Chapter 3- Fuel System Components and Operation Flashcards
Fuel Storage
Stored in tanks which can be an integral (parts of the aircraft structure) constructed from metal(RIGID) or flexible fabric membrane(BAG TANKS).
Where are fuel tanks situated?
Transport Aircraft-Wings
Combat Aircraft- both wings and centre fuselage
Helicopter Fuel Fuselage storage
Beneath the cabin floor
(Eg:Lynx fuel storage system)
Forward tank and the two collector tanks are installed
Below cabin floor
-Forward tank is on aircraft centreline forward of the collector tanks
The left and right main tanks are installed
Above the cabin floor
How to extend the range of the aircraft
One or two auxiliary tanks can be installed in the aircraft cabin.
Baffles
Reduce the effects of fuel surge when aircraft manoeurve.
What the need to maximise the amount of fuel carried in flight has led to?
Much ingenuity in tank location.
In Various aircraft types this have been used as tanks
-Tail fins
-Flaps
-Outer walls of air intakes
Rigid Fuel Tanks
Fitted internally where space permits or as external drop tanks
Metal fuel tanks constructed from
-Aluminium alloy
-Stainless steel
And made in shape and sizes to fit the space available in each particular airframe.
Rigid fuel tanks is a light structure which
Is strengthen by internal stiffeners and baffles.
Integral Fuel Tanks
Formed by aircraft structure
In INTEGRAL FUEL TANKS
Considerable care must be taken during construction to ensure what
-That all joints and inspection hatches in the structure are adequately sealed
-tank walls treated to prevent corrosion
Flexible Fuel Tanks (Bag Tanks)
Attached to the compartment walls by a type of press stud fitting
*Resilient and so can withstand a considerable amount of distortion or shock loading
Self-Sealing coverings
To reduce the magnitude of a fuel leak
Explain Self-Sealing Coverings
Its usually made from layers of cellular rubber with an overall protective cover. This type of rubber is easily affected when in contact with fuel. The cellullar rubber swells on contact with fuel forcing its way into the punctures to block the hole and reduce or stop the leak.
Collector tank
Feeds the engine directly but an uninterrupted supply of fuel is ensured to each engine.
Always gonna be filled with fuel.
Fuel Tank Pressurisation and Venting System
As fuel level in a tank reduces, the space above the fuel must be replaced with air,otherwise the vacuum will be created slowing the flow of fuel and possibly causing tank damage.
Fuel Tank Pressurisation and Venting System
As fuel level in a tank reduces, the space above the fuel must be replaced with air,otherwise the vacuum will be created slowing the flow of fuel and possibly causing tank damage.
Effects of altitude on fuel tank pressurisation and venting system
As altitude increases atmospheric air pressure decreases and the boiling point of all liquids, including fuel also decreases.
Excessive fuel vapours would be produced increasing the risk of fire in fuel tanks and the loss of fuel due to
Evaporation