Is Kevlar the Right Choice for Protecting Auto Fuel Tanks and Batteries?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tom Flanagan
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SUMMARY

Kevlar is not an optimal choice for protecting auto fuel tanks and Lithium Ion batteries during rear impacts, as it primarily prevents penetration from sharp objects rather than absorbing blunt force. For a Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel tank, covering it with Kevlar fabric or sheets is insufficient; a thick steel plate is recommended for better protection. The discussion highlights the inadequacy of rear-mounted fuel tanks, referencing historical safety concerns exemplified by the Ford Pinto. Overall, while Kevlar has its uses, it is not suitable for this specific automotive application.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of automotive safety standards
  • Knowledge of materials science, specifically regarding Kevlar properties
  • Familiarity with automotive design, particularly fuel tank placement
  • Experience with impact resistance materials, such as steel plates
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effectiveness of various materials for automotive impact protection
  • Explore the design and safety standards for fuel tank placement in vehicles
  • Investigate alternatives to Kevlar for automotive applications, such as carbon fiber
  • Learn about the use of skid plates in off-road vehicle modifications
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Automotive engineers, safety analysts, and vehicle modification enthusiasts seeking to enhance the protection of fuel tanks and batteries in vehicles.

Tom Flanagan
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Would Kevlar work in protecting a rear mounted auto fuel tank from being penetrated during a rear impact (such a covering a Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Tank with Kevlar fabric or Kevlar Sheet)? How about protecting the floor pan mounted Lithium Ion Batteries in a Telsa S Sedan (I would need about 25 square feet (5' x 5') to cover the Jeep Cherokee and about 40 square feet 5' x 8') to cover the Telsa S batteries. What kind of Kevlar protection should I use? And how much would it cost for 25 or 40 square feet?
 
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I highly doubt it.

Kevlar tends to stop sharp pointy things from piercing, or fabric from tearing. Crashes tend to be more of a blunt force that causes rupture due to deformation. A nice thick steel plate would probably be a better bet. 4x4 offroaders tend to use skidplates when ground clearance is an issue for the fuel tank.

Though a rear mounting is a bloody funny place to put a fuel tank. I thought people stopped doing that after the Pinto.
 

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