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).
Failures and testing of experimental Phantom clutches.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\4\ Scan207 | |
| Date | 26th September 1930 | |
| c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to WOr.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Mr. Beaver. 87772. X. 7772. X. 7480. Expl. Dept. Ha3/AD. September 26th.1930. Messrs. Rolls-Royce of America Inc., Springfield, Mass. U.S.A. For the attention of Mr. Olley. Oy. From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Phantom Clutches. As you are aware, we fitted up the two experimental L.H. P.2's with the fabric mounted on the driven member. During the 10,000 mile test in France on 24-SK, we had the pressure plate, which was made in cast iron, crack. We also found that if the clutch was slipped to any extent the pressure plate seized on the splines and made it so that you could not withdraw the clutch. This, as you can imagine, was very disconcerting thing to happen in traffic. In view of these troubles we have been carrying out a number of tests on the two types of clutches that is, the existing standard and the modified one with the fabric on the plate. We first of all carried out tests on our present standard clutch and we found that we could reproduce similar failures to those we have experienced in service, on the dynamometer. The failures we have are - (1) With the excessive slipping the fabric comes away from the plate and jams in the outer serrations so that the clutch will not free itself. (2) With any kind of severe treatment the dressing in the fabric comes out and interferes with the smoothness of the engagement. We took this matter up with Messrs. Ferodo and went into the whole question of clutches with them. As you | ||