IDK, the foam wouldn't be structural, the rib/baffle is...serves two purposes and it's light. Plus they probably didn't have the foam 60 years ago when Cessna, Piper, Beech, etc all had to design a solution. If it works, don't break it. Just a thought. Jim
 
Fuel Cell Foam

Fuel cell foam is a flexible, lightweight, 3-dimensional polymer fire screen that has helped prevent fuel tank fires caused by gunfire, electrical ignition, lightning strike and static discharge and is also believed to reduce the effects of post-crash fuel fires. It does this by supressing the flame front. It is used in military aircraft and racing cars. In the latter it also reduces fuel slosh caused by G loading, thus helping to keep fuel around the fuel pump pickup. In the case of a breached fuel tank (post crash), it slows the egress of fuel and lessens the fire hazard. It reduces the tank volume by 2-4%.

Considering its use in an RV aircraft, its only real advantage is that it slows fuel egress if the tank is breached after a crash. This event is less likely than in a racing car. Welded or riveted aluminum fuel tanks actually do a pretty good job of maintaining their integrity in a crash situation.

Its disadvantages are:
-It can break down, potentially clogging the fuel pickup, pump or fuel filter and it is recommended that it be replaced every few years
-It can interfere with mechanical fuel transmitters
-It reduces the fuel tank capacity
 
I am interested in Terry's info.
I recall reading somewhere that racing car fuel tank foam breaks down after a time and needs to be replaced (as Terry said).
This would obviously make it's use in an aircraft fuel system need some consideration.
In the military aviation world, how often is the fuel tank foam replaced?
John
 
A couple of more disadvantages we have noticed in our race car:

The foam makes it impossible to visually check fuel level.

The foam makes float-type fuel gauges unuseable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.