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).
Copied letter from Cadillac Motor Car Company detailing information on propeller shaft assemblies.
| Identifier | Morton\M9\ img070 | |
| Date | 21th October 1931 | |
| C.O.P.Y. CADILLAC MOTOR CAR COMPANY, DETROIT, MICHIGAN October 21, 1931. Mr. E.W.Hives, Rolls Royce Ltd., Derby, England. Dear Sir: Sub: Propeller Shaft. Replying to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Gry{Shadwell Grylls}/2/MJ I attach copy of note from Mr. Swenson, Chief Engineer of Mechanics Machine Company. Would you like to supplement this with the following information from Mr.Rolph, the Detroit representative. (1) Propeller shaft assemblies are being made increasingly for high speed boats, running up to 6500 r.p.m. You might be interested for Miss England. The joints can run under water in the bilge without damage. (2) The air escape plug hitherto used, which involves removing two plugs to lubricate each joint (since Mech. Mfg. will not fit alemite or other nipples because of leakage) is now to be replaced by a spring loaded pressure-release valve, blowing off at 60-100 lbs/sq.in. This avoids blowing the felt packings (which are now reinforced by metal) when filling the joints. The packings are good for about 300 lbs/sq.in. pressure. (3) Welded tube is regarded as essential for a highly balanced job. This is a longitudinal seam weld, spiral seam welding is coming rapidly, being developed by Mech. Mfg. but is not yet arrived in a form which can compete for price. (4) Seamless tube is only used on the cheaper jobs and gives trouble in balancing especially on the longer shafts. | ||