I am not sure about that theory. It is easier to crush an empty soda
can than a full one. Air is more compressible than liquid. When a full
tank is impacted, the liquid will transfer that energy to all surfaces
with little or no compression. A partial tank on the other hand will
compress until the air inside is squeezed to match the liquid. By then
the tank might have undergone enough bending stress to break it. Again,
just a theory.
--- Paul McAllister <paul.mcallister@qia.net> wrote:
> <paul.mcallister@qia.net>
>
> Hi all,
>
> I recall watching Ivan Shaw's impromptu demonstration of a Landrover
> driving
> over a Europa fuel tank.
>
> I remember thinking at the time, wondering if it would fare as well
> if it
> was full of liquid. I suspect that the hydraulic pressure would
> easily
> rupture the tank, no matter what it was constructed of.
>
> I would offer up a hypothesis that a full tank in a Europa that was
> subjected to a high G load would rupture, but one that has had fuel
> burnt
> off would have sufficient airspace in it that could be compressed and
> not
> cause the tank to burst.
>
> Just a theory.
>
> Paul
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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