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).
Inquiry regarding the performance and further testing of Merlin thin shell bearings produced by Vandervell's Ltd.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 115\4\ scan0107 | |
| Date | 20th November 1940 | |
| Lov.{Mr Lovesey} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1020 bearings Vandervell general Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/ML.20.11.40. MERLIN THIN SHELL BEARINGS, PRODUCED BY VANDERVELL'S Ltd., We are particularly interested in the possibility of using tri-metal main bearings for an adaptation which we have in mind for a Merlin, running at reduced power output. We understand that the bearings at present in the Inspection Department have run 30 hours at 7 lbs. boost, 2650 r.p.m. We shall be interested to know the horse-power this actually represents. Also, if it is at all possible to continue running this engine for another 30 hours to see whether the rate of deterioration accelerates or not; this would be of great value to us in making a decision as to the future use of these bearings. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||