Aerospace Sphere Blog

Be it a piston engine or a gas turbine, the reliability and efficiency of an aircraft's engine can greatly depend on the oil used in it. Engine oil serves several essential functions, ranging from lubricating moving parts to cooling and protecting them against corrosion. The proper selection and maintenance of engine oil are crucial aspects for upholding aircraft performance and longevity, so for help in considering the most suitable one for your needs, read on as we explore the various types used in aviation and their specific applications.

Oil is a necessary tool that aids in the proper function of aircraft; therefore, oil storage components are also required at every step of the way. These components encompass a variety of parts such as oil tanks, filters, pumps, pressure gauges, and sampling mechanisms. Understanding their various types and individual purposes is integral to ultimately ensuring optimal engine performance and safety during flight operations. In this blog, we will delve into various oil storage component types and explore standard maintenance practices that keep them–and by extension, aircraft–running smoothly.

When it comes to power transmission in the world of machinery and automation, pumps play a pivotal role. They serve as the heart of systems that generate motion and force, making them an essential component in various industries. Pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric pumps are the three primary types used for different applications, each having its own unique characteristics and advantages. In this blog, we will delve into the key differences between these pumps, shedding light on their functions and applications.

In the world of modern automobiles and aircraft, fuel injection systems have become the norm, replacing and superseding traditional carburetors of the past. As a crucial component in many engines, they are responsible for delivering the right amount of fuel to combustion chambers for power production. In this blog, we will explore the intricacies of a typical fuel injection system, discussing its components, functionality, and the benefits it offers over carburetors.

In a reciprocating aircraft engine, connecting rods are built to transmit thrust to the crank to turn the crankshaft. These devices must be strong enough to maintain rigidity under a heavy load, yet light enough to lower the inertia forces produced when the rod and piston stop, change direction, and start again at the end of each stroke. There are three different types of connecting-rod assemblies, including plain, fork and blade, and master and articulated types, each of which will be discussed in the following blog.

As airplanes are made up of thousands of parts, some of which need to be joined together to form larger structures, countless fasteners can be found in various areas of an aircraft. Apart from conventional fasteners like bolts, washers, and nuts, many planes also feature non-traditional fasteners like nutplates.

Tape is a useful form of adhesive, finding use in applications ranging from personal hobby projects to industrial assemblies. Additionally, the usage of tape has seen consistent diversification and growth over the years as more uses are discovered all the time. As compared to more conventional fastening solutions, adhesive tape presents a simple and low cost solution that may be very beneficial for a number of applications and industries. In this blog, we will discuss the various advantages that adhesive tape presents, as well as the considerations one should make when carrying out purchasing, ensuring that you can find the best solutions for your projects.

DC generators are equipment that may be found in a number of settings where mechanical energy needs to be transformed into electrical energy for operating various systems and components. With a variety of types with differing capabilities, DC generators may be used for lighting, battery charging, alternator excitation, small power supply needs, and so much more. Despite there being a number of DC generators on the market, all will follow the same basic set of operations that are made possible through a common collection of parts. For you to better understand how DC generators work, we will provide a brief overview of their makeup.

The need to mitigate system noise in analog and digital devices is paramount. The desire for technology that has speedy interfaces and exhibits lower power consumption has created a generation of devices that are sensitive to disturbances from power and signal lines. A decoupling capacitor or bypass capacitor in a circuit is the solution for such issues as they provide high transient current to an IC and reduce power ripples. That being said, they are often found alongside the power pins of an integrated circuit (IC).

In the aircraft industry, Cessna is a well-known name for its reliable production of general aviation aircraft. A brand of aircraft produced by Textron Aviation, Cessna vehicles are generally small, single-engine planes ranging from $2000 to $5000. Moreover, with several models on the market, customers can choose from a variety of easy-to-maintain, easy-to-fly aircraft. This blog will cover everything you need to know about Cessnas before your purchase, as there are variations among the different models that make each design beneficial for different circumstances.

