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).
Examination of a connecting rod failure, focusing on the white metal application for Eagle engine rods.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 81\2\ scan0030 | |
| Date | 15th April 1915 | |
| Extract from R5/IB15.4.15. 3415. X.2495.-WHITE METAL FOR CON: RODS - EAGLE. We have examined the connecting rod a second time and we are convinced that without a doubt the stud which first broke off down by the thread, was broken by bending, such as would happen if the studs were insufficiently tight to stop the cap from sliding about. You will notice that this is a defect which will be most marked where studs are used, and that bolts would be very much less liable to be affected by such a fault. On the face of the goint there were distinct signs of the bronze liner rubbing about, and I think these liners would be far better in steel as arranged, but one must not forget that the steel cannot possibly be allowed to touch the crankshaft, and that there ought to be a fair thickness of white metal on the edge of the steel. This I fear will be rather difficult to attach, but it may be acheived by cutting some pattern of very small details all along the edge. | ||