Fuel Tank Core Mitigating Hydrodynamic Ram Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mitigating hydrodynamic ram in fuel systems, such as using foam and effervescent bubbles, are costly and do not effectively address the destructive forces caused by rapidly expanding vapor bubbles during a projectile impact.
Innovation Solution
A fuel system with a core structure featuring a honeycomb design and weaved material with orifices and channels that vent and induce a premature phase change in vapor bubbles, minimizing the expansion and energy of the bubbles during a ballistic impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If foam is adhered to the surrounding walls or non-structural foam baffles and effervescent bubbles are used within the fluid body, then hydrodynamic ram is mitigated, but the implementation becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous baffle made of materials such as open-cell foam, mesh, screen, or perforated plate. The porous structure allows the baffle to absorb and dissipate the energy of expanding vapor bubbles during hydrodynamic ram events while maintaining fluid flow under normal conditions. This porous approach provides an effective yet cost-efficient solution compared to solid non-structural baffles or extensive foam applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle is positioned specifically at the forward end of the fuel tank where hydrodynamic ram forces are most intense during ballistic impact. This localized placement concentrates the mitigation function where it is most needed, reducing the overall amount of mitigation material required and lowering implementation costs while maintaining effectiveness.
2Strength
If conventional structural cores are used in fuel tanks, then structural integrity is maintained, but hydrodynamic ram forces are not effectively mitigated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the baffle into the existing fuel tank structure, allowing it to serve dual functions: maintaining structural integrity during normal operation and mitigating hydrodynamic ram forces during ballistic impact. The baffle becomes a multi-functional element that combines structural support with hydrodynamic protection, eliminating the need for separate mitigation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of porous materials for the baffle provides both structural strength and hydrodynamic ram mitigation capabilities. The porous structure allows the baffle to absorb impact energy from vapor bubbles while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support the fuel tank during normal flight conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the hydrodynamic ram forces exerted on the fuel system, minimizing fuel displacement to less than 3% and providing structural integrity while being cost-effective and adaptable for various aircraft types.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of orifices and channels adapted to vent and induce a premature phase change in the vapor bubble, thus minimizing the hydrodynamic ram forces exerted on the body of fluid during a ballistic impact
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method to mitigate the effect of hydrodynamic ram. The system including a chamber adapted to receive fluid and a core disposed within the chamber. A plurality of columns extend through the core and a plurality of orifices extend through the thickness of the columns. The method includes channeling a portion of a vapor bubble to an ullage space disposed within the chamber with the plurality of columns and changing the fluid state of the vapor bubble with a plurality of orifices extending through the thickness of the plurality of columns.