Integrated AOG Blogs

Piston engines, also known as reciprocating engines, are widely used in various applications, such as aircraft and automobiles. As a whole, they rely on the reciprocating motion of pistons within cylinders to convert fuel into mechanical energy that can be harnessed for movement. In this article, we will explore the working principles of a piston engine and highlight four major components that contribute to its operation.

Hydraulic systems have greatly changed the way many industries carry out operations, allowing for high amounts of force to be controlled for the means of performing work. While hydraulic systems vary in design based on their function, installation area, and other such factors, all share the same basic components that make fluid transmission and pressure control possible. There are also two major types of basic hydraulic units, those of which are open-center and closed-center hydraulic systems. 

Automobile, aircraft, motorcycle, and boat motors all have something in common, their engines require protection from harsh external elements, as well as overheating. Aircraft, in particular, feature a removable metal cowl which contains the engine, and occasionally, some of the nacelle. Primarily, engine cowling streamlines the airflow outside and inside an aircraft to improve cooling. Past aircraft relied solely on airflow for cooling, but the extremely powerful engines of today require additional cooling measures to prevent engine malfunction. Cowling completes the upper section of the baffles which helps airflow move around the cylinders to keep them cool.

Fasteners are hardware components that are essential to countless assemblies, allowing for parts to be secured together in varying ways. With a plethora of assembly demands, many different fasteners exist to perform varying roles. For example, some fasteners are designed for short-term assembly of light and simplistic objects, while others may be more permanent with the strength to assist in supporting an entire bridge. As such, it can be useful to have a general understanding of common fasteners that are available