Relays are a common building block of modern electrical systems, performing the task of managing circuits by opening and closing contacts in response to signals. Often described as electrically operated switches, these components provide the basic circuit control that is necessary for everything from simple household appliances to complex aerospace systems to operate as intended. Understanding how relays work, their applications, and how they differ from other similar components is vital for anyone involved in the design, maintenance, or procurement of electrical and electronic systems. As such, be sure to read on as we address these various topics in brief detail.
When it comes to the manufacturing of aircraft, several global giants dominate the industry, each being renowned for innovation, technological prowess, and market influence. For any individual involved in the industry, knowing who the leaders of manufacturing are is highly beneficial, so read on as we provide a brief overview of some of the most notable names.
The seamless interplay of technology is crucial for ensuring safety in the intricate realm of flight systems. Aviation plugs and connectors are often overlooked by passengers, but they are integral to an aircraft's functionality. These connectors facilitate the transmission of vital data and power throughout an aircraft. This comprehensive overview delves into the nuanced distinctions between aviation plugs and connectors, shedding light on their roles and significance in the world of flight.
Resonators are essential to many technologies, ensuring stable and accurate frequencies in everything from smartphones to GPS systems. In this blog, we will delve into the fundamentals of resonators, exploring what they are, how they work, and their significance in modern technology.
The turnaround process of an airplane is a meticulously orchestrated operation that involves carrying out several tasks to ensure the aircraft is ready for its next flight. From the moment an aircraft lands until the moment it takes off again, a series of critical checks and maintenance activities are performed to guarantee passenger safety and operational efficiency. In this article, we will explore the essential tasks carried out during the aircraft turnaround process with a particular focus on maintenance so you can have a better understanding of what airliners do in between flights.
The turnaround process of an airplane is a meticulously orchestrated operation that involves carrying out several tasks to ensure the aircraft is ready for its next flight. From the moment an aircraft lands until the moment it takes off again, a series of critical checks and maintenance activities are performed to guarantee passenger safety and operational efficiency. In this article, we will explore the essential tasks carried out during the aircraft turnaround process with a particular focus on maintenance so you can have a better understanding of what airliners do in between flights.
At sea level, air pressure is at a comfortable 14.7 psi, the perfect conditions to sustain life. We do not feel any pressure upon us and it is easy to breathe, but these conditions change dramatically when we are thousands of feet in the air on an aircraft. This is due to the fact that air pressure decreases in higher altitudes which creates unlivable conditions. As such, breathing on board a plane at high altitudes would be impossible without specialized pressurization systems. Designed to maintain fresh, breathable air within the cabin, aircraft pressurization systems work to ensure there is enough oxygen present for all passengers and crew members to be able to breathe. For additional information on such parts, read on to learn how these systems work to provide a comfortable atmosphere for all individuals within the vessel.
In the realm of aviation, the yoke is a type of control wheel or column that may be used by pilots to operate fixed-wing aircraft. While not universal, yokes are extremely popular and come in the form of a W- or U-shaped control situated in the cockpit in an area very accessible by pilots for regular use. Despite the airplane yoke being a feature primarily found in fixed-wing aircraft, such controls are beginning to make their way into various automobiles as well. As automobiles travel and operate in a very different way, it begs the question of how viable an airplane yoke is for an automobile when compared to the conventional steering wheel.
Aircraft tires are built in such a way that allows air to fill an inner tube which is encased in another few layers of material for protection. As such, trace amounts of gas from the inner tube of a tire may sometimes leak between the layers. These vents are tiny holes which allow only a small amount of air to leak out at a time. To ensure that there is no damage to the tire caused by a buildup of air in places where it should not be, there are various vents in the side of the tire. In this article, we will be discussing more about how sidewall-venting is designed while exploring several other tire safety procedures.
Tubes are fairly basic components, often coming in the form of cylindrical pieces with a hollow center for materials to move through. While present in a wide variety of applications and industries, the tubes specifically found in aircraft are generally relied on to relay water and other fluids throughout the vehicle. With the complexity of aircraft assemblies and the compact spaces that parts are regularly installed in, it is often necessary to cut tubes into lengths that accommodate the design of aircraft. As tubes are regularly being made from materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cutting tubes is not as simple as using a handheld knife. Instead, one should utilize a device known as a tube cutter.
