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).
Clutch design, comparing American and English operating conditions and design philosophies.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 13\7\ 07-page157 | |
| Date | 24th February 1934 | |
| X7300 W/S. To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.8/HP.24.2.34. re Clutches. Replying to your memo Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}4/E.21.2.34, we are analysing the American experience very carefully, and as it will not be long before Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} returns we shall have the advantage of discussing the matter with him direct. American and English conditions of operation appear to be sufficiently different to call in many respects for different treatment; for example, the 9 HP. Ford which was produced and tested out in America was an absolute failure when first put on the road in this country, and it was necessary for their chief engineer on this side to go over to America and demonstrate that he could break up car after car in succession by driving it in the English manner before he could convince Henry Ford himself that there was anything wrong. Another example is springing. Springing that appears to be satisfactory on American roads is not so over here, and vice versa we find our own requires modifying to suit American conditions We are also aware that the American is designing down to a price whereas our object is to produce the best design as cheaply as possible. The fact that so many cars are fitted with three speed boxes is a very clear indication that the gearbox is practically only used for getting away, and hence it is very likely that the main clutch and synchromesh clutches are not called upon to deal with the high speed changes encountered in this country in connection with the use of four speed gearboxes. We have, therefore, looked forward to reducing the large moment of inertia which our single plate clutch possesses. We will however, as mentioned at the beginning of this memo, go over the position again when Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} returns, to leave no stone unturned in making sure of our grounds. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||