Aircraft brakes are critical for safe landings and takeoffs, and they work by using friction to slow down or stop the plane. The brake assemblies are made up of a series of pads, shoes, and discs located on the wheels. When the pilot wants to slow down or stop the plane, they will apply pressure to the brakes, which causes the pads and shoes to press against the discs. This creates friction, slowing down the wheels and eventually stopping the plane. Aircraft brakes are designed to withstand high temperatures and heavy use, making them an essential safety feature on any aircraft. In addition, they are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, ensuring that the plane can stop safely in any situation. In addition to the brake assemblies situated on the wheels, there are other various systems that aid in slowing an aircraft, and having a basic familiarity with the most common types is beneficial for any current or prospective pilot.

Aircraft jacks are critical tools that aid in the inspection and routine maintenance of aircraft. Their primary function includes fully or partially lifting the aircraft off the ground in order to carry out assessments on the tires, wheel housings, landing gear, and more. As they are tasked with such important operations, aircraft jacks should be properly inspected and used according to established procedures.

Aircraft, just like any other complex metal system, are susceptible to corrosion. As parts of aircraft are also made up of various types of metals, aircraft corrosion is inevitable. Corrosion does not just affect the plane's appearance, but also its performance and its subsequent reliability as well. In this blog, we will discuss what aircraft corrosion is and the different types one may face.

A nut is a common fastener used for numerous assemblies, typically being paired with a bolt for securing two or more parts together. While able to hold onto a bolt with their internal threading, nuts may loosen over time if exposed to vibration or torque. In instances where fasteners are at risk of becoming loose, a special nut known as a lock nut will commonly be implemented. Coming in a variety of types, lock nuts are special components that resist loosening under vibration and toque with the use of friction or positive locking devices.

Across all the common components of an aircraft, cabin lighting is an extremely important aspect of flight that is not always given the credit it deserves. From enabling sight in low light conditions for safely traversing a cabin to providing comfort to passengers and crew members alike, there are many ways in which interior lighting can benefit flight operations. As LED lighting systems in particular continue to become widespread and dominate the lighting market, many airliners and business jet owners have begun revamping their aircraft with improved interiors for the benefit of all on board.

The fuel system of an aircraft is paramount for its standard operation, ensuring that fuel is pressurized, transferred, mixed with air, and optimally combusted for the means of thrust generation. While the makeup of a fuel system may vary depending upon the size, shape, and application of a particular aircraft, there are some common components and elements that may be found in most types. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of the primary fuel system components found in most aircraft, allowing you to better understand their functionalities and uses.

Solenoid valves are used to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and cause a magnetic response. The solenoid activates when an electrical current travels through the wire coil. Once activated, solenoids in hydraulic and pneumatic valves control the flow of fluid when a fluid power system is in motion. There are many different types of solenoid valves, though direct-acting and pilot-operated are the two main categories. In this blog, we will discuss the many types and configurations of solenoid valves. 

A bearing is a device used to help machines and objects rotate. Bearings commonly consist of a housing unit with a hole that supports the shaft of a machine or object. The shaft is placed in the bearing’s hole where it can easily rotate. Consequently, this reduces wear and tear on the connected machines and objects. While bearings of all types consist of a housing unit that supports a machine or object’s shaft, there is a wide range of bearing types. In this blog, we will discuss one such type: the pillow block bearing.

A gear is a rotating machine element used to transmit torque from one shaft to another via the teeth machined into the gear. Gears mesh with gears of similar teeth profiles, allowing for the transmission of power from a driving shaft to the driven one. Gears carry out a broad range of functions and therefore come in many types. In this blog, we will cover five of the most common types of gears and their characteristics.

When aircraft are operating in extreme altitudes exceeding 30,000 feet, the surrounding atmosphere can easily reach temperatures well below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. As such temperatures are far from comfortable or safe for travel, many aircraft will utilize various heating systems in order to maintain optimal environmental temperatures. With a variety of aircraft types differing in their construction, pressurization, and more, multiple aircraft heating systems may be present across models, each with their unique operations and benefits.

As the most widely implemented engine type for modern aircraft, the gas turbine is a type of continuous and internal combustion engine. While sharing some similar components, there are a few primary types of turbine engines that are commonly used, each offering unique characteristics and advantages that may benefit varying aircraft models. Turbojets, turboprops, turbofans, and turboshafts are all propulsion systems that cater to varying needs of aircraft and aviation, each serving as one of the most common forms of turbine engines.