Retaining rings, also known as snap rings or circlips, are a type of circular-shaped fastener that can be slid onto a shaft or into a bore where they can secure machinery parts in place. Different combinations of size, shape, style, and material allow for designs that can work in a variety of industries and applications. In automobiles for example, you would be likely to find retaining rings in systems like the powertrain, steering, and passenger safety equipment. Of these design variations, the five most common include axially assembled, radially assembled, beveled, locking, and constant section retaining rings. In the following blog, we will be discussing these five types of retaining rings and their possible uses.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing is highly dependent on a vast amount of materials, components, and assemblies from a widespread network of trusted manufacturers. They hold high standards of quality for the suppliers and manufacturers they rely on, ensuring the safety and efficiency of their aircraft. In this blog, we will explore several of the major raw materials used in Boeing manufacturing as well as define many of the key suppliers which Boeing depends on.
Aircraft have countless structures and components, with the most essential being the fuselage. The fuselage can be described as the body of an aircraft, serving as the envelope that houses the cockpit, seats the passengers, and holds the cargo. It is also the primary framework to which other fundamental parts are attached to, like the wings, tail empennage, or landing gear.
Modern aircraft operate under extremely strenuous conditions for long hours with maximum efficiency to ensure a safe flying experience for everybody on board. Hence, all civil, military, and commercial aircraft must undergo inspections to optimize their longevity and safety after specific periods. Most inspection programs in the United States are approved and regulated by authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in compliance with the standards set by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, better known as the Federal Aviation Regulations.
A gasket strip is a long piece of gasket material used for sealing purposes. Gasket comes in many materials, all of which are used as mechanical seals to prevent leaking between two mating surfaces. Pre-cut gaskets are available in specific shapes and sizes, but a gasket strip is more versatile. They usually come in rolls so the user can cut and shape the strips in the best way for use. Gaskets come in many materials, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nitrile rubber, silicone, cork, copper, and plastic polymers. Copper gasket is thin and works well for mating surfaces where the recess between the two is small, while cork gasket is slightly thicker but also works to block the flow of fluids between mating surfaces.
While many vehicles utilize combustion engines which consume fuel to produce energy, different transmission systems exist to successfully transfer this energy throughout a vehicle to power moving parts. Among the most popular used today are automatic transmission systems, those of which require a torque converter to convey energy, unlike manual transmission systems, which necessitate the use of a clutch pedal to change a vehicle’s transmission without stalling the engine. In this blog, to better understand the purpose and function of torque converters, we will dive into how they function, and the reasoning behind their specific implementation in automatic transmission systems.
Fasteners are hardware components found in countless industries and applications, serving to establish connections between components to create assemblies or secure items to surfaces. Fasteners come in many different forms to accommodate varying applications, and each range in their complexity. The quarter-turn fastener, also known as the Dzus fastener, is a more complex component, featuring a 90-degree turn for installation that ensures security.
Adhesives are important substances that are used in countless applications, allowing for the surfaces of items to be bound together with ample resistance, all without the need for fasteners, drilled holes, or other more intrusive methods. While the adhesives that many may be familiar with are simplistic types that are used for more DIY projects, there are instances in which very powerful adhesives are needed. Araldite is one example of a more specialized adhesive, which may come in the form of a structural epoxy, acrylic, or polyurethane adhesive. Araldite finds use in numerous applications, assisting in the production of aircraft, buildings, body armor, and many more products. With Araldite’s powerful ability to benefit various manufacturing, construction, and scientific processes, it can be highly beneficial to familiarize yourself with it.
When discussing the cockpit of aircraft, a canopy refers to a type of transparent enclosure that may be present on various models. Depending on the type of window canopy that is present on an aircraft, pilots and passengers may be provided an environment that is controlled and/or pressurized. The main advantage of the canopy is the greater field of view that is provided to the pilot, that of which far surpasses those of traditional flight deck designs. While maximizing the view that a pilot has of their surroundings, the windshield canopy is also specifically designed to promote optimal aerodynamic efficiency as well with reduced drag.
When one is working with equipment that requires drilling, it is always important to have the safest and most efficient drill bit types for the task at hand. Based on the industry and what pieces are being worked on, there are a few ways in which drill bits are designed and used. For drills used in the aerospace and aviation industry, such drill bits exhibit a long length, allowing them to drill holes that reach into deep cavities and thin materials. Constructed from high quality steel, such bits may be used for both manual and bench drills, and they are regularly found in factories and aircraft repair shops. With their high performance and optimal costs, it can be highly beneficial to familiarise yourself with such equipment to determine if it is a good choice for your needs.
