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).
Remarks on the behaviour and failure analysis of various chassis components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 119\2\ scan0227 | |
| Date | 12th December 1924 guessed | |
| -2- REMARKS ON BEHAVIOUR OF VARIOUS PARTS OF CHASSIS. SIDE MEMBERS OF FRAME. The failure of the near side frame member after 73 hrs. 55 mins. does not compare with the standard 40/50 HP. frame, too well - the average life of which is 97 hrs. 22 mins. The position of the fracture indicates that the additional front cross member renders the frame too stiff at that point. Two short diagonal stays from front cross member to side members (similar to std. 40/50) may make an improvement. FRONT CROSS MEMBERS OF FRAME. No signs of failure. See criticism above (under Side Members). REAR CROSS MEMBERS OF FRAME. The end brackets of 5th. cross member (from front of chassis) are a common failure, the corners usually cracking as shown in Fig.1. RADIUS RODS. No signs of failure. ENGINE SUSPENSION. No signs of failure. Diagonal stays of sphere anchorage. These constitute a frequent failure, the weak point of the stay being the end pieces: 90% of the fractures occurring at the bottom of the hole which receives tube (see point A.{Mr Adams} in Fig. 2.) The bottom corner of this hole is not radiused, thus the steering force is intensified at that point. If these corners (A.{Mr Adams} Fig.2.) were made with .187" -- .250" radius, the stays would probably last much longer. This matter is receiving attention in the D.O. RADIATOR. No signs of leakage during 90 hrs. running. contd :- | ||