Rivets are fasteners that help join two or more pieces of material, providing the necessary strength for an aircraft’s structure. Given the high demands placed on airplanes, rivets used in the aviation industry must meet strict standards for safety. In this blog, we will explore the most common types of aircraft rivets, their characteristics, and how they are utilized in different applications.

Rivets and clevis pins are both essential fasteners in various industries, and understanding each of their unique purposes and differences is crucial for selecting the right component for specific applications. In this blog, we will delve into what rivets and clevis pins are, discuss their types, and cover the distinctions between them.

Lockheed Martin, a name synonymous with advanced aerospace technology, has produced some of the most iconic aircraft in the history of military aviation. Their designs have not only revolutionized defense operations, but have also had a profound impact on military strategies and capabilities. Here, we will explore five Lockheed Martin aircraft models that have defined the history of aviation, those being the C-5 Galaxy, F-22 Raptor, U-2 Dragon Lady, F-35 Lightning II, and SR-71 Blackbird.

Aircraft engines are marvels of engineering, and while many components work together to ensure their seamless functioning, the importance of proper lubrication cannot be understated. Understanding the principles of aircraft engine lubrication is crucial for both professionals and enthusiasts alike, so in this exploration, we will delve into the core principles that govern this vital practice.

As versatile, hydro-pneumatic lifting mechanisms that control motion and provide support in various applications, gas springs are utilized in the automotive, aerospace, furniture, and medical equipment sectors. In particular, these mechanical devices use compressed gas, typically nitrogen, to generate force and motion, and they consist of a piston rod, cylinder, and gas charge. In this blog post, we will explore how gas springs function and the wide range of types available so that you can effectively choose the right one for your specific needs.

The world relies heavily on various forms of energy to power industries, cities, and homes. The most common form of energy used is electrical energy, which is generated through the use of gas turbines and steam turbines in particular. While both of these rotary devices play a crucial role in power generation, they differ in several key aspects. To better understand how they function, we will explore gas and steam turbines by examining how they contrast, their working principles, and applications.

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.