Aircraft Electrical Systems: Maintenance and Troubleshooting

1. Resistance Measurement

A resistance measurement of 0.005 ohms from a ground point of a battery to the ground terminal or ground point of a generator of an electrical device is considered satisfactory.

2. Ammeter Overload

An ammeter can be “redlined” at 100% of the alternator rating and is referred to as overload.

3. Electrical Connector Pin Side

The negative (-) connection is the pin side of an AN or MS electrical connector.

4. Bonding Terminals to Terminal Block (No Bus Bar)

When using a stud/nut combination

Read More

Electrical Machines: Transformers, Circuits, and Magnetic Fields

Electrical Machines

An electrical machine is a device that converts electrical energy into other forms of energy, or changes the power but with a different presentation. This energy goes through a period of storage in a magnetic field. They are divided into generators, motors, and transformers.

Induction

Induction is the phenomenon that causes the production of an electromotive force (EMF) in a medium or body exposed to a variable magnetic field, or in a movable medium relative to a static magnetic

Read More

Metal and Non-Metal Materials: Properties and Treatments

Metal and Non-Metal Materials

Metals

Corrosion, especially in metals like iron exposed to seawater, is a significant challenge. Different types of corrosion include:

  • Intergranular corrosion: Occurs at the grain boundaries of the metal, leading to a loss of cohesion and internal destruction.

Ceramics

Crystalline Ceramics

Derived from fused silica, these ceramics possess high mechanical strength and temperature resistance. They are used in motors, infrared radiators, and bearings.

Non-Crystalline Ceramics

Amorphous

Read More

Alternator Component Inspection: Rotor, Stator, Diodes & Brushes

Alternator Component Inspection

Essential checks before testing: Ensure all components are free from clay, dust, and grease. Conduct visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections.

Rotor Inspection

Visual and Mechanical: Verify the rotor, shaft, and collector rings are in good condition, without signs of damage, wear, or excessive play. The rings should have a smooth surface, free from scratches or cracks. If any anomalies are found, machine the rotor to a maximum eccentricity of 0.05mm, adhering to

Read More

Vehicle Suspension Systems: Stabilizer, Torsion, Panhard Bars & More

Vehicle Suspension Systems

The vehicle’s suspension system is crucial for handling and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of key components:

Stabilizer Bar

A U-shaped steel rod connecting the body and wheel suspension arms of each axle. Its primary function is to reduce body roll during cornering, enhancing vehicle stability.

Torsion Bar

A cylindrical steel rod fixed to the body on one end and the wheel’s trapeze on the other. It works by twisting under force and returning to its original shape due to elasticity.

Read More

Understanding Transformers: Components, Operation, and Types

Transformers

Static electricity is a machine designed to operate with alternating current. It has two windings, primary and secondary, that can transform electrical energy at certain voltage and current (VI) magnitudes into others with different values.

Constructive Elements

A transformer consists of the following parts: core, windings, cooling system, and bushings.

Core

The core is the system that forms the magnetic circuit. It is made up of silicon steel sheets subjected to a special treatment called

Read More