Tuesday, 3 July 2018

A General Guide On Aircraft Engine Accessories

By Paul Robinson


The engine plays the biggest role in flying of planes. It converts the chemical energy in the fuel into mechanical energy or motion. In simple terms, it pushes the plane forward during flight. The wings are responsible for providing lift and controlling the flight path. Gravity and friction are the natural forces that usually oppose flight. The following is an outline of aircraft engine accessories.

There are several types of engines based on the mode of operation. Each type has its advantages and limits which apply to different situations. The most common types are the turbojet and turboprop engines. They fall under reaction engines. Another category is the piston engines. They are similar to the automotive engines but were replaced due to their weight issues.

The motivation has been the desire to fly planes at much higher altitudes which means covering larger distances. The fuel use has also been significantly improved. Latest advancements include the ramjets and the electric aircraft engine. Research is still being done as there are no limits in the design and production of better parts and accessories.

A basic jet power source functions by sucking in air and compressing it. The result is a sharp increase in temperature and pressure. This air is mixed with the fuel in the carburetor in specified ratios. This mixture is ignited by spark plugs or other sources in the combustion chambers. Upon ignition, there is a sudden explosion that produces hot gases with immense pressures. The nozzle at the end of the power source converts the flowing energy into thrust force.

For helicopters and low altitude planes, turboprops are more suitable. For high altitude aircraft, turbojets are the best option. A turboprop has rotors mounted on the main drive shaft. Much of the power from the combustion zone is used to power these rotors. For a turbojet, the forward motion is produced at the nozzle, and much of the exhaust power is used there. Its advantage is the resulting streamline flow that generates higher flight speeds.

The first zone, namely the compressors, is where air from the atmosphere is drawn in. It is then compressed using a multistage compressor that is made of rotating blades mounted on the axial shaft. A duct at the entrance ensures smooth air flow. The compressors receive power from the turbines through the axial shaft. The compressed air is passed to the combustors where it is mixed with fuel and ignited continuously and passed to the turbines.

The carburettor is where compressed air is combined with the fuel awaiting ignition. Other parts like the injectors, burners, fuel pumps, tappets and sensors assist in the smooth operation of the combustion process. The next stage is the expansion process. The hot gases are allowed to expand in the turbines and released to the atmosphere at the nozzle point. Manifolds, conduits, afterburners and the nozzle, are some of the significant components found in this region.

These accessories are classified into the following categories. These are the alternator, carburetor, controllers, engine mounts, fuel system, ignition kits, filters and drain systems, starters, spark plugs, turbochargers and pumps.




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