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).
The various applications and benefits of the Stroborama stroboscope across different industries.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 155\3\ scan0138 | |
| Date | 1st March 1937 guessed | |
| GENERAL MECHANICS:- The Stroborama renders visible any vibrations of even small amplitude: it measures easily their period and locates their occurrence or orientation. The balance of rotating parts is facilitated, since it is possible to observe the part under test in any of its unbalanced position. In particular, this method is of great interest for balancing rotors of large turbines, which can be entirely illuminated with the Stroborama. MACHINE TOOLS:- Milling Cutters can be observed while at work, and the chips are seen while being cut from the work, and how far the chips move from the cutting edge. Such a study may prove that the teeth of Milling Cutters may be cut much shorter than the present practice. The surface of grinding wheels can be easily observed, showing irregular wear and loading. ROTARY PRINTING MACHINES: Paper or cloth printing machines in one or several colours have cylinders turning sometimes at such a high speed that it impossible to examine the printed work while the impression is made. The printed piece is wound on a drum and an imperfection may remain unobserved for a long time, with consequent loss of labour and material. Stroboscopic illumination of these machines at the required speed permits examination of the impression in a seemingly stationary position. As soon as a faulty impression appears, the machines may be stopped or the printing roll may be adjusted to produce perfect contour matching of the colours. ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION:- Study of turbine driven alternators; the action of their governors; linking of several alternators; study of synchronous motors; study of brush vibration; lifting of commutator bars. SMALL MACHINERY:- Sewing machines, to study the formation of the loop and the motion of the shuttle. Magnetos and Ignition Units, to study the contact breaker operation. Flexible shaft transmission, to study torsion. Speed Counters; Gyroscopes. Cinematograph machines; to study the operation of the shutter and the other moving parts. Ball and roller bearings; - for the study of rolling over the races: retainer action; abrasion of races while under a load test: vibrations of moving parts etc. CLOCK MAKING:- Study of clockwork: rapid checking of several balance wheels illuminated by the STROBORAMA synchronised by the standard pendulum. MICROSCOPY:- Stroboscopic illumination of the slide in the field of a microscope may reveal organisms that have escaped detection because they might be moving or vibrating very rapidly. PHYSICS:- Study of oscillations and vibrations of all kinds. Study of sound and musical pipes. adjustment of tuning forks. In teaching, the STROBORAMA facilitates greatly the task of the Professor in physics and engineering: not only does it make it possible to show clearly the operation of simple or complex mechanisms while at work, revealing peculiar effects or faulty performance, but such a novel method necessarily retains the full attention of the student. CHEMISTRY:- The STROBORAMA may be of service in chemistry for the study of liquids: viscosity: agitation: formations of crystals etc. CONCLUSION: Just as the discovery of the X -Ray opened up an enormous field for the study of anatomy, now the Stroborama opens up an equally enormous field by making it possible to study the inside of motion. With the powerful illumination, together with its independent synchroniser, the Stroborama now makes available a useful and practical method of research for the pure scientist, and for the engineer. The cost of operation of the STROBORAMA is nothing more than the cost of the current consumed at the rate of one and a half kilowatts for each hour of operation. It is obvious that, compared with the cost of producing slow motion pictures, the cost of the Stroborama is negligible. All the elements are strongly constructed and oversize; all rotating parts are mounted on ball bearings to minimise wear. The rectifying valves are of standard construction. The durability of the NEON TUBE is comparable with all electric light producing devices. It will depreciate in time, but it can be renewed by a simple re-filling of the Neon gas. This can be attended to promptly at a moderate charge. As to service, there is practically nothing about the instrument that requires expert attention. If, however, any part may require replacement at any time we will be very pleased to give such replacement our immediate and careful attention. 101. Leadenhall Street. London.E.C.3. J.Cochrane & Co. Page 5. | ||