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While the future of aircraft engines is moving towards a full realization of electric power, a majority of current models rely on internal combustion engines for the burning of fuel-and-air mixtures for propulsion generation. Turboprop engine and piston engine types are very common for a number of aircraft, both of which have overlapping flight regimes though still greatly vary in their design and capabilities. As two reliable options that make heavier-than-air flight possible, it can be useful to understand the various differences between each to see which is a better fit for your particular needs and applications.
Learn MoreDesigned to be lightweight and durable, the complex construction of aircraft allows passengers to travel vast distances in just a short amount of time. Coming in a variety of sizes, shapes, and types, all aircraft are composed of the same five basic components, those of which include the fuselage, wings, empennage, power plant, and landing gear. Without any of these given items, an aircraft would be incapable of flight and would remain grounded. In detail below, we will go over the five major components that make up an aircraft and how these parts allow the aircraft to achieve the flight capabilities that our modern society depends upon.
Learn MoreA relay is a type of electrically operated switch, and they are employed in electrical systems for the means of controlling a circuit with a low power signal or for managing several circuits with a single signal. Relays have been extensively used in technology since their inception, and many advanced types have come about over the years to provide unique advantages and characteristics. Electromechanical and solid-state relays are the two common classifications for relay components, and they both feature various differences and similarities that warrant their comparison.
Learn MoreThe vertical speed indicator (VSI) is one of the six pack instruments found in nearly every cockpit. The VSI displays an aircraft rate of climb or descent in hundreds of feet per second, gathering such measurements via a pitot-static system. The VSI may also be known as a variometer, vertical velocity indicator, and rate-of-climb indicator. When you look at each individual part, the VSI and its function are relatively easy to understand. There are just six main parts that comprise a VSI. In this blog, we will look at each part and how the device works.
Learn MoreGyroscopic instruments are an essential part of any aircraft, allowing for pilots to safely operate under Instrument Flight Rules and to generally be aware of various important flight conditions. Depending on the aircraft and its design, the power source that drives such instruments can vary. Regardless, it is crucial that any power source is capable of rotating the gyroscope at high speeds as that is how they are capable of operating efficiently. While there are numerous systems that can be used for gyroscopic instruments, common configurations include those that utilize vacuum systems, venturi tube systems, and engine-driven vacuum pumps.
Learn MoreWhether one is operating an aircraft with a turbine or reciprocating engine, excessive heat can prove very detrimental to the overall health and functionality of internal combustion engines. With consistent ignition of fuel and air mixtures and large amounts of extremely hot exhaust gases being forced through systems, cooling is crucial to avoid damaging parts or a complete engine failure. Through the use of air cooling, liquid cooling, heat exchangers, and other methods, aircraft engines can be protected and maintained over numerous flight operations.
Learn MoreWhen referring to deck machinery, one means the various systems and equipment that are present on a cargo ship. On a typical vessel, such machinery can encompass cargo handling equipment, mooring equipment, anchor handling equipment, emergency equipment, lifeboats, and much more. Depending on the particular deck machinery type and its use, a number of methods may be implemented to operate such apparatuses. In this blog, we will discuss some of the primary methods of powering and operating deck machinery, as well as safety tips for such equipment.
Learn MoreAs aircraft and their respective technologies have continued to advance and grow more complex, an increased amount of power has been needed to efficiently actuate systems and carry out normal operations. Through the use of pressurized fluids such as gases and liquids, power can be transferred throughout an enclosed system to overcome the physical limitations of a human pilot. As such, brakes, doors, landing gear, flight surfaces, and other assemblies may be operated without the sole reliance on pilot strength and mechanical systems. As one of the most popular methods of power transfer, pneumatic systems serve many aircraft for their operations due to their reliability and cost-efficiency.
Learn MoreFor vehicles, industrial settings, and even home appliances, vacuum pumps and air compressors are common apparatuses that manipulate gases for specific functionalities. Despite seeming similar in their implementation and operation, both devices are quite different in their varying uses. With vacuum pumps and air compressors serving well for the operation of vehicle brakes, air conditioners, gas station pumps, and other common day-to-day applications and devices, understanding the differences between the two can be very useful.
Learn MoreWhen operating aircraft in high altitudes in which air pressure is low, engines must be able to compress air in order to provide optimal combustion for propulsion. This is because oxygen is less dense in the air at higher altitudes, causing aircraft engines to function with lower performance than they would when closer to sea level. With an externally driven supercharger, commonly known as a turbosupercharger, the carburetor or control unit is supplied with compressed air for combustion. As a result, aircraft are able to reach better efficiency despite their surrounding atmospheric air pressure, and this allows them to operate at much higher altitudes without fail.
Learn MoreWithin the cockpit of an aircraft, a number of instruments and gauges are available for the pilot to be aware of the operating conditions of the aircraft, allowing them to safely pilot it. For an aircraft to be considered airworthy for certification, it must have a working airspeed indicator. The airspeed indicator, also known as an airspeed gauge, is a flight instrument that provides the speed of an aircraft in km/h, kn, MPH, or m/s. Airspeed indicators are crucial to the safe and efficient operation of an aircraft, and understanding their functionality is beneficial to anyone working with or aspiring to work with aircraft.
Learn MoreA shim is a thin, tapered or wedged piece of material used to fill small gaps or spaces within objects. They are commonly used to support, adjust for better fit, or provide a level fit. In many cases, shims are also used as spacers to fill gaps between parts subject to wear and tear. The material a shim is made from is known as shim stock. Common shim stock can be made from a variety of materials but is typically composed of wood, stone, plastic, metal, or even paper. Aerospace specific shims come from materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, titanium, and others.
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