A magneto is a self-contained electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic, high-voltage pulses in order to ignite the aircraft piston engine spark plugs. Like most other aircraft components, magnetos are available in varying types to suit a myriad of aircraft engine models. With this in mind, this blog will provide a brief overview of Bendix magnetos, a type of magneto that is recognized for having the hottest spark of them all.
Hydraulic systems are highly important for the operations of various machinery and vehicles, allowing for a great amount of force to be achieved efficiently and with ease. Hydraulic power and pressure is created through the use of hydraulic pump components, such equipment being capable of converting the electrical energy supplied from a motor into fluid pressure. As hydraulic pump components often face the most wear during operations, they can often degrade over time and begin to exhibit various issues. In order to prevent the chance of part or system failure, one should familiarize themselves with the common symptoms of hydraulic pump problems.
A gearbox is a type of contained gear train, housing a series of integrated gears that are capable of managing speed and torque between a driving device and a load. Gearboxes may use a variation of gear types to facilitate the operations of specific machinery, and common forms include bevel gears, planetary gears, worm gears, and much more. With the addition of shaft mounting and rotation made possible through the implementation of rolling element bearings, such devices are well capable of transferring energy. In this blog, we will discuss some of the main types of gearboxes that one may use, allowing you to better understand your options for power transfer applications.
The breakout of a fire within an aircraft can be a traumatic experience for anyone on board, also posing major safety risks. Depending on the aircraft's position, whether grounded or in flight, the only viable options in such circumstances include eliminating the source of the fire, fighting the fire directly, or getting on the ground and escaping the vehicle as soon as possible. As the ignition of a fire can occur anywhere within an aircraft, it is crucial that all vehicles come equipped with at least one, or multiple, fire extinguishers. Though aircraft vary in size, space is still limited and any breakout fire would need to be controlled as soon as possible to reduce damages to the vehicle and the potential likelihood of a fatal disaster. In flight, To mitigate the chance of a fire spreading throughout an aircraft, immediate intervention is crucial. By following in-flight guidelines for fire safety during the process of combating such situations, a fire extinguisher is a necessary component in all aircraft never to be overlooked.
Do you sense an impending engine overhaul? A common concern amongst many pilots, aircraft engineers, and aviation enthusiasts is the imminent failure of one's aircraft engine. No matter how much detailed maintenance or care is put into one's engine, parts inevitably wear down and can cause the entire system to malfunction. Not only is a complete engine overhaul financially taxing, it can also be time consuming and stressful to replace numerous parts, making the rebuilding process desirable to some.
A push button switch is a common switch type, allowing for a user to actuate a process upon depressing the button of an assembly. When a push button switch is activated, contacts will typically be held together so that electricity may flow. Such switch types are commonplace for many appliances and electronics found within homes and workplaces, and they may come in a large variety of types to accommodate different needs. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of some of the most common push button switch types, allowing you to find what is best for your particular requirements.
A stud bolt is a type of threaded rod that regularly features threading across the complete length of the bar. When paired with nuts, a stud bolt can act as an essential component for flanged joints so that they may be properly sealed. Depending on the need of the assembly or application, there are a variety of stud bolts and nuts that fall under various specifications which may be advantageous for assemblies. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of stud bolts that are used for flanges, assisting you in your search for the correct fit for your particular application.
Cable ties are fasteners used to bundle cables together to keep them organized and prevent damage. They come in a wide array of sizes, lengths, materials, etc. Their uses vary across a broad range of industries, but they are all effective means of managing cables. In this blog, we will discuss the types, materials, and applications of cable ties.
A processor is a chip or logical circuit that processes and responds to instructions to drive a computer. The main functions of a processor are fetching, decoding, executing, and writing back the operations of an instruction. Processors can be used in any system that incorporates computers, laptops, smartphones, embedded systems, and more. The two main components of a processor are the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and Control Unit (CU). The ALU performs the mathematical operations of the computer while the control unit operates like traffic control, managing the commands or operations of an instruction. The processor also communicates with other input/output devices and memory/storage devices. There are five types of general-purpose processors: microcontroller, microprocessor, embedded processor, digital signal processor (DSP), and media processor. This blog will analyze each type and its unique characteristics.
A compact flash card, or CF card, is a small memory card commonly used in camera systems. They are known for their speed, portability, and durability, which combine to make them a very popular option for both professional photographers and filmmakers. This blog will cover how to read a CF card, how CF cards work, and how they differ from SD (Secure Digital) cards.
While flight has radically changed our ability to traverse the world and reach new heights since its inception, the aviation industry is still in a stage of constant evolution. As the applications of aircraft continue to diversify and the demands of operations grow, the industry is always seeking ways in which technology and offerings can improve to accommodate rising needs. Whether an aircraft is a standard commercial airliner or a military transportation jet, all aircraft may find a time in which they need quick access to special equipment, tools, and spare parts. Known as a fly away kit, such containers may come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate many parts and equipment sets.
Precise CNC (computer numerical control) machining is critical in ensuring that plastic aircraft parts are durable, reliable, and lightweight. Whether its humidity, corrosion, rapid temperature and pressure changes, or other, aircraft are constantly subjected to harsh environments. As such, their parts must be up for a challenge. Precision machining is critical for all aircraft parts, but some need it more than others. For an aircraft to be in top shape, all parts must be functioning as intended. A single flawed or damaged part can affect the entire system. In this blog, we will discuss the six areas where precision is most important: the engine, avionics, sensors, airframe, connectors, and seating.
In the aircraft construction and repair industry, aircraft fasteners are used to assemble every part of an aircraft, ranging from detailed parts that make up assemblies, which make up installations, and finally make up an entire aircraft. On the Boeing 747, there are over six million total parts, more than half of which are fasteners. Fasteners are used to connect components together in primary structural areas, secondary structures, pressurized and non-pressurized applications, and to transfer loads from one part to another in both production and repair applications.
A microprocessor is a type of computer processor, allowing for the central processing of the computer to be conducted on a single integrated circuit. Despite their small size, a microprocessor is composed of millions of transistors, resistors, and diodes, allowing the component to undertake the binary operations of the system based on instructions stored in computer memory. In this blog, we will discuss various types of microprocessors available, as well as each of their applications and functions.
To put it simply, a bearing refers to an equipment component that is utilized to control the movement and limit the friction of a mobilizing part. It reduces relative movement to limit the load placed on the machinery. True to its name (as the term “bearing” is a meld of the words “to bear”) the bearing certainly does bear many components in modern machinery. For a more detailed look at the many different bearing parts, you can read the article below and learn about the variety of options you may find in the bearing market, including but not limited to plain bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, fluid bearings and magnetic bearings.
When operating an aircraft engine, an immense amount of internal heat is generated, sometimes even reaching temperatures around 2,000 degrees Celsius in certain engines. This is due to the process of fuel combustion that many engines utilize for producing propulsion. With such fuel ignition and heat generation, engines and their surrounding components can heat up very quickly, leading to damage if left unchecked. To mitigate this heat and cool down the engine to acceptable temperature limits, various aircraft cooling systems are in place. In this blog, we will discuss the various aircraft cooling systems that benefit different aircraft, and how they provide for temperature reduction.
To operate heavy, flight-pertinent machinery such as landing gear and main steam system valves, aircraft rely on the hydraulic system. With a hydraulic system, a small volume of fluids may be utilized to transfer high amounts of pressure and force. This is due to the incompressibility of fluids, allowing for force to be equally transferred throughout the fluid as according to Pascal’s law of hydraulics. For hydraulics to be successfully operated, they require the use of aircraft actuators.
Aircraft bolts are a type of fastener that is widely used across the assembly of an aircraft. Fasteners are a type of hardware that allow for two or more components to be secured together either non-permanently or permanently, and they are greatly utilized for aircraft construction. Aircraft fasteners such as the bolt are used in areas where there is a need for high strength that typical screws cannot fulfill. Depending on the application and need, different types of aircraft bolts with varying properties may be used. In this blog, we will discuss some of the main bolt types that are used for aircraft assembly.
A washer is a thin plate with a central hole used to distribute the pressure load between two attached surfaces. They are often used with nuts, bolts, or other fasteners to prevent them from being driven into the material of the surfaces to which they are affixed. General wear and tear from vibration and friction often causes standard threaded fasteners to loosen over time, but the lock washer is designed to resist this. This blog will explain how lock washers work, their types, and how to use them.
A USB flash drive is a type of data storage device that is most often removeable, portable, and features the capability of being rewritten for continued reuse. They are often very small and light in design, making them very portable and suitable for storing, back-up, and transferring of data. What makes USB as a platform so useful for data storage is that all operating systems (OS) and BIOS nowadays support USB flash drives. With the adoption of USB technology by all major systems and manufacturers, these data storage devices have also faced constant improvement of speed to make reading and writing much quicker.
With the constant advancement of aircraft technology and global strive for a reduction in the aerospace carbon footprint, the aircraft actuator market is facing a rise in demand. Actuators are simply a component in which an action, movement, or other control can be conducted after given an operating signal. These operating signals can be given via voltage, hydraulics, pneumatics, or by manual human power. From landing gear to aircraft flaps, actuators are vital to a number of flight pertinent operations, and this number will only continue to rise.
The first half of the equation of flight has to do with three factors: lift, force and gravity. To dive into these factors, we need to look into the physics of airplane flight and Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The main key here is balance. To achieve flight we must first create forward thrust and lift to generate air pressure beneath the wings that will, in turn, lift the plane. This lift must create an imbalance where there is more lift or force upward than there is gravity pushing downward. Airplane wings are shaped with an angle of attack that maximises the amount of air hitting the bottom of the wing. Too much tilt and the airflow around the wings becomes too choppy and irregular and a plane fails to sustain lift and fly correctly. A 15 degree tilt tends to be the maximum sustainable angle for aerodynamic flight.
From directional control to changes in altitude, an aircraft autopilot system can control many aspects of the flight, aiding the pilot when necessary, as well as making the trek smooth and efficient. Some may be surprised to know that aircraft can even control and execute a landing, though it is very uncommon. Less than 1 in 100 commercial airliner flights are ever landed through autopilot, and it is often reserved for times where visibility is extremely poor. Nevertheless, it is something that many planes are capable of doing, and it can be a very smooth and safe operation due to the expertise of pilots. In this article, we will discuss how autopilot is able to conduct landings by itself.
As aircraft burn large quantities of fuel during flight, the engines generate an intense amount of heat that spreads to the surrounding components. While half of this heat is flushed out as exhaust, the other half remains absorbed by the engine, posing a problem that could lead to damage of parts or even failure of the system as a whole. To mitigate this issue, aircraft utilize lubricant cooling systems to reduce the heat of the engine and its surrounding parts.
Aircraft come in many different shapes, sizes, functions, and applications. Because of this, varying materials are used depending on the plane’s performance needs. Early aircraft such as the Wright Flyer were built with wood and fabric. The aircraft frame was constructed with spruce and ash and much of the surface was covered with muslin, a plain cotton fabric. Modern aircraft are made from metal or composites like carbon-fiber and fiberglass, or a combination of these. Here is a rundown of some of the materials used in aircraft today.
Integrated circuits are one of the most important technological innovations of the 20th century. Consisting of interconnected transistors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, and more all contained on a thin slice of material (typically silicon), integrated circuits are the basis for modern electronics.
Memory is the computer hardware integrated circuits that store information for immediate use in a computer. Memory is distinct from the hard drive because it allows the CPU to immediately access the data it needs. Most forms of memory are temporary, they do not save data permanently.
Operating an aircraft’s engine at excessively high temperatures is dangerous. Outside of the correct temperature range, an engine can lose power and suffer damage such as scoring on the cylinder walls and burning or warping in the valves. Therefore, maintaining optimal temperatures is a central part of ensuring healthy engine operations in an aircraft.
As a plane descends and prepares for landing, it conjures an incredible amount of force around it. Planes are typically traveling at about 200 miles per hour when touching down on the runway; thus, they require a superb braking system. Even when idle, thrust is produced and travels forward as it acts against the deceleration systems. The braking system on aircraft are sufficient enough to stop most aircraft, yet in case of emergency, another deceleration method is needed for safety purposes and to prolong the longevity of the brakes.
The average passenger aircraft has upwards of 1,000 various aircraft cable bundles installed within its structure. The wiring and cable assemblies serve integral tasks including flight control, data bus, fireproof redundancy, and more. Two of those cable systems that are imperative to avionics are flight control cables and data bus cables.
Aircraft engines create an immense amount of heat throughout their flight hours. High temperatures necessitate the presence of cooling instruments. An important member of these components is the cowl flap. Dare I reference the Star Wars prequels, an activated cowl flap resembles a mini version of the walkway extended from Padme’s J-type Star Skiff ship in the last scene of Revenge of the Sith. Though a cowl flap doesn’t sound as flashy, the lowering mechanism works almost identically, and is a valuable cooling component.
Aviation is all about safety. And, the number one approach the aviation industry has taken to ensure safety is redundancy. The more warning systems and safety nets, the better. One of these systems are the annunciators. Annunciators relay, or “announce”, vital information to the operator or systems monitor. Annunciators are a system of alarms, both visual and audible. They display the immediate condition of equipment. Annunciators devices are used in various industries including the aviation, maritime, and industrial industries. But, they’re the most common in aviation
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