Pietenpol-List: aluminum tank
Posted: Sun Oct 03, 1999 11:26 am
Original Posted By: Gary Leopold
We've all had a lot of good discussion about welded aluminum and fiberglass tank construction. Weight, cost, leaks, cracks, ease of construction...all great discussion and good considerations. I still feel that I want an aluminum one. I see two things that are a pretty major hurdle for me to wind up with a welded one.1. I lack the experience. (But this is nothing new...haha...part of the fun) I need to learn more about properly designing the welded seams to prevent cracking. We know that a slight joggle at the seams should prevent this. Does anyone have a good reference source that gives guidance on this? 2. I don't have the tools. Compared to the cost of fiberglass lay-up, the cost of buying or renting a TIG welder rig seems prohibitive as is hiring a professional welder.In view of hurdle #2, I have decided that I will construct both fuselage and wing tanks of aluminum with riveted seams, sealed with fuel tank sealant. Here's my logic:1. Why not....I can name lots of airplanes with wet-wing fuel cells that seem to work just fine.2. I have the experience from repairing wet-wing fuel cells.3. I have the tools to do the job. 4. I think I can afford the materials. Surely between Boeing, Learjet, Cessna, and Beech here in town....sealant materials should be available.5. I like the idea of the challenge to come up with the proper design. Still need to learn about crack considerations.6. I am confident that I can wind up with a light weight tank in the end.I think I am home free....does anyone have any other suggestions, pro's, or con's to think about? By the way, Leon....you are nearing completion of your fiberglass tank aren't you? How's the weight? Has anyone else weighed their tanks?Terry B________________________________________________________________________________
We've all had a lot of good discussion about welded aluminum and fiberglass tank construction. Weight, cost, leaks, cracks, ease of construction...all great discussion and good considerations. I still feel that I want an aluminum one. I see two things that are a pretty major hurdle for me to wind up with a welded one.1. I lack the experience. (But this is nothing new...haha...part of the fun) I need to learn more about properly designing the welded seams to prevent cracking. We know that a slight joggle at the seams should prevent this. Does anyone have a good reference source that gives guidance on this? 2. I don't have the tools. Compared to the cost of fiberglass lay-up, the cost of buying or renting a TIG welder rig seems prohibitive as is hiring a professional welder.In view of hurdle #2, I have decided that I will construct both fuselage and wing tanks of aluminum with riveted seams, sealed with fuel tank sealant. Here's my logic:1. Why not....I can name lots of airplanes with wet-wing fuel cells that seem to work just fine.2. I have the experience from repairing wet-wing fuel cells.3. I have the tools to do the job. 4. I think I can afford the materials. Surely between Boeing, Learjet, Cessna, and Beech here in town....sealant materials should be available.5. I like the idea of the challenge to come up with the proper design. Still need to learn about crack considerations.6. I am confident that I can wind up with a light weight tank in the end.I think I am home free....does anyone have any other suggestions, pro's, or con's to think about? By the way, Leon....you are nearing completion of your fiberglass tank aren't you? How's the weight? Has anyone else weighed their tanks?Terry B________________________________________________________________________________