Hi Mike, I sent you a private message. Jim Chuk
Hi Mike, I sent you a private message. Jim Chuk
I have a couple sheets of 5052. I think it's .050. Was considering that, need to figure the weight . I have used it before with good results. I like to edge weld the ends,need the same "ribs" inside as a fiber tank. Maybe some sort of horizontal X also inside. To limit diagonal movement. Maybe just Stainless steel straps corner to corner inside the tank at mid height ? Still thinking about it. Thanks again for all the responses and ideas.
Mike
This topic comes up every now and again. Aluminum tanks were tried on these planes in the early stages, then the idea was abandoned. They will crack and leak. This wing design is very flexible and this flexing will work harden the aluminum. Eventually leading to cracks and leaks.
Since you're still in the building stage, why not get the new updated tanks right from Kitfox. It is an easy instal at this point and they are designed to fit. No muss or fuss.
I think it would work if no welding is involved, aluminum when it comes to welding is like any other multi component material, at the points of weld the heat burns off some of the properties which makes areas near the weld more brittle, steel you can add carbon even after its welded to replace what is burnt off in welding process, aluminum, although i have allot of experience welding it, im not sure there is a way to embed materials at welded joints after the fact, but no welding and rolled sealed seams with a seam sealer that retains its flex ,.. There is a good chance it would work
Chase
Model 5 OutBack
912 UL
Good points guys, I'm not committed to anything now. I might strip the inside of the original tanks and recoat with a better material, a product called "red coat" I use on a weekly basis and have for 20 years. (I build and repair/restore fuel tanks as part of my business).
As far as aluminum welding I too have some experience, it was my understanding that the rod alloy has a great deal of influence on the finished weld properties.
I also thought aluminum gets softer near the weld?? I would completely agree aluminum does fatigue when flexed and that's a problem!
Might just bite the bullet and get new tanks? Thanks for the input,not trying to be a pain. Mike.
Your right Mike with the choice of wire/ rod used , almost all aluminum tanks I've welded were 3003 with exception to a few 6061 , if they cracked 99% of the time it was on a welded seam unless it was a puncture, not trying to be a pain either i was the road guy for Jones and Lamson, bryant grinder, and fellows gear shaper for awhile and also made Ravens dump body's and trailers for a while , most of the Ravens work was wire with exception to tanks, and built everything from nascar chassis to welding inkanel heat strips for asphalt heaters, not bragging, dont get me wrong i just think if the right process is used in building fuel tanks ,,it could be done and not have adverse effects
Chase
Model 5 OutBack
912 UL
Im really surprised that no one has built a fuel cell with the same concept as a nascar fuel cell
Chase
Model 5 OutBack
912 UL