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).
Log of bearing composition tests detailing performance, temperature, and failure modes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 115\4\ scan0118 | |
| Date | 10th September 1940 guessed | |
| Cont.... Bearing Test No Bearing Composition Modifications to Bearing grooving etc Speed RPM Load lb/sq ins. Oil Press lb/sq ins. Hours before break-up commences Total hrs. run. Normal temp °C Final temp °C NOTES. 5 Vandervell tri-metal in steel housing. Standard 2580 2080 60 - 14¾ 122 123 As previous test but clearance reduced to .0045" and bearing relieved to the extent of .001" for 3/8" on either side of the joint face. After 14¾ hrs. cracking of the white metal was again experienced commencing at the edge of the relieved section and running towards the centre. A crack had also developed from one of the oil holes. 6 Vandervell tri-metal in steel housing Standard 2580 2080 60 7 20 127 129 Relieving extended to give oval bore with .002" more clearance at the joint face. Breaking up as before especially at the bearing edges. 8 Vandervell tri-metal in steel housing. Standard 2580 2080 60 8 10¼ 126 134 As above but barrel shaped section to relieve edge cracking. After 10¼ hours bad cracking was revealed in the centre of the bore. 10 Vandervell tri-metal in steel housing Fully Grooved. 2580 2080 60 4 10 115 117 Cracking in the centre of the bore as on previous test and large crack developed from the tang 1 Rolls Royce Standard Standard Alloy Standard 2580 2080 60 40 50 128 138 Cracks commencing at the joint face and in the cap half bearing about one inch from the joint face. 11 Rolls Royce Standard improved Anti-Seize Alloy. Standard 2580 2080 60 144 150 127 129 No crack up visible under close inspection after 94 hrs. After 150 hrs. cracking as above. | ||