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Internal combustion engines, the mechanical hearts of a myriad of vehicles, are intricate systems comprising various components working in unison to generate power. Each engine part plays a specific role, contributing to the overall functionality and efficiency of the engine. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the functions of key engine components, from cylinder blocks to turbochargers.

Aircraft landing gear, an essential component of any aircraft, plays a crucial role in ensuring safe takeoffs and landings. This complex system is designed to support the aircraft's weight on the ground, absorb shock during landing, and provide maneuverability on the runway. While the basic purpose of all assemblies remains the same, there are various types of landing gear systems designed to cater to different aircraft needs. In this blog, we will delve into the subject of landing gear components, exploring the diverse types of landing gear systems used in the aviation industry.

Alternators are key components in an aircraft that help power the electronics onboard. Rather than working independently, most alternators function alongside different control systems that ensure that the device is working effectively. All of these devices, including the constant speed drive (CSD), hydraulic transmission, bus power control unit (BPCU), and the generator control unit (GCU), will be discussed in this blog along with a general description of the alternators they support.

When one is working with an electrical circuit, it is important that various parameters can be measured as needed to ensure that everything is functioning as intended. Generally, some of the most important parameters that one will monitor are potential difference, current, and resistance; these values can be determined through the use of specialized instruments and tools. Voltmeters and multimeters are two instruments relied on by many electricians to conduct their readings, and while both tools have some overlapping features, it is important to understand the functionality of each to determine when it is best to use one or the other.

On any commercial flight, windows are always sealed and often equipped with an additional layer of plexiglass for extra protection. In the case of a fire, where clearing smoke out of the cabin seems essential, the windows remain closed. Keeping the windows closed on aircraft protects passengers and aircrew from the wind and noise produced from cruising at 600 miles-per-hour.

Without rotors, helicopters cannot achieve flight. In fact, helicopters necessitate two rotors, though the configuration of those two rotors varies. Today, helicopters benefit from two different designs, those of which are single rotor and coaxial rotor variations. The single rotor design is the most common, but its name is deceiving. Single rotor helicopters actually have two rotors, but one of them is located on the tail. Coaxial rotor helicopters, on the other hand, do not have a tail rotor. Instead, they have two main rotors that lift the aircraft and steer as well.

In a contained system, pressure can be defined as a value against absolute or atmospheric pressure, and can also be quantified as the differential value between the applied forces of 2 distinct points. As such, a differential pressure (DP) transmitter is an instrument used for measuring the differential value between two distinct points in a vessel or a pipe.

When inspecting the AC input side of a power supply circuit, you may notice the presence of a small, orange or blue-colored component that is circular. This part is known as a metal-oxide varistor (MOV), that of which is the most common varistor found in circuit assemblies. Varistors are used for protection against excessive transient voltages or for achieving optimal operating conditions, and the metal-oxide varistor is one that can adjust its resistance in accordance with the voltage applied across. Metal-oxide varistors are typically used together with fuses for the protection of circuits against voltage spikes. To help you better understand such components and find the right fit for your needs, we will discuss metal oxide varistors and their design in more detail.

 An aircraft’s landing gear is a complex system of structural members, hydraulics, energy absorption components, wheels, and tires that either extend or retract upon landing or takeoff. Of all its components, it is the structural members that support the weight of the aircraft and withstand the heavy landing loads. Landing gear is available in varying designs, each of which has different weight, volume, and performance requirements. With this in mind, this blog will provide a brief overview of landing gear.

Motor starters are electro-mechanical devices that start or stop electric motors through the use of manual or automatic switches, and offer overload protection to motor circuits. Moreover, they are usually utilized in cases where electric motors are operated over a certain horsepower.

A threaded insert, or threaded bushing, is a fastener component that may be installed in the surface of a component for the means of establishing a threaded hole. While threaded inserts may commonly be used for threaded hole repair, they may also increase the durability of softer materials, enable holes to be established in thin materials, avoid machining requirements, or be used to shift between unified and metric threads. In order to optimally install such components, a tool known as a threaded insert riveter is commonly used.

While there are various aircraft that may be unpressurized, the majority of commercial airliners and business aircraft will utilize a pressurization system for the benefit of passengers and crew members. At the high altitudes that many aircraft operate at, the presence of low air pressure can result in insufficient oxygen density that is hazardous to individuals. While an oxygen tank may be used to combat this, such solutions are not efficient for aircraft in which many individuals are aboard. As such, the pressurization control system is implemented for numerous aircraft in order to protect all individuals from hypoxia.

For aircraft to achieve heavier-than-air flight and provide the benefits of rapid global travel, they harness the forces of aerodynamics. By manipulating airflow with various structures and surfaces, a sufficient amount of lift can be created under the wings to allow the aircraft to ascend and glide. With flight control surfaces known as flaps, pilots can further manipulate the aerodynamic forces exerted on the aircraft, allowing them to increase lift as needed. While the use of flaps may vary by aircraft, they typically allow for operations to be conducted at lower speeds and distances than would be needed without them.

In many civilian and military aircraft, having an oxygen system is critical for the safety and well-being of all on board. This is due to the extreme altitudes and conditions that aircraft often operate in where oxygen levels and temperatures can be dangerously low. To ensure the safety and comfort of all, many aircraft utilize pressurized cabins and supply oxygen in order to provide an environment that is closer to sea level. In this blog, we will discuss the various methods in which oxygen is supplied to passengers and pilots across various applications and aircraft types.