When building a high-performance engine, valve trains are critical components to consider. In an internal combustion engine, a valve train serves as the mechanical system that controls the operation of the intake and exhaust valves. Though the primary function of a valve train is to control the opening and closing of valves, it also controls the flow of air and fuel that enters and leaves the combustion chamber.
Aircraft refueling and defueling are two different operations, but are essential processes for maintaining a plane. The first process of loading aviation fuel into the plane’s tank for the flight is known as ‘refueling’. On the other hand, defueling refers to a method of extracting fuel from an aircraft and is a job split between the airline and fuel supplier operator.
While equipment such as fans, blowers, and compressors may share similar characteristics, their distinct functions make them suitable for specific applications throughout various industries depending on their classification. Each coming with its own unique subset of types, fans, blowers, and compressors all belong to the turbomachinery family, operating on the fundamental means of mechanical engineering to produce devices which transfer energy between a rotor and a fluid. As turbomachinery is dependent on whether the equipment will extract or add energy, it is imperative that one understands when and where such products are necessary. To better understand how each of these components are applied to contribute a functional purpose, we will be briefly going over fans, blowers, compressors, and where they are typically applied.
Carbon composition resistors (CCR) are fixed value resistors. These resistors are composed of fine carbon particles that are mixed with a binder such as clay and are usually baked to achieve a solid form. Today, CCRs are found in circuits and are made by the deposition of a metal or carbon film over a ceramic carrier.
A type of device that acts as a control mechanism, Aircraft Landings are common within the aviation industry. When implemented on aircraft, actuators are often used to adjust flight control surfaces and landing gear, position engine inlet guide vanes and thrust reversers, and control bay doors. Requiring an initial control signal and source of energy to remain functionally operable, actuation systems can use various forms of energy to conduct their processes. As such, they are a necessary part of an assembly's overall control system, capable of utilizing various means of feedback and input. Whether initiated through the use of human intervention, mechanical functions, electricity, or various other means, the operational range of an actuator type depends on its intended usage and size. To better understand the basics of such components, we will delve into the various types of actuators and why you should always consider integrating one that is compatible with any intended system.
In their most basic form, aircraft are vehicles capable of defying the force of gravity with the support of lift or through the use of thrust generated by jet engines. Coming in many shapes, sizes, and forms, the two most common categorizations that separate many aircraft types are whether they are fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft. With each category of aircraft presenting varying airframe structural components, flight capabilities, and common applications, it can be useful to have an understanding of the main differences between each.
Automation is rapidly changing how numerous industries operate, replacing manual processes with quick and enhanced automated systems that can bring about increased efficiency, quality, and safety. The aviation industry is no different, and automation seeks to revolutionize processes ranging from passenger handling and flight planning to the actual control of the aircraft itself. As automation is quickly expanding throughout the aviation sector, it can be highly beneficial to understand its current use and future projections.
A rolling element bearing is a type of bearing used to ensure smooth and efficient operation in machines with rotary motion such as car automobile wheels, engines, turbines, medical equipment, and more. A ball bearing is a type of rolling element bearing that, while facilitating motion, serves three main functions: carrying loads, reducing friction, and positioning moving machine parts. Ball bearings use balls to separate races, reducing surface contact and friction across moving planes. The rotation of the balls creates far less friction than two flat surfaces rubbing against each other. However, because there is less surface contact, ball bearings typically have a lower load capacity than other rolling element bearings of similar sizes.
Within the realm of electronics, the advent and development of fiber optics has rapidly begun to increase our capabilities within many industries and applications. As a flexible fiber that is only slightly thicker than a single human hair, fiber optic material components allow for the transmission of data through light signals. From communication to power transmission, fiber optic devices have proved to hold many major benefits such as low signal loss, higher bandwidths, and farther distance travel as compared to conventional electrical wiring. Due to their rapid expansion into various sectors, understanding the material makeup of fiber optics can help you better understand how they function and the various roles that they can serve.
As aircraft become ever more electrically powered from the increased presence of electronics to the advent of hybrid propulsion systems, a great number of Electrical Connectors are needed for establishing the circuits needed for transferring power. With a large cable assembly present in many aircraft for powering flight critical instruments and systems, protecting such cables is extremely important. While many may take actions to ensure cables are not bent or damaged, an extremely important section of the cable that is often overlooked is the electrical connector and its backshell.