Propellers have been integral components of an aircraft since the inception of flight. These devices provide thrust to the airplane and allow it to reach the necessary velocity to achieve and maintain lift. Although the operating mechanics behind propellers are easy to comprehend, there are still several nuances that must be considered to fully appreciate their role in aviation. 

Of the total ram airflow approaching the airborne engine nacelle, anywhere between 15% and 30% enters the cowling to cool the engine. Meanwhile, the remaining air flows over the exterior of the cowling; thus, the shape of the coil must be designed so that air can smoothly flow over with a minimum loss of energy. In many radial or horizontally-opposed engines, cowlings are specially-designed to operate according to specific installations. Nonetheless, all cooling systems are manufactured to operate in the same manner.

Since the advent of powered flight, many revolutionary engine types have come about, radically changing the capabilities of aircraft over the years. One of the most prominent advancements to flight came in the form of the introduction of gas turbine engines, those of which differ from reciprocating engines with separate sections devoted to separate roles of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. As gas turbine engines have been around for many decades, there are numerous types that have come about, each featuring slightly different design choices to support varying needs. 

Ball plungers are one of the most common forms of indexing plunger, capable of indexing and positioning elements within various applications. Ball plungers typically come in the form of a spring-enclosed shaft with a ball, the ball being a shallow part at the top of the component. As ball plungers can be very beneficial for various indexing and positioning needs.

Most modern vehicles, including aircraft, rely on fuel injectors to power their engines. These devices spray a mixture of air and fuel to be ignited in their combustion engines and can be driven either by springs or an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). As a key component in aircraft, it is important for pilots and engineers alike to understand how a fuel injector works to best maintain it. 

Centrifugal Pump

To increase an engine’s horsepower, manufacturers have devised forced induction systems called supercharger and turbosupercharger systems. These systems compress the intake air to increase its density. However, the key difference between each lies in their power supply. While a supercharger takes advantage of an engine-driven air pump or compressor, a turbocharger acquires its power from the exhaust stream that runs through a turbine which in turn spins the compressor. Aircraft equipped with such systems have a manifold pressure (MAP) gauge that displays MAP within the engine’s intake manifold.

A rotary valve is a device used to control the flow of fluids or gasses, and it consists of a disk with a series of ports or openings that can be opened or closed as the disk is rotated. Rotary valves are used in a variety of applications, including aircraft engines. In an aircraft engine, the rotary valve regulates the flow of air and fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. The rotary valve is opened and closed by a cam, which is turned by the engine's crankshaft. The rotary valve helps ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently by regulating the amount of air and fuel entering the combustion chamber. As a result, it plays an essential role in an aircraft engine's safe and reliable operation.

In the past few decades, the aviation industry has advanced dramatically and exponentially. With the evolution of our understanding of aerodynamics, the industry and aircraft engineers have continuously produced bigger and better aircraft. To support these enhanced, more sophisticated aircraft, the aerodynamic forces powering control surfaces have also advanced significantly. As a result, aircraft designers and engineers have developed robust, complex aircraft flight control systems that support flight.

First introduced in World War ll, aircraft hydraulic systems were a minor part of flight operations for a while. However, with their growing capabilities and advantages, this technology became a mandatory part of critical operations in planes, choppers, and military aircraft over time.