Inspection Holes??

[Ryan Boysen]

Okay, so we're almost to that point.. However, we read the rule about inspection holes on a "non-critical" part of the roll hoops to verify wall thickness.

Where do teams typically drill them? And how big? We would love some input on this.

THANKS!

[John Valerio]

Make the holes big enough so the depth measurement extension on a set of calipers can fit in. As for location, besides a "non-critical" area, just somewhere that is convenient for the tech inspectors to get to.

John Valerio
Queen's FSAE

[Michael Royce]

Ryan,
Please read Rule 3.3.9. which says:
"3.3.9 Inspection Holes
To allow the verification of tubing wall thicknesses, 4.5 mm (0.18 inch) inspection holes must be drilled in a non-critical location of both the Main Hoop and the Front Hoop.

In addition, the Technical Inspectors may check the compliance of other tubes that have minimum dimensions specified in 3.3.3. This may be done by the use of ultra sonic testing or by the drilling of additional inspection holes at the inspector's request.

Inspection holes must be located so that the outside diameter can be measured ACROSS the inspection hole with a vernier caliper, i.e. there must be access for the vernier caliper to the inspection hole and to the outside of the tube 180 degrees from the inspection hole."

Usually, the best "non-critical location" is on the roll hoops between the upper and lower frame rails. Paragraph 3 will give you an idea of how to orientate the holes.

Note, paragraphs 2 and 3 are new this year.