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).
Test report on Kestrel engines regarding evaporative cooling and quick throttle opening from a cold start.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\3\ img187 | |
| Date | 11th February 1933 | |
| ORIGINAL To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Ha/Gib. c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to Rg.{Mr Rowledge} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to Lr.{Mr Ellor} Lp.{Mr Lappin} Ha/Gib.1/WJ.11.2.33. X2444. Xr965. EVAPORATIVE COOLING. KESTREL ENGINES. QUICK OPENING UP FROM COLD. In order to find whether opening the throttle to full had any detrimental effects on the engine, a series of tests were carried out on the Meccano Hangar during the recent cold spell when the air temperatures as low as -4°C. were experienced. The engine was opened up to 2500 R.P.M. 590 B.H.P. 30 seconds after starting from dead cold. 21 such starts were made during one week and the tests are still being continued. These tests were most severe, as the water was boiling in approximately 15 secs. after starting from dead cold, and the oil temperatures were very low. The tests have been very satisfactory so far and we have experienced no trouble which could be attributed to the quick opening up from cold. After the cold starts are made we carry on with our normal development programme. The following are the test conditions and results :- ENGINE KESTREL 11.S. 1003. Water in circulation - 6.5 galls. Oil in Circulation (divided tank for quick warming up) 5.5 galls. Length of pipe from tank to engine. 8ft. 6ins. Oil head on pump. 3ft. 6ins. Cooler. 5 Element Potts. No. of starts. 21. Average Air Temp. 0°C. Average time for oil press. to become stable after starting & running at 600 RPM. 30 secs. Average time taken to reach 2500 RPM. 33 secs. after start. Average time for water temp. to reach 100°C. 1min. 15secs. after start. Average oil outlet temp. after 2 mins. 20°C. Average oil inlet temp. after 2 mins. 3°C. It was interesting to note that after the engine had been running at 2500 R.P.M. for about 15 secs. the oil pressure dropped | ||