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).
Letter from Birmingham Central Technical College requesting data on automobile rolling and air resistance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\2\ scan0123 | |
| Date | 21th June 1933 | |
| x e178 11 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM. Telephone Nos.: MIDLAND 4315-6. Principal: D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} S. ANDERSON, PH.D., B.SC., M.I.MECH.E. Birmingham Central Technical College, SUFFOLK STREET. DSA/MCB. 21st June, 1933. Dear Mr. Rowledge, I am collecting some data on the work which has been done in this country and abroad on stream-lining of automobiles, and I shall be glad if you can tell me the present practice of your design department in regard to two points - 1. What figure, in your opinion, most accurately represents the rolling resistance of a car on average roads, expressed in pounds per ton? By rolling resistance is meant internal friction in engine and transmission and resistance due to road surface. [Handwritten note: 30 LBS/TON CAR] [Handwritten note: 25 LBS/TON] 2. What coefficient in your opinion most accurately represents the air resistance of a saloon car? (of orthodox design) The coefficient which I mean is the one usually expressed in the formula R = K.AV² where R is the air resistance in pounds, A the cross sectional area of the car in square feet, and V the speed in miles per hour, K being the coefficient. I shall be grateful if you can let me have this information. Any data which you may be able to give me will, of course, be regarded as confidential. With kind regards, Yours sincerely, D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} S. Anderson. Principal. A.{Mr Adams} J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} Rowledge, Esq., Messrs. Rolls Royce Ltd., DERBY. | ||