Uncontrolled electric fuel pumps, as used in many English cars
     during the
     70's, were a real danger. After losing a friend in a car fire,
     exacerbated by
     the electric pump feeding the fire, I developed an impact switch to     cut off     the pump in the event of a high G impact. The introduction of engine     computer     controlled pumps solved the problem. Of course mechanical fuel pumps     do not     have this problem. Backup electric pumps in aircraft are a worry     when the     cowl hits the ground. Experience. There is a lot to do on the way down.

     Colin Smith

Colin,
There are several cars that employ impact cut-off switches. Most are
configured to turn off fuel in a rear end impact. I believe this is to prevent fire caused by in-tank pumps in the event of a fuel tank rupture.Several Ford Mustangs have such a switch. They are sensitive enough that even a bump that won't mar the rubber bumper will shut them
off. The reset is in the trunk!
Bill Jepson

Bill,
A number of the old SU pumps, fitted to Jags and Morris needed the odd impact
to keep them running.

Colin Smith

Exactly. I had to keep a large rock in my Morris Minor
for that purpose.

Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.

The Rotary Engine NewsLetter. Powered by Linux.
ACRE NL web site. http://www.rotaryeng.net
Copyright 1998-2006 All world wide rights reserved.