Fluid dynamic vent dam

A fluid dynamic fuel vent dam for use in a vent stringer in a fuel tank, the vent dam mounted to and within the vent stringer, the vent dam comprising:

• a first piece joined to a second piece with an overlapping configuration at a seam formed between the first piece and the second piece;
• a curved guiding surface for guiding fuel flow into and out of an interior of the vent stringer, wherein the vent dam, the vent stringer, and a tube attached to the vent stringer are in fluid communication with the fuel tank;
• and,
• one or more side flanges extending from the curved guiding surface for providing attachment of the vent dam to one or more interior portions of the vent stringer.

An aircraft structure comprising:

• at least one wing;
• at least one vent stringer mounted to the at least one wing, the at least one vent stringer comprising a base portion, first and second web walls extending outwardly from the base portion, a cap portion, and an access opening in the cap portion, the access opening configured for insertion and installation of at least one vent dam;
• at least one fuel tank;
• and,
• the at least one vent dam mounted to and within the at least one vent stringer, the at least one vent dam comprising:
• a contoured guiding surface for guiding fuel flow into and out of an interior of the at least one vent stringer, wherein the at least one vent dam, the at least one vent stringer, and a tube attached to the at least one vent stringer are in fluid communication with the at least one fuel tank;
• and,
• one or more side flanges extending from the contoured guiding surface for providing attachment of the at least one vent dam to one or more interior portions of the at least one vent stringer.