the increased elasticity. The rear axle box is on the light side already as regards its strength and all the experiments re flanges show that these are at present correct and will not stand reducing. There are a few brackets etc. that we might get a little weight out of and these shall have my [Handwritten in left margin:] I suggest that the front axle should be drilled or made of three pieces and the webs drilled out, for there is much weight that can be saved there. x See Tucker | ||