hopper theory & practice

[ronlock at comcast.net]

Ive been a hopper tank diss-believer for years.  I also wonder why many continue to report benefits.  What's responsible for the benefit?
I'm in agreement with Nat, and what "I think" Jerry has said regarding the fuel system with a FULL hopper tank being a column of fluid, and the hopper would have no benefit.
Maybe hopper serves to eliminate foaming and bubbles?  Do I understand heli pilots use hoppers for that reason?
In practice do we usually have some air in the hopper?   Or do we usually have a hopper tank that is flexible?   Might we be drawing from the hopper without replenishing from the main tank during a vertical?    Then the hopper gets replenished during level lines?
Still wondering, Ron Lockhart
-------------- Original message -------------- 

> >Matt, 
> >With or without the hopper tank we still have a solid column of 
> >incompressible fluid for gravity and G's to play its tricks on. I 
> >contend if it runs ok with the hopper it will run just as well 
> >without. Nat 
> 
> Nat, 
> 
> While not exactly accurate as stated, your point is well taken. Your 
> hypothesis has some merit when the tank is full, but it falls short 
> anytime else (which is most of the flight). Adding just a small 
> amount of air causes the system to become compressible (just like the 
> brakes on your car). 
> 
> Jerry 
> -- 
> ___________ 
> Jerry Budd 
> mailto:jbudd at qnet.com 
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