Aerospace, Aviation and Connectors Blog - page 2

Valves are common devices found in various applications involving the movement of fluids or materials, capable of managing flow and direction. Depending on the needs of a particular application, there are a variety of valve subtypes that one may take advantage of, each featuring different elements and capabilities. In the realm of aviation, solenoid valves are a common feature of aircraft, and they are electromechanically operated devices. With a solenoid valve, one can shut off, dose, distribute, or mix fluids through electromechanical operation, making them highly reliable, safe, and optimal for more remote operations. In this blog, we will discuss how solenoid valves work and how they are used in aircraft. Read more >>

As modern aircraft move away from mechanical systems powered by hydraulics and pneumatics, we are seeing a huge shift toward electrical power distribution systems due to the benefits they provide. Nonetheless, no system can be widely adopted without being proven safe, reliable, and durable. To better understand why electrical power distribution systems are being used on aircraft today, we will provide an overview of such systems and how they operate. Read more >>

When discussing IT hardware and electronics, a circuit card assembly (CCA) is an apparatus that comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) with various components already attached. Circuit card assemblies are found in many applications, supporting the operations of smartphones, cars, and countless other systems that we commonly rely on in the modern age. While a circuit card assembly is quite advanced, it remains very compact for the benefit of downsizing assemblies. In this blog, we will discuss the manufacturing process of circuit card assemblies, allowing you to better understand how such technology is produced. Read more >>

While bearings are critical components in vital aviation systems, they account for about 51% of all electric motor failures. They play the important roles of guiding and constraining motion, reducing friction, and providing support, so failure(s) can occur in many forms and have various detrimental effects. Failures vary by bearing type and function, but typically include normal wear and tear, lubrication issues, contamination, or electrical damage that affects bearing surfaces. As many of these issues are preventable, this blog will further explore the different types of sleeve bearings, their applications, and how to avoid bearing failure through repairs and routine maintenance. Read more >>

When electric machinery runs, it generates heat, which in turn requires regulation through a cooling system. In aircraft, machinery like generators are frequently managed with oil spray cooling; however, this technique demands large amounts of oil and causes excessive rotor friction, that of which lessens efficiency. For this reason, this blog will explore alternative cooling approaches and their benefits for aviation applications. A major concern when seeking cooling technologies for high power density machines in aircraft is the weight they will add to the system, so low-weight methods like direct slot cooling (DSC) have become promising approaches. Read more >>

When considering the purchase of a new aircraft, it is critical to appraise the safety profile and service history of the vessel in question. In addition to the obvious need to protect the flight crew and passengers, having a clear understanding of past issues may be a good predictor of future costs. While it is easy to get lured into a purchase based on the price, performance, and size of the jet, none of these variables are as seminal as the expected price of upkeep. In this blog, we will discuss what factors one should consider when evaluating an aircraft for sale.  Read more >>

During flight, it is very important for an aircraft to remain straight, level, and in a constant velocity, as this means all forces which are acting on the aircraft are keeping it in a state of equilibrium. If this equilibrium is deterred by things like turbulence, the pilot might lose complete control, resulting in the plane yawing left or right, pitching up or down, or going into a roll. However, if an airplane has stability, it will return to its state of equilibrium once turbulence or any other form of disturbance goes away.  Read more >>

Of the four forces acting on an aircraft during flight, lift is generally given the most attention, both in aircraft design and engineering discussions. In fact, every external surface of the plane generates lift in varying degrees, with the wings accounting for the highest production. Without lift, the aircraft would never be able to leave the ground, and when this mechanical force is compromised during flight, the results can prove to be catastrophic. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about lift and how it affects flight. Read more >>

Landing gear is a crucial element of aircraft, allowing them to safely touchdown on a surface at the end of a flight operation. Depending on the type of aircraft, its weight, and general application, the configuration of landing gear may differ greatly from model to model. The tailwheel-type assembly, or simply tailwheel assembly, is a common configuration in which three wheels are placed across the bottom of the fuselage. As a unique type of design when compared to other options, it can be beneficial to have a general understanding of the tailwheel assembly and its various advantages over other counterparts for certain types of aircraft. Read more >>

Fasteners are components that allow for the permanent or temporary assembly of parts, and they come in many different types, shapes, and sizes to accommodate varying needs. For aircraft construction and maintenance in particular, a number of fasteners are used, all of which are built to meet the quality standards and performance requirements necessary to excel under harsh conditions that are typical during flight. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common types of aerospace fasteners that are used on an aircraft, as well as the most common materials they are made out of. Read more >>

As the aviation industry continues to grow across the globe with an increase of commercial flights, cargo services, and more, the demand for spare aircraft parts is also on the rise. Many aircraft are designed to be in continuous use, downtime often being minimized as much as feasible to maintain revenue and tight scheduling. Nevertheless, aircraft are machines like all others, thus necessitating the eventual repair and replacement of parts as a result of aging, wear, and other factors. For safety and adherence to various regulations, aircraft are subject to routine checks and maintenance procedures that are carried out at set intervals. To meet airworthiness standards while ensuring that scheduling is upheld, it is paramount that spare parts can quickly and efficiently be procured so that they are on hand when needed. Read more >>

A magneto is a self-contained generator that produces high-voltage electricity to fire an aircraft engine's spark plugs. It functions independently of the battery or electrical system, so although there are modern replacements like electronic ignition systems, magnetos are still a highly dependable ignition source for piston-powered aircraft, especially in emergency scenarios. However, they are still prone to damage and failure, so this blog will cover some common faults that may arise and troubleshooting techniques to ensure continued engine performance. Read more >>