Difference between revisions of "Firewall"
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FSAE - The firewall must protect the driver against the [[Fuel|fuel supply]], [[Oil|oil]], [[Cooling|cooling lines]], and any lithium batteries. | FSAE - The firewall must protect the driver against the [[Fuel|fuel supply]], [[Oil|oil]], [[Cooling|cooling lines]], and any lithium batteries. | ||
==Construction== | ==Construction== | ||
| − | Most teams construct the firewall out of a layer of composite (usually carbon fiber) on top of a layer of "insulating" material. The specific sandwich panel material is less impactful for heat management to the driver compartment than the mandatory 1" of air gap between the exhaust and the firewall. There is almost no better insulator than air, and moving air is even better. | + | Most teams construct the firewall out of a layer of composite (usually carbon fiber) on top of a layer of "insulating" material. The specific sandwich panel material is less impactful for heat management to the driver compartment than the mandatory 1" of air gap between the exhaust and the firewall. There is almost no better insulator than air, and moving air is even better. Since the firewall cannot be touching the exhaust, most heat blocked by the firewall is in the form of IR radiation and is easily solved by applying a layer of reflective material. Commercial automotive solutions are available and often sponsor FSAE teams. In a pinch, aluminum tape can be used for this purpose. |
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==Position== | ==Position== | ||
Since the firewall has to be between the driver and the engine, many teams use it to support the seat as a structural element of the cockpit. If the seat used for actual drivers is removable without removing the firewall, the firewall can be used as the "seat" for the Percy template during [[Scrutineering|tech inspection]], and the seat will be considered "padding". | Since the firewall has to be between the driver and the engine, many teams use it to support the seat as a structural element of the cockpit. If the seat used for actual drivers is removable without removing the firewall, the firewall can be used as the "seat" for the Percy template during [[Scrutineering|tech inspection]], and the seat will be considered "padding". | ||
Revision as of 10:19, 6 April 2023
The firewall is a component that protects the driver from powertrain failures. The firewall is required by rule T.1.8 in the FSAE rules and __ in the FS rules.
Internal Combustion
FSAE - The firewall must protect the driver against the fuel supply, oil, cooling lines, and any lithium batteries.
Construction
Most teams construct the firewall out of a layer of composite (usually carbon fiber) on top of a layer of "insulating" material. The specific sandwich panel material is less impactful for heat management to the driver compartment than the mandatory 1" of air gap between the exhaust and the firewall. There is almost no better insulator than air, and moving air is even better. Since the firewall cannot be touching the exhaust, most heat blocked by the firewall is in the form of IR radiation and is easily solved by applying a layer of reflective material. Commercial automotive solutions are available and often sponsor FSAE teams. In a pinch, aluminum tape can be used for this purpose.
Position
Since the firewall has to be between the driver and the engine, many teams use it to support the seat as a structural element of the cockpit. If the seat used for actual drivers is removable without removing the firewall, the firewall can be used as the "seat" for the Percy template during tech inspection, and the seat will be considered "padding".
