Destructive Air Tank Testing

[Andy A.]

Originally Posted by Nuttyman54

What method are you using to cause the failure? Simple over-pressurization or are you intentionally over-tightening the end fittings? It would be brittle failure either way, but it may make a difference in how much energy is in the system at the time of failure. An over-tightened fitting would likely fail at a fair lower pressure (eg, potentially below 120psi) whereas a properly assembled tank would not.

On that same note, did you monitor the pressure that the tanks burst at, and if so how consistent was it?

Originally Posted by ToddF

At what pressure did the tanks actually fail? I would expect them to have a safety factor of at least 3X.

Originally Posted by team222badbrad

I would also like to know how you made them fail?

All the tanks were pressurised to 120psi (regulated output of a shop compressor) then struck with an air rifle pellet to induce the failure. It turned out to be remarkably consistent and reliable (well, as reliable as my aim!). The video of the testing will get into detail about the methods, but we think it's a reasonable simulation of a tank failing in FRC use due to a sudden impact

My subjective opinion is that each tank burst with the same sort of force. The shrapnel, noise and effect on containment all seem to back that up.