Answers (1)
Thickness vary between 29 to 36 gauge thicknesses (0.30 to 0.15mm) for steel. As it is obviously beneficial in loweing material costs but more difficult technologically to hold quality levels, manufacturers will try to go for the thinnest possible.
Sorry not a fact but my opinion based upon the above, I believe it to be 30 gauge to be commonest.
With the high temps, strengths & corrosion resistance, would it not be better to buy a sheet of stainless steel & roll your own? Tin melts at 232C so won't be there for long!
A good source for a stainless steel in can form would be a Lager can (& other beers). The other material used is Aluminium but the wieght difference should help tell which is which. Note the magnet test not reliable as you get non magnetic stainless.
Thank you, it is easy to mistake Aluminum for Steel, especially when you don't have much experience. I don't want it to end up melting on me.
A colleagues who is into radio controlled aircraft said he has a book on pulse jet building with plans for a V1 type engine. He said that he'd try & find it tonight & bring it in tomorrow so I can advise you of the title if helpful. His opinion is that 30 gauge will not be thick enough as these things glow red hot in operation, ( I originally asked to find out about pressures & temps to do a rough thin walled ultimate pressure calculation on a larger tinnie for you!)
In the UK it is illegal to fly such animals free as they are a bit unpredictable (taking out houses was mentioned!)
The book is "Model Aero Engine Encyclopaedia" by R.G.Moulton. Chapter 26 provides steps & plans for building a "Brauner Pulse Jet". which he used to power a MiG 15 to 85
It is recommended to use heat resistant weldable stainless steel of 26 to 22 gauge. Heat resistant steel can be used but make sure it is still weldable (Carbon equivalent of up to 0.35 is for best results).
The book is occasionally available 2nd hand on Amazon and ebay, but I'm sure you are working to your own plans.
Hope you find this helpful, leave a comment if you need further details, I'm quite interested to see how it all works out.
Just read my comment which was composed on a mobile, Should have stated that its only the tail pipe & nose fairing that is made from the S Steel sheet. Also this engine wieght was 10 oz, length 21.7" & max dia 2.52". for your interest!
If the typical food can is 25-30 ish gauge than that would be perfect. I'm attempting to build a pulse jet with a valve, and I need at least 30 guage to withstand the high heat.