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 stiffness and seizure of Arens controls for shock dampers, recommending a switch to a rod control system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 95\4\ scan0075 | |
| Date | 8th December 1936 | |
| E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Les.{Ivan A. Leslie} c. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} 342 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Les4/R.8.12.36. P.III ARENS CONTROLS FOR SHOCK DAMPERS. We are finding that the Arens Control which operates the governor unit very soon becomes stiff, and eventually seizes. We have now two samples of ¼" diameter control fitted with bijur lubrication. One has a brass outer casing, and the other has a flexible outer casing similar to production. There is also a 3/16" diameter control in a brass outer casing. We learn from production that one of the chief causes of stiffness is due to the confined space for the control near the steering box. The control becomes stiff when the wiring conduit is fitted. The cost of the production control is 12/-. We are, therefore, in full agreement with your suggestion for returning to a rod, which would be far more satisfactory, and probably cheaper and lighter. In view of the unsatisfactory results obtained with the production parts, we think every effort for an early introduction of a rod control should be made. If possible we should like a rod control for 39-EX which is now being erected. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Les.{Ivan A. Leslie} | ||