Carbon Fiber for fuel cell case?

the rules state that it needs to be fireproof and leakproof. Seems as though aluminum is approved, which melts about 1200F. If i was to use a breed of carbon fire with a rating of about 1500 (average of going rating on the the market) i see no reason why this could not be acceptable . Carbon fiber is fire resistant by nature and would make creating a tighter fitting case w/ a remote filler easier much easier. Basically i just want to see what the scrutineers thoughts would be.

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I'm not doubting the carbon's ability to deny flame. But ultimately the binder (the epoxy resin) would be the limiting factor. Most off-the-shelf epoxy resins are good until 450 degrees or so (until you get into the aerospace realm), and they will unfortunately burn quite nicely.

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Opel is a 4-letter word...
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Quote
Ascona73
I'm not doubting the carbon's ability to deny flame. But ultimately the binder (the epoxy resin) would be the limiting factor. Most off-the-shelf epoxy resins are good until 450 degrees or so (until you get into the aerospace realm), and they will unfortunately burn quite nicely.

ooooops

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John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

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does the case have to be rigid?

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
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fuel sack?

i swear this rule was put in place just to deter people.

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
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Anyone with a serious question or proposal for fuel cells or covers that is different than the very standard helmet protector protector needs to ask Mike Hurst. While discussion on here is always interesting/fun/sad/hateful it wont give a difinitive answer....just so ya know...

i had an idea and am seeking outside thoughts so i have something refined to approach official types with.

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First Rally: 2010 First RallyX: 2004 (a bunch)
Driver (0), Co-Driver (7)
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Last Updated, Apr 9, 2023

Quote
Gravity Fed
i swear this rule was put in place just to deter people.

Kinda. I would say it was probably put in place by the FIA to help sell the really high end fuel cells for Subarus and Mitsus.

I noticed a 81 Corolla has the same ass end fuel tank as a Merkur, held on with two M10 bolts and probably the same rubber piece sealing the filler to the tank.

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Grant Hughes

Quote
Gravity Fed
does the case have to be rigid?

I remember some years ago there was an Audi Quattro at Ski Sawmill with an FIA fuel bladder...flexible rubberized kevlar. Kinda reminded me of a camelback water reservoir really, really wobby and barely held its' shape. I was surprised it was legal (at the time). I think the car was Chris Sanborn's if I'm not mistaken.

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Opel is a 4-letter word...
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/05/2012 03:11PM by Ascona73.

That's what is inside of all the FIA cases.

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Grant Hughes

Cue someone pointing out a cell that is FIA without the kevlar looking bladder...

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Grant Hughes

Quote
NoCoast
That's what is inside of all the FIA cases.

This wasn't inside a metal case. Just kinda sat there all wobbly in the trunk like a plate of jello.

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Opel is a 4-letter word...
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I know. The metal case can be made of anything, or in the old days, not at all apparently. Inside the case is the wobbly kevlar sack.
Hence the helmet protector protector.
The fuel cell is the kevlar sack.
The bulkhead protector is the steel or aluminum can that is usually bought with the cell.
The helmet protector protector is the steel or aluminum can that has to protect the oval fill plate at the top of the cell.

I actually considered getting a oversized fuel cell can as my protector. Just put the cell inside, remote fill from one fill plate to another...

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Grant Hughes

Quote
NoCoast
I know. The metal case can be made of anything, or in the old days, not at all apparently.

Ahh, transparent aluminum!

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Opel is a 4-letter word...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10498579@N07/sets/