Saturday 7 July 2012

Cardan shaft containment


This photo shows the access hatches for the fuel tanks. The covers have been removed for the  dipsticks and fuel pick up pipes and valves to be installed.
The vapour balance pipe spanning the two sides of the tank provides a means of restraint for the front end of the cardan shaft in the (very unlikely) event of it coming loose.


Given regular checking of the coupling bolts, unplanned detachment of the shaft is highly unlikely.
However a heavy 8 foot shaft waving around at 400 RPM could cause serious damage so at this convenient time, a containment ring was constructed near the aft end. It can be split easily at the two bolts either side to allow removal of the shaft.






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