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.
Since the Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903, air travel has continuously been predicated on safety. One of the greatest contributing factors to the safety of an aircraft is the redundancy of its systems. While there are numerous components that play various roles in contributing to the reliability of an airplane, this blog will focus on the auxiliary power unit (APU).
Transistors are a semiconductor device that rose in prominence following World War II, rapidly replacing traditional vacuum tubes. As basic building blocks of modern electronics, transistors are capable of amplifying or switching electronic signals or power. Transistors may come in a few types, allowing for devices such as cellphones and personal computers to reach new heights in performance. In this blog, we will discuss the various advantages and benefits of transistors, allowing you to better understand why they are often used for the design of many electronics.
When attaching pipes, steam cylinders, and other various objects to one another, flanges are quite useful due to their ability to increase strength and contact areas for the benefit of attachment, inspections, and more. As a method for connecting parts, flanges come in the form of a lip, rim, or ridge that extends inwards or outwards from a component to aid in its assembly. As a feature found on items ranging from electrical connectors to aircraft components, it can be beneficial to have a general understanding of the design and use of flanges.
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.
Electronics and integrated circuits are typically sensitive components, requiring a constant voltage at a set value to efficiently operate without issue. As such, it is important that voltage is well managed within electrical systems so that each component may be properly powered. While a resistor may be used to control voltage, such components are dictated by the current flowing through them. As such, current may drop and voltage can spike, resulting in high amounts of damage. To better manage voltage without depending on load current, most electronics rely on a device known as a voltage regulator.
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