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).
Performance of thick versus thin leaved springs on cars in America.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\F\April1921\ Scan4 | |
| Date | 8th April 1921 | |
| To Ed.{J. L. Edwards} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} " " HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} " " HY.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} x2628 ORIGINAL R1/G7/A/21. 2 HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 8 APR 1921 RE THICK LEAVED SPRINGS FOR CARS IN AMERICA* (CJ/JS{Mr Johnson's Secretary}8/D11/2/21.) RECEIVED A good deal of the trouble with thick leaved springs was, I believe, due to the cars being fitted with too stiff springs. This would cause dissatisfaction no matter what springs were put on. Mr. Hives tests have not shewn any great difference between the thick and thin leaved springs when the same were greased. My own impression is that more flexible springs have enormous advantages, also that ungreased thin leaved springs have tremendous damping effect. English users have been very pleased with the thick leaved springs owing to the absence of friction. I agree, however, that the thin leaved is, generally speaking, to be preferred. We have now obtained great steadiness of running and smoothness by the use of well greased springs, and our own progressive shock dampers fitted with all metal plates. The ferodo plates were not a success owing to the resinous compound fitted, and also I believe, to the moisture getting in and swelling the fibre and jamming friction surfaces. As regards the stock in America, I certainly think that after their experience no thick leaved springs should be used on American chassis, and we should ask the English Company's Works Committee whether they are prepared to use those returned from America. We should have thought they would be worth the carriage home, even if they had to be reconstructed, by using the thick top plate only, and most of the other leaves scrapped, but valuable scrap, as we should know the analysis of the steel. R.{Sir Henry Royce} RECEIVED 8 APR 1921 | ||