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).
Technical report discussing improvements to front axle control, spring stiffness, and weight distribution for enhanced ride comfort.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 71\2\ scan0145 | |
Date | 25th April 1926 guessed | |
-3- Contd. We shall be working to find a design of something more perfect for the front axle control, and have hopes of doing some good in this direction, but at the moment we must make the best of what we have by fitting exactly what was intended, springs of 12½% increased stiffness, which increase was found no necessary to prevent too frequent striking on the buffers, broken springs, and to maintain approximately correct steering pivot control. If it is found necessary we can, and will, again reduce the proportion of front wheel braking, but good drivers do not go round corners at high speeds so that it is necessary to use brakes vigorously at a corner, however less wise people will, and it must be tested. WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION. When the Phantom complaints were discussed I suggested that weight distribution (position of centre of gravity) might have some bearing upon the comfortable riding of a car. Now at the moment this is not conclusively proved but experiments shew that there is something in this suggestion, and if so we shall do good - (1) By lightening front end. (2) By avoiding very light bodies. (3) By pushing all weight possible as far back as possible, spare wheels, other spares, battery, etc. (4) By avoiding wherever possible the long chassis (?) The summary for comfortable riding being - (a) 1st. Lower pressure tyres (35 lbs. or less). (b) 2nd. Effective hydraulic dampers on the axle. (d) 3rd. Cushions for passengers flexible but damped if possible. (c) 4th. Springs of greatest practical flexibility. (e) 5th. Improvement by weight distribution. Engine and front lightened, spares and all weight possible pushed back. (Column headers next to list: Order of importance. Order of possibility (time).) The one variation upon the limits of which there is no agreement is the possible degree of flexibility of the front springs. I maintain that the practical limits are 12½% less than the original Silver Ghost. Therefore fit a car with the best we can do (practical limits) of all these, and submit for criticism as soon as possible, this representing the best we can do at present. Then compare with 20 HP. and EAC.1 & 7. when similarly fitted. Contd. | ||