Fuel
Systems
Appendix A — Fuel System Standard
16.0 — Lab Examination No. 12
Fuel Tank Shock Test
183.584 - Shock Test
A fuel tank is tested by performing the following
order:
(a) Perform the static pressure test under
section 183.580.
(b) If the tank is non-metallic, fill it to capacity with
a gasoline that has at least a 50% aromatic content. Keep
the fuel in the tank at 21°C or higher for 30 days prior
to testing.
(c) Mount the tank to the platform of an impact test machine.
(d) Fill the tank to capacity with water.
(e) Apply one of the following accelerations within three
inches of the center of the horizontal mounting surface
of the tank. The duration of each vertical acceleration
pulse is measured at the base of the shock envelope.
(1) If the tank is not labeled under section
183.514(b)(8) for installation
aft of the halflength of the boat, apply 1000 cycles of
25g vertical accelerations at a rate of 80 cycles or less
per minute. The duration of the acceleration pulse must
be between six and 14 milliseconds.
(2) If the tank is manufactured for installation
with it’s center of gravity aft of the half-length
of the boat, apply 1000 cycles of 15g vertical accelerations
at a rate of 80 cycles or less per minute. The duration
of the shock pulse must be between six and 14 milliseconds.
(f) Perform the static pressure test under
section 183.580
16.1 General Description —
The fuel tank shall be mounted on a test fixture similar to
a typical or actual boat installation and subjected to 100
shock cycles using a suitable shock machine. There shall be
no leakage of the fuel tank as a result of these applied shocks.
16.1.1 Test Article —
The test article shall consist of a fuel tank as delivered
by the manufacturer or as removed from and actual installation.
The tank shall include all attachments and fittings that would
normally be found in such an installation, i.e. fuel gauge,
fuel feed adapter, vent and fill pipes, etc.
16.1.2 Constraints —
a. This test applies to tanks with a capacity
of less than 25 gallons.
b. Fuel tanks which are labeled under section 183.514(b)(8)
of the Fuel System Standard “for installation only
in the aft half-length of the boat” shall be tested
for 1000 cycles of 15 g vertical acceleration at a rate
of 80 cycles per minute.
c. Other tanks shall be tested at 25 g vertical acceleration.
16.1.3 Pre-Test Conditions and Assumptions
—
a. The Static Pressure Test per section 183.580
shall have been completed successfully.
b. Personnel performing the test shall be reasonably familiar
with boat systems and testing practices to accomplish the
procedure without undue training required.
16.2 Test Equipment and Schematic
|
Component
Find No. |
Title |
Description |
| 1 |
Test Platform |
A flat level fixture on which
the fuel tank is mounted and secured. The whole assembly
is then mounted to a suitable shock machine. |
| 2 |
Eye Lag
Bolts |
A bolt used
to secure the fuel tank to the test platform. |
| 3 |
Tie Down Straps |
Steel or equivalent straps
to hold the fuel tank in position during the test. |
| 4 |
Positioning
Blocks |
2 x 4 board
or equivalent to maintain the tank in the proper position
during the test. |
| 5 |
Chocks |
2 x 6 board or equivalent
cut to the contour of the tank to maintain and support
the tank in the proper position during the test. For non-flat
bottomed tanks only. |
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