Description / Abstract:
This SAE Aerospace Information Report (AIR) includes general
information about the various types and styles of flexible tanks
and the tank-mounted fittings that adapt the tank to the
surrounding structure and fluid-system plumbing.
Recommendations are given relative to the dimensional layout of
the tank when these recommendations serve to avoid tank fabrication
problems and tank/structure interface problems. As a part of these
recommendations, critical dimensions of plumbing adapter fittings
are discussed and recommendations made. Tank manufacturing
tolerances are given.
Recommendations are made relative to cavity design and
preparation to facilitate a reliable installation.
The special installation requirements of nonself-sealing,
self-sealing, and crash-resistant tanks are discussed.
This document is not intended to replace the information or
requirements of the military and commercial procurement
specifications listed in Section 2. No attempt has been made,
except in a very general way, to include physical property data
such as weight and thickness of the composite materials available
in the industry. Such materials are too numerous and vary too much
between manufacturers.
Whenever specific data or advice is required, it is necessary
that the tank manufacturers be consulted.
Purpose:
The purpose of this document is to supply aircraft fluid-system
designers with baseline information pertinent to the application of
flexible, removable tanks for power plant fluids without regard to
the fluid in the tank.