Re: [DML] Torsion Bars

[Martin Gutkowski <webmaster@xxxx>]

First off please accept a disclaimer that I may get some of my facts a little wrong
because it's from a conversation I had some months ago after Dan first asked me if I knew
anything about them over here.

Even though the process was developed by Grumman, they were actually manufactured over
here. I did not pursue the matter, but we DO have a contact with one of the guys who
originally made the bars, and if memory serves, the bars were "simply" twisted through 11
complete revolutions at a particular temperature (it may have been liquit nitrogen, not
helium, but I can't remember).

I also know there are several unused pairs of bars "floating around" here, though it's
not a commonly needed part, so we've never chased up on the supply. It's not like
Windscreens! (which, you may be interested to learn, I've found a source of at £250 each,
both Green and Bronze still avalable)

Best Wishes

Martin
#1458
DOC UK
www.delorean.co.uk

tmpintnl wrote:

> In regards to the torsion bars, these will be very difficult to
> re-create. If I understand the technology and history correctly,
> Grumman Aerospace made these in a fashion similar to the F-16 canopy
> torsion springs. Because of the enormous stresses on our bars
> (nearly a 90 degree twist in a part only a couple of feet long) the
> bars were cryogenically tempered in liquid helium at about 7 degrees
> Kelvin. That's very cold, by the way. This is much different than
> the typical spring tempering at high temperatures, with a quench in
> oil or air. Bottom line - I don't think that the local spring house
> is going to want to attempt these. What to do? I don't know at this
> point. Does anybody on the list have a different perspective on my
> understanding? I would almost think that a call to Northrop-Grumman
> might at least be interesting. Perhaps I can dredge up a contact.
>
> Toby Peterson VIN 2248
> Winged1