Any Structural Engineer on Board?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
:nutkick:
 
Wow ! I am a metallurgical engineer , not mechanical . Where to begin ?
Your stainless will have substantial deflection , no problem at all if it was to be with many similar tanks in industry. HOWEVER; adding the window adds about 2 more dimensions of complexity. As a minimum I would add a carbon steel frame ( cheaper than SS) to the outside around the window; this could be something like 3" X 3" angle or channel or I beam.
What I mean is that the moduli of the SS and acrylic are different, and you have an excellent thesis subject for a PHD in mechanics.
I'll stick to the metals; the 316L will have some minor pitting and rust spots, especially in the sensitized weld Heat Affected Zone - no problem ( it would be pretty rusty as a salt aquarium). I would suggest grinding the welds relatively smooth and doing a PT (dye penetrant) test for pin hole defects in the weld -not a strength problem but leaking a few drops /day would be a nuisance.
Your temperature is too low for chloride stress cracking to be a problem.
Filler metal : I think the low cabon matching filler has a tendency to micro crack ,ask the weldor what his experience has been . Reminds me ask to see WPS and PQR for thin austenetic SS ( weld procedure specification and procedure qualification record) . His shop will have these is they ever did any code work.
Maybe you don't want an engineer but someone who has sucessfully made tanks like this before. Is all glass impossible? Could you live with the largest possible glass ?
 
You got me! I went for it hook ,line and sinker ; I must have been retired too long.
Obviously (now) the moist dream of a teenager that has been playing "grand theft auto" too long. Although the silly sketches were a good touch. No mention of plumbing or foundation (not stand) for this TEN TON project ? I guess it will go in a second floor bedroom at mom and dad's.
Signing off, they only allow us a limited time on the internet here at the institution; and I am anxious to get to the "beautiful, lonely, young women" site. :ROFL:
 
thanks to everybody who contributed.

johnptc;525746; said:
also add stiffners on all the metal sides....316ss angle.... maybe 2x2x.25 one at the top and one in the middle one each of three sides and along the front top..........i guess i would also frame the opening in the same ss angle...any bowing at the front will cause leaks.....my 2 cents
Click to expand...

thanks for the advise here and the pm..will surely consider your suggestion

Potts050;527182; said:
You're welcome
Thanks for mentioning ground fault protection. I agree its an absolute must for set-ups of any type of construction.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40560&highlight=electricity

Quick question though......How is it possible to have too much spare time?
Click to expand...
grounding probe is in the plan

blacksmith37;534646; said:
You got me! I went for it hook ,line and sinker ; I must have been retired too long.
Obviously (now) the moist dream of a teenager that has been playing "grand theft auto" too long. Although the silly sketches were a good touch. No mention of plumbing or foundation (not stand) for this TEN TON project ? I guess it will go in a second floor bedroom at mom and dad's.
Signing off, they only allow us a limited time on the internet here at the institution; and I am anxious to get to the "beautiful, lonely, young women" site. :ROFL:
Click to expand...

thanks for the enthusiasm and the sense of humor. the stand is finished - done with 2x2 metal tubing, 1/8" thick, full weld on all joints. I am a believer of simplicity and practicality, and would employ the same in plumbing design...all using 2" pvc pipes and pvc flex hoses.

it would go in the basement of an estate home, on a walkout lot.. I even have to spend $400 to upgrade my back door to make a 32" tall tank fit (standard is 30" wide). I am aware that this tank will never fit any ordinary house, so, when I decide to get rid of it (I hope never have to) I'll have a $10K pc of junk. and yes, my mom who is 80 yrs old lives with me, but I have always owned a house since I got married at 22 yrs old. computed weight is way less than 10 ton, and there are at least 2 piles in the spot where the tank would be sitting, the integrity of the concrete is the least of my worry.
 
dookie;525135; said:
"next to expensive audio equipment"? Wouldn't you worry about EMI causing "hum" in your speakers? Things like powerheads and heater leak out voltage. Not only would I worry about EMI's, I would worry about electrocution also with a tank made of SS.
Click to expand...

the amps have a dedicated line, not sharing even a circuit breaker with anything else. my current audio setup is also right next to my tank, noise floor is zero. I think someone else answered your concern about s/s and electricity;)
 
Resize of aug 06_4282.JPG

Resize of 3[1].jpg

here are some preliminary stand pics..

I better not screw up on this project. my wife is all for profesionally built all glass tank, costing over $20 K.but where's the fun?

DIY'ers are a different breed right? I learned a lot at this stage already..

since my design issues had been resolved, this would be my last post on this thread. I'll post another thread about this journey when everything is done and runing, hopefully before Xmas (gees, were expecting snow tomorrow already:( )

thanks to everybody who pitched in..
 
Looking good! Very cool project, please keep us updated!
 
Potts050;526138; said:
kidding right?
Lets just keep in mind that inexperienced people read these comments and may take a cavalier attitude towards a very real concern if those who are experienced and respected for giving good advice are quick to do so. :irked:
Click to expand...

Whoa, relax doooode